Refuge of Ambin

Simple refuge with an authentic atmosphere true the mountain values. During summer, the access to the refuge is an easy day family hike.

Description

Permanent catering.
Most of the products used in the kitchen or on sale are local (cheese, meat, Savoy beers, etc.), organic (flour, chocolate, tea, sugar, muesli, etc.) or fair trade (coffee).
Waste sorting, energy supply to the refuge is completely ecological. Raising people's awareness of the importance of ecology, maintaining wilderness areas, the role of mountain farming for the environment...

Equipment

• Covered picnic area
• Shared WC
• Waste management
• Photovoltaic panel
• Hydroelectric power plant

Comfort

• kitchen corner

Rates

Free entry for children under 8.
Group rate available for 9 people or more.

See rates and discounts at: http://refugedambin.ffcam.fr/tarifs.html.

Tax not included.

Payment methods

• Check
• Travellers Cheque
• Cash

Good plans

Half-day hike:
- Towards the Black Lake in 2h30, 530m of vertical drop: superb lake, clear view on the valley.
- Towards Lake Ambin in 2 hours, 400m drop: pretty lake surrounded by cliffs, mineral atmosphere.
Day hike:
- Towards Pointe Ferrand (3365 m) in 4 hours, 1100m of elevation: unobstructed view of the Po plain (Italy)
- Towards the Sommeillier point (3332 m) in 4 hours, 1070m of elevation: view of the great summits of the Alps.
- Circuit with Italian refuges.

Opening period

From 08/04 to 13/05 daily.
Guarded, by reservation.

From 29/05 to 02/06.
Open and unguarded.

From 14/06 to 15/09/2025 daily.
Guarded refuge.

From 01/10 to 12/03 daily.
Open and unguarded.

Spoken languages

• English
• French

Adapted tourism

• Not accessible in a wheelchair

Location

From Bramans follow the D100 towards the hamlet of Planay. After Le Planay, continue along the road to the Maroqua parking lot, which is the starting point for the path to the Ambin refuge. It's a pleasant, easy 1h15 hike along a stream, ideal for children. Elevation gain 270 m. Access by horse, donkey, mountain bike, snowshoes, cross-country skis and joëlette. Massif d'Ambin, border range with Italy in Haute Maurienne.
Coach parking at Le Planay (1670m)
- IGN map: Top 25 - 3634 OT. Val Cenis Charbonnel.
From the Maroqua parking lot: an easy path (300m ascent) on the right bank of the stream leads to the refuge in 1h30. Ideal for families.
From the chalets de St Barthélémy (vallon d'étache): 6h30 via the pas de la coche.
From Refuge Vaccarone: 4h00 via Col Agnel.
From Refuge de Bramanette: 8h00 via Col de Bramanette and Pas de la Coche.
From Refuge Levi-Molinari: 6h00 via Col d'Ambin
From Refuge du Petit Mont-Cenis: 3h00 via Pas aux Chèvres or 8h00 via Vallon de Savine and Col Agnel

Documents

• Refuge of Ambin (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Tips

• Half-day hike:
  - Towards the Black Lake in 2h30, 530m of vertical drop: superb lake, clear view on the valley.
  - Towards Lake Ambin in 2 hours, 400m drop: pretty lake surrounded by cliffs, mineral atmosphere.
  Day hike:
  - Towards Pointe Ferrand (3365 m) in 4 hours, 1100m of elevation: unobstructed view of the Po plain (Italy)
  - Towards the Sommeillier point (3332 m) in 4 hours, 1070m of elevation: view of the great summits of the Alps.
  - Circuit with Italian refuges.