Description
The ascent to the Ricou refuge offers magnificent views of the Queyrellin crests and the Cerces massif. The first 6 km are usually covered by the snow-covered road of the upper valley.
From Ville-haute, the last hamlet in Névache, the road is snow-covered and therefore closed to traffic: put on your snowshoes now and take the road to the hamlet of Fontcouverte.
Numerous chapels line the road: Chapelle Notre Dame de Bon Secours and Chapelle Sainte Barbe, followed by the chalets du Verney, and even higher up, on your right, the chalets de la Sausse and de Lacha.
Finally, after the emblematic Chapelle Sainte Marie de Fontcouverte, before the bridge, take the path on your right which rises towards the Refuge de Ricou. You'll only have to climb for about three quarters of an hour to reach your goal.
Alternatively, you can take the right-bank path between Pont du Rately and Fontcouverte. Please note: the right-bank section between Ville-Haute and Pont du Rately is not recommended in winter.
Find out when the refuge is open and remember to book.
Stay alert:
- You need to be aware of changing weather and snow conditions. G.R. trails and other routes used in summer are not always the same as winter trails.
- Stay alert to avalanche risks. Mountain guides are there to accompany you on this winter terrain, which they know well.
- Because of the risk of avalanches, we strongly recommend that you wear full safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel).
Accepted customers
- Level bue - Medium
