Mountain refuge Cabane de l'Ecuelle

Between the Col de Vars and the slopes of Eyssina

On a journey through the Vars , Cabane de l'Ecuelle It works mainly as a point of step and a reorganisation of effort. Its position, already on mountain grounds, leaves it close to the axis of the Col de Vars , a step that articulates the change between sides and modifies the sense of progression: it is not the same to advance on open and more rolling slopes than to enter into a relief where the orientation becomes finer and the terrain gains alpine character. At 2180 meters, the environment is clearly medium-high, with exposure to the wind and rapid time changes.

This intermediate role fits well with continuity routes such as the Tour de l'Ubaye for GR 56 , in addition to local links that pass through the passerelle de l'Écuelle or look for the environment of the cabbage. More than an isolated destination, this free shelter makes sense as a support to divide day, link sectors or adjust a journey according to weather and forces. In this type of area, it is necessary to have autonomy and not to take immediate services or supply for granted. The nearest registered source is more than 2.5 km away, so the water must be planned before the rise or continue.

The surrounding landscape helps to read the character of the place well. The Pointe de l'Eyssina , which exceeds 2800 meters and strengthens the impression of open, crust and exposed mountain. The Pointe du Châtelret , Tête de Paneyron or Peynier , summits that place the cabin in an environment conducive to height links and tours with frequent orientation changes. This combination of necklaces, high slopes and close peaks makes the progression very dependent on the visibility, the state of the ground and the correct reading of the map.