Refuge d'Avérole
Refuge d'Avérole is a backcountry alpine refuge run by Club Alpin Français in the Haute-Maurienne area, set between the Parc National de la Vanoise and Italy at 2210 m. It sleeps 85 people across 10 dormitory-style spaces, with a mix of small rooms/dorms and a family room; it can be used for multi-day itinerary hiking in the Vallée de la Bessanèse area.
Use Refuge d'Avérole as a base for routes around Albaron (3637 m) and the pointe de Charbonnel (3752 m), plus classic outings such as glacial objectives and arêtes route options; it also functions as a stopping point for the Tour de la Bessanèse. The refuge has hot shower access on a paid basis (subject to water availability) and includes a material storage area and a drying setup.
In spring and summer it operates in a staffed “guarded” period, with the refuge not guarded outside that time. During the unguarded period, a “winter refuge” area remains accessible for shelter and emergency use, but you should be prepared to handle your own needs and take practical precautions (including avalanche rescue kit from the first snows in the mountains: DVA, shovel, probe). Night-time conduct guidance includes respecting others’ sleep, using latrines away from the refuge, leaving the area clean, and keeping doors properly closed.