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.
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
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
Isère is located in the southern part of the French Alps and consists largely of high mountains. It is characterized by impressive mountain peaks, rugged natural landscapes, glaciers, valleys, and forests. You can enjoy endless hiking, mountain biking, and climbing, as well as the peace and quiet. The department is home to several mountain ranges, including the Écrins, the Belledonne, the Vercors, and the Chartreuse, all of which are part of the Alps. The capital, Grenoble, was named the European Sustainable Capital in 2022 and is accessible by TGV train. For more information about mountain huts, visit www.alpes-isere.com. They offer a free downloadable guide with information on more than 30 mountain huts.
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
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
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
Click here to see our other blogs and articles about hiking.
Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
Nature in Central Sweden: Waterfalls, Viewpoints, and Bears Around Ytterhogdal If you drive north on the E45, you’ll pass through Ytterhogdal. Most people just drive right through here. That’s understandable—Lapland beckons. But not far from the geographic center of...
Hiking in Arouca: The Most Spectacular Hiking Trails in Portugal's Lush North 516 meters long, 175 meters above a raging river, and no turning back halfway across. That’s the Arouca 516 suspension bridge, the icon of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. This geopark is...
Hiking along the Opal Coast: 3 Days on the GR120 Vast beaches, seawater in the most beautiful shades of blue, green fields. Hiking along the Opal Coast means becoming one with nature—with a touch of history here and there. In short: the Opal Coast on foot Route:...
Laat je inspireren
Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.
