Refuge Elena, Mountain refuge near Pré de Bard glacier in Courmayeur, Italy.
Refuge Elena is a mountain hut at 2062 meters elevation with 127 beds in private rooms and dormitories overlooking the Val Ferret valley. The accommodation offers different sleeping arrangements to suit various needs and preferences.
The original building was destroyed by an avalanche in 1960, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1995. It carries the name of a young shepherdess from the nearby Pré-de-Bar area.
The refuge sits on a key stretch of the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route, serving as a junction between Italy and Switzerland through a mountain pass. Many trekkers use it as a stopping point on their cross-border journey.
The site is open for accommodation from June to September and can be booked in advance to secure beds. Visitors should prepare for mountain weather and steep paths, especially if they are not accustomed to high-altitude terrain.
The refuge made accessibility improvements in 2023, adding metal ramps and adapted facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. These changes reflect the hut's effort to welcome all guests regardless of their physical abilities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.