Refuge de Pierredar – Remote Alpine Refuge & Val d’Hérens Trekking Base

The Refuge de Pierredar is a small, traditional mountain refuge tucked into a quiet side valley of the Val d’Hérens, close to the Arolla region. Valued for its remoteness and authentic alpine character, it functions primarily as a trekking and high-alpine hiking refuge, rather than a serviced hut or technical mountaineering base. It is a place chosen for solitude and scenery.

• Refuge Overview

  • Location: Val d’Hérens / Arolla area, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: ~2,300 m

  • Type: Unstaffed mountain refuge (self-catering)

  • Capacity: Approx. 12–15 sleeping places

  • Season: Typically June to September (snow-dependent)

  • Management: Local alpine association

• Access & Approaches

  Access is via marked alpine trails but requires commitment due to distance and terrain.

  • Main approach: From the Arolla / Val d’Hérens trail network

  • Hiking time: ~3.5–5 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~800–1,100 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Good fitness and stable weather are important.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are basic and fully autonomous.

  • Simple sleeping platforms or bunks

  • No catering or staff

  • No running water (often nearby streams or snowmelt)

  • No electricity or heating

  Visitors must bring food, stove, and all essentials.

• Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is quiet, isolated, and deeply alpine.

  • Rarely crowded

  • Evenings defined by silence and mountain views

  • Ideal for small groups seeking remoteness

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Refuge de Pierredar fits naturally into:

  • Multi-day trekking circuits around Arolla

  • High-alpine hiking routes above the Val d’Hérens

  • Quiet link-ups between valleys (non-glacial)

  • Photography and nature-focused itineraries

  It is not intended for glacier travel or 4,000 m objectives.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Main risks: Sudden storms, fog, cold nights, isolation

• Who Is This Refuge For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Long-distance trekkers

  • Travelers seeking solitude and simplicity

  • Not suitable for beginners or those expecting serviced facilities

Why This Refuge Is Worth Visiting

At around 2,300 m, the Refuge de Pierredar embodies the understated side of the Valais Alps: quiet valleys, simple shelter, and a strong sense of self-reliance. It is not about summits or speed, but about time spent deep in the mountains, away from crowds and infrastructure.