Winter Hiking in Isère: Spend the Night in a Mountain Hut

Isère, surrounded by nature, far from civilization. No skiing. In winter, the French Alps are actually a wonderful place for hiking. In the snow-covered mountain landscape, you’ll experience peace and space. After a lovely (snowshoe) hike, you’ll arrive at a traditional mountain hut to warm up, enjoy a delicious meal, and spend the night.

Read more about five mountain huts in beautiful hiking areas in Isère that are also staffed in the winter. Note: Accommodations are basic, and amenities are limited—especially in the winter. In return, you’ll enjoy fantastic hikes through the stunning natural scenery of Isère.

Plus: practical tips for staying overnight in a mountain refuge—it’s all part of the deal.

Hiking in the Vercors Nature Park: views of Mont Blanc, the Massif des Ecrins, and Grenoble

In the beautiful Vercors nature reserve, the Refuge de la Molière offers views of the Alps—from Mont Blanc to the Massif des Ecrins—and of the city of Grenoble. Josy and Vincent They warmly welcome you to their mountain hut at an altitude of 1,600 meters. You can hike here for hours without running into anyone—only at “Place Grenette” might it get a bit crowded, since it’s also accessible by chairlift. The trails are beautiful, with snow-covered forests and plenty of peace and quiet…

Hiking Tip: Molière on Snowshoes: As you drive toward Villard, take the exit for Grenoble. Before you reach Lans and Vercors (5 km), you’ll come to an intersection leading to the village of Engins. At this intersection, head toward the town hall. You can park before you reach the town hall (which also serves as a school). Then turn left onto the uphill trail. Your hike begins 100 meters from there. The trail is marked in yellow, and you’ll see posts with yellow and green inscriptions indicating the different routes and times. You’ll also see many red markings on rocks and trees.

Hike duration: 5–6 hours; elevation gain: approx. 700 meters

• The Refuge de la Molière mountain hut does not have private rooms, but rather two dormitories with bunk beds (bring your own sleeping bag). It can accommodate a total of 19 people. You can also enjoy delicious meals there. The menu features many local specialties, such as tartiflette, ravioles du Royans, and the homemade blueberry pie. Inside the hut, you’ll also find educational materials about the mountain flora and fauna (maps, binoculars, scientific and educational books). The lodge has no internet connection (!) so you can only make reservations by phone or email. More info: Refuge de la Molière.

• An alternative for your overnight stay and hikes is Refuge La Soldanelle. In the Vercors Massif at the foot of the cliff Deux-Sœurs is easily accessible on foot. Even for less experienced hikers: you’ll reach it after just a 45-minute climb along a marked trail. The surrounding area offers many hiking options that you can tackle—depending on the weather conditions and your own fitness level.

La Soldanelle is located At an altitude of 1,500 meters in the heart of the Vercors Regional Nature Park. Nature lovers have been coming here to explore the area since 1968. In addition to a dormitory that sleeps 16 people, the cabin also has two Yurts for a unique nature stay. At 7:00 p.m. every evening, everyone gathers for dinner. Virtually everything on your plate is homemade—from bread to jam, from cake to wild herb soup. They use local and often organic products. For example, the table features cheeses from Saint-Andéol and blue cheese from the Vercors.
More info: Refuge La Soldanelle

Hiking along the shepherds’ trail in the Belledonne Massif

The Pré du Mollard is still a quiet and unspoiled valley. It is surrounded by forest below and opens up to the peaks of Belledonne. Locals enjoy hiking here. At an elevation of 1,735 meters, you’ll find the Gîte d’Alpage Le Pré du Mollard. It’s easily accessible from the various parking lots and serves as an ideal starting point for many day hikes or multi-day treks.

The Le Pré du Mollard mountain hut was built in 1973 along the Belledonne shepherds’ trail. Originally a sheep pen, it underwent extensive renovations at the beginning of this century and is now a mountain hut that can accommodate a total of 15 people (three dormitories, each with a view of the mountains). Managers Carole and Fabien prepare organic meals using, among other things, herbs from their own vegetable garden. They love to share their passion for nature, the mountains, gardening, and seasonal cuisine. Their vision is a sustainable and respectful approach to consumption, a building block for a more equitable world.

With respect for the concept of “terroir”—for the richness of the regions stretching from Alsace to Isère—they use high-quality ingredients from these areas and promote the work of farmers and local artisans. Delicious and honest food enjoyed in good company is at the heart of what they do.

They are open for the winter season from early February to early March, and for five months in the summer. Facilities are limited in the winter. More info: Gîte d’Alpage Le Pré du Mollard

Staying overnight at an altitude of 2,500 meters in an off-piste ski area

For true adventurers and experienced skiers, there’s Refuge Chancel. Located at the foot of the Ecrins National Park, this mountain hut has been a place of rest since the late 19th century. Today, it accommodates about forty people (private rooms and dormitories). Chancel (high in the mountains at 2,508 meters) is located in the off-piste area of the village of La Grave and is accessible on skis. There is no official trail to the mountain hut in either summer or winter. Everything here is supplied on foot (or on skis). Solar panels provide electricity, and in winter, melted snow provides water…

In addition to a good night’s sleep, this charming and rustic mountain hut offers beautiful sunrises and challenging ski runs and hiking trails. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and ask local guides for advice. More info: Refuge Chancel

Hiking in the Grandes Rousses Massif

Nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts will be in heaven here. Stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks. The ascent of the Pic de l’Etendard, whether on foot or on skis, is a beautiful glacier route.

The Refuge de l’Etendard mountain hut is a pleasant stopover on the way up. It’s located on the edge of high-altitude mountain lakes where people go fishing. There, you can enjoy a snack, a good meal made with local products, or spend the night. Hikers (and mountain bikers) will find countless trails in the area (GR du Pays Arvan-Villards, Lac St. Sorlin, etc.). It’s also a great spot for a day hike or your first overnight stay in a mountain hut.

Refuge de l’Etendard It can be reached via ski touring or snowshoe hikes from Saint Sorlin d’Arves. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Coline and Fabienne, a mother and daughter who run the mountain hut and prepare delicious meals using local products.
More info: Refuge de l’Etendard

Practical Tips for Staying Overnight in a Mountain Hut

• Call the refuge in advance to make sure there’s room. Also let them know if you’d like to eat and whether you need to bring your own sleeping bag. Don’t expect an extensive menu. You’ll eat whatever’s on the menu.
• Please bring your own sleeping bag liner.
• You can often order lunch from the mountain hut and take it with you for the hike. In that case, be sure to bring your own container to hold your lunch.
• Plan your hike carefully. It’s best to go with a guide. Check the weather forecast, elevation gain, and duration of the hike. Make sure you arrive at the refuge well before sunset.
• Travel as light as possible. Bring a trash bag, a headlamp, and a fitted sheet. You must not leave anything behind in nature.
• Bring cash with you. Most refuges only accept cash.
• Always check the weather forecast carefully and ask the locals as well. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

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Isère and Mountain Huts in Winter on the Map