La Valette

THE CONSTRUCTION IS OVER AND THE WINTER REFUGE IS OPERATIONAL.

OPEN 2010 : JUNE 12th TO SEPTEMBER 15th

Photo gallery

Presentation

THE CARETAKER:
Being the caretaker of the Refuge de la Valette since 1984, I had at the time any experiment neither of the life in refuge nor of the mountain. However, I fell for the charm of this out of the common life and for the site which still fills me with wonder.
Nowadays, my children spend all the summer to the refuge with me and it is a pleasure to see them evolve upon contact with this wild nature.

THE REFUGE:
Three small chalets laid out on the mountain, each building has a different destination: kitchen and dining room, caretakers housing, and 1 dormitory.
The refuge was modernized a little over time (telephone, shower, solar panels) but it has kept its character of refuge of altitude with its rustic style and conviviality.
Building works permetted to join the kitchen and the dining room in the same building in order to facilitate the work conditions and to improve the relational aspect with the hikers.
This refuge is located at a strategic point to cross the domes and glacial circuses of Pralognan.
The amateur of alpine races will be able to consider climbing the Dome of Sonnailles (3361m) in 2h30 or the Dome of Chasseforêt (3586m) in 3h30.
It is also possible to cross the Vanoise Glaciers and to arrive at the Refuges of the Col de la Vanoise or of Arpont (5h).

THE SITE:
The Circus of Valette is located at the feet of the Vanoise Glaciers at 2.590 m of altitude.
The panorama is imposing with a 360° view on the surrounding summits and specially the Grande Casse.
Two pretty lakes and the ruins of an old refuge give to this site a particular cachet and invite the hikers to calm and serenity.