The Vieux Crest mountain hut is located on the slope that descends towards Champoluc, in the charming hamlet of Crest, a small mountain village that enjoys a particularly spectacular view of the valley below. The village is easily accessible in a few minutes from the village of Frantzé, located further down, or in the same amount of time from the cable car arrival point in Crest Moreleté.

Here, the refuge welcomes its guests in an intimate, warm and atmospheric setting, where you can enjoy a traditional local menu, prepared with care and rich in authentic flavours.

The hamlet of Crest is a peaceful and charming place, where time seems to slow down and where it is easy to immerse yourself in the most authentic alpine atmosphere. The village still retains the charm of traditional alpine architecture: numerous historic buildings, skilfully restored, often welcome holidaymakers during the summer. At the entrance to the village there is also an ancient community oven, a precious testimony to the life of yesteryear.

The Vieux Crest Refuge is an ideal stop for those who want to enjoy a moment of relaxation and good food immersed in the tranquillity of the mountains. The refuge is easily accessible from Champoluc by cable car, both in summer and winter.

 

How to get there in summer

On foot, about an hour's walk from Champoluc, behind the church (1579 m) along trail no. 13 towards the village of Crest.
Difficulty: E (hiking)
Elevation gain: 356 m.

How to get there in winter

Ski mountaineering/snowshoeing: It is possible to reach Crest on foot from Champoluc (1579 m), climbing up to the village of Mascognaz on trail no. 14 and crossing Crest from Mascognaz on trail no. 13A.
Elevation gain: 400 m.
The route can only be tackled after checking the avalanche report. Snowshoes or crampons are required and an avalanche rescue kit (Artva, shovel and probe) is mandatory.

Services

Prices

Prices are valid from 01/12/2025 to 30/11/2026

Notes

Free:
- overnight stay for coach drivers and holiday representatives who are providing assistance to groups of at least 25 persons, organised by travel and tourist agencies;
- children from 0 to 3 years old.

How to get here

By car

Verrès motorway exit: at the roundabout carry on towards Valle d'Ayas and after about one hundred metres, turn left. Carry on through the valley and go past the towns of Challand-Saint-Victor, Challand-Saint-Anselme, and Brusson and carry on towards Champoluc. 

By public transport

The nearest train station is at Verrès.
Scheduled coach service as far as Ayas (approximately 9 trips a day) with connections to the local circle line which links the various hamlets.