Located at 1938 metres in the heart of an ancient Walser village, the Vieux Crest hut dominates Champoluc and the Val d'Ayas.
The result of the skilful restoration of the grandfather's hut bequeathed to him, this large Walser rascard was once a stable, barn, majon and village school.
Crest, a Walser village dating back to 1600, bears witness to the passage of this population from the Swiss Valais who, during their migrations for commercial and religious purposes, settled on the slopes of Monte Rosa and left traces of their particular dwellings: the rascards.
It is precisely the wood and stone of the Walser that have been retained for the recovery of what is now the Refuge.
Opened in 1990, the Vieux Crest has seen a wide variety of guests. Today it is preferred, during the summer season, by the numerous trekkers who venture on the Alta Via n1 trails, on the Tor des Géants route or on the circular rings such as the Tour des Six, but also by groups of friends or families who want to spend a few days in the mountains. During the winter season, it is an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts: the vast Monterosaski area, which includes three valleys - Ayas Gressoney Alagna - for 160m of slopes, starts right from the Crest area.
The special features of the Vieux Crest mountain hut are the warmth and sunshine that these walls, steeped in history, experience and tradition, have maintained since ancient times, and which they still convey to all patrons today.
The rooms are simple and cosy, all with views of the mountain and the village.
Sunny and bright, they are ideal for those who want to spend a few days away from the routine, in a village where time seems to stand still.
A few steps in the evening will allow you to enjoy the light show of Champoluc, which from up here looks like a nativity scene. On full moon evenings, the view of the Rosa glacier and the Matterhorn is magnificent from the village church.
The Refuge Restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, is ideal for those who want to take a break in a typical environment full of warmth and tradition.
The cuisine, which is particularly well prepared, uses quality raw materials and combines the most typical dishes of the Aosta Valley tradition with happy inventions of the moment.
Once you arrive in Champoluc, you have two options: either walk up from path 13 that starts behind the Champoluc church (45 minutes) or take the Champoluc -Crest cable car. If you decide to take the cable car, it is advisable to unload your luggage near the cable car and park your car in the large free car park 200 metres beyond the cable car, on the left.
Please note, only during the summer season, at the Friday market (which involves removal on Thursday evenings), make it known at the ticket office that you will be staying at the Refuge in order to get a reduced-price ticket. Just before boarding the cable car with your luggage, call us to retrieve it, which will be done at the Crest (+39 339 12 96 345).
