Relais-refuge du Vieux Panache

Relais-refuge du Vieux Panache is a backcountry day-relay and overnight refuge in the Hereford Community Forest, run by Mont Expérience Hereford. It’s accessible by hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and mountain skiing, and the refuge is about 3.6 km from the East Hereford parking lot.

The refuge has two closed rooms with a total of 8 single beds. Overnight use is limited to a maximum of 8 people for fire-safety reasons. Dogs are not allowed and smoking is prohibited; guests also have to carry in their own luggage and leave nothing behind.

Expect a wood stove and wood heat, plus a dry toilet with an ecological tank. There’s no electricity and no running water; a nearby non-potable water point is available (about 175 m away). A covered gallery and common room provide an overlook toward Mount Hereford and its summit.

Night stays are bookable as room rentals (one room or both rooms). Rates are $105 per night per room (4 beds), plus an accommodation tax of 3.5% and booking fees. The refuge is also open as a free day relay for non-motorized users from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Plan to bring toilet paper, a sleeping bag and pillow, food and water containers for the non-potable water point, and your dishes/stove gear; you’ll also need headlamps, candles, and matches. Firewood, kindling/fire starters, newspapers, and an axe for splitting small wood are provided on site. Access rights for mountain biking and skiing aren’t included in the refuge bed rental (you must pay those separately).