Refuge du Palet, Vanoise National Park exterior

Refuge du Palet (2587m), Vanoise National Park

Sitting at an elevation of 2,587m in the heart of the Vanoise National Park

featured in Mountain Huts Updated 29 April 2025

Overlooking a small lake and high mountain pastures, the refuge Col du Palet offers a relaxing stop on your trek in the Vanoise.

Experience a night closer to the stars in this beautiful setting, with wildlife coming directly to your door.

The shelter is made up of two buildings:

main - has the common room, a dorm for 15 people, a kitchen and guard's area
dorm house - has two other dorms for 16 people, a bathroom with two wet toilets and a large sink

There is also the option to bivouac near by for around 10 pitches.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and there is a picnic area for those who have brought their own.

Summer

From June to September the refuge is open daily and the guardians are present. In October the refuge is open but unattended; wood, dishwasher, gas and blankets are available for a fee.

Winter

The refuge is completely closed from mid-November until mid-February, then from the beginning of April to mid-May. During the opening periods in winter you can sleep there and use the hotplates and wood-burning stove. There's no running water in winter. You are to make a financial contribution upon your return from the refuge.

Things to do nearby

Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable

Hydrospeeding

Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old

Rafting In The Alps

Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.

Heliskiing/boarding
2hr guided tour on a quad or buggy from age 17yrs

Chemin des Berger Quad & Buggy Tour

Tignes
Full Day Guided Skiing followed by a pick up in a helicopter

Reverse Heliski/Heliboard
Half day or full day canyoning excursion for all abilities from 10 years and above

Canyoning
See all Book Things To Do

Book Things To Do

Restaurants nearby

Gourmet restaurant and Savoyard cuisine at the top of Chaudannes chairlift

L'Alpage des Chaudannes Restaurant

Tignes
A unique restaurant in the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot

Les 3 Caves Restaurant
Contemporary Savoyard restaurant situated in the heart of Tignes Lavachet

L'Arti Restaurant

Tignes
Top of Chaudannes chairlift, self service, bar and restaurant serving classic French cuisine

Lo Soli Restaurant

Tignes
Quality, fast and filling food at the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot

Le Butcher Restaurant
Canteen-style restaurant in the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot

La Petite Cuisine Restaurant

Val d’Isere
See all Book Restaurants

Book Restaurants

Sights nearby

The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region

Vanoise National Park

Champagny-en-Vanoise

See all Sights

Lifts/Pistes nearby

Lift Pass office at the foot of the Grande Motte Slopes, by the funicular

Grande Motte Funicular Ski Pass Office

2.9 km
Lift Pass Office in the centre of Tignes Val Claret

Val Claret Ski Pass Office

3.1 km
Lift Pass Office opposite the Toviere in Tignes Le Lac

Toviere Maison du Lac Ski Pass Office

3.7 km
Lift Pass office in Le Lavachet just off Route de Lavachet

Le Lavachet Ski Pass Office

4.4 km
Lift Pas Office in Tignes Les Brevieres at the Sache bubble lift

Les Brevieres Ski Pass Office

7.1 km
See all See all Lift Pass Offices & Lift Stations

See all Lift Pass Offices & Lift Stations

Towns nearby

Bustling resort town with a variety of accommodation and great lift access

Tignes Val Claret

3.0 km
Set next to the beautiful Tignes lake with lots of slope side accommodation available

Tignes Le Lac

3.9 km
Quieter hamlet set beside the lake and located just outside Tignes Le Lac

Tignes Le Lavachet

4.3 km
Small quiet village set just up the mountain at 1,800 metres located by the Tignes dam

Tignes 1800 (Tignes Les Boisses)

6.5 km
Beautiful and quaint village nestled on the banks of the river in the Tignes valley

Tignes Les Brévières

7.2 km
See all See all Places

See all Places

Directions

It lies just a short distance from the top of the Col du Palet drag lift in an off-piste zone, so make sure that you have the appropriate experience and equipment.