Mountain refuge Refuge de la Vieille Hutte

In this area there are several long-distance itineraries of the Vosgos, and that gives meaning to the Refuge de la Vieille Hutte as a free haven of passage rather than as a simple, isolated coat. In the environment of Planty-the -Mines , within Borgoña- Franco Condado, it can be useful to fail days on journeys that approach the Ballon d'Alsace or link sectors of GR 5, GR 7, GR 59, GR 501, GR 531 and GR 533. On such routes, the practical decision is not only to get to the shelter, but to assess whether it compensates to deviate from the main trace according to the accumulated tiredness, the meteorology and the point where you want to resume the march the next day. At 700 metres of altitude, it is not a site of high mountain pirenaica or alpine, but it is a forest shelter that can fit well in long stages of half mountain, especially when it is interesting to share effort and avoid too long a day of link.

The geographical framework helps to understand its role. Planty-les-Mines is associated with the Ballon d'Alsace and to the headers where the Savoureuse is born, in a part of the Vosgos with rounded relief, changing climate and very exposed steps to the wind and fog when you gain height. Although the shelter is below, this influence is seen in planning: it is appropriate to anticipate rapid changes in time, wet terrain and a less comfortable progression than its altitude might suggest. As for water, the nearest registered source is about 1.66 km, an assumed but not immediate distance, so it is not appropriate to have supply next to the coat without having checked it before. Since there is no useful data on nearby summits or specific equipment, it is reasonable to propose the output with autonomy, map or track and sufficient scope to adapt the stage if the access or the conditions of the day require to change the plan.