Refuge du Chioula

Refuge du Chioula is a backcountry alpine hut in the Ariège Pyrenees, above Ax-les-Thermes, at about 1,600 m. It sits on/near the Col du Chioula area and is used by hikers and other mountain users in season (including cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and mountain bikers).

Stay is by reservation with the hut guardian. Booking is handled by phone or email, and the reservation is confirmed by returning the reservation form with a 30% deposit cheque. Typical pricing for 2024–2025 includes half-board in winter (€48.50 adult, €34.00 child up to 10) and half-board in summer (€47.00 adult, €34.00 child up to 10), plus a “panier pique-nique” for take-away (€12.00 / €10.00). Showers are available as a paid extra (€3.00).

The refuge has rooms and small dormitories for groups of roughly 2 to 6 people (and it also has a total reception figure given by local tourism). Bedding: you should bring a sheet set or sleeping bag; blankets are provided. The hut is primarily open in summer (June 15–September 30) and during the winter opening period of the northern Chioula area, and it is closed in April and November.

Access is easiest from the Col du Chioula parking, which is the trailhead and the ski-station access point in winter. You can reach the refuge on foot, or by ski/raquettes in winter in about an hour; from Ax-les-Thermes there is also a marked path that takes roughly three hours of hiking.