Mountain refuge Refuge l'Espace

The ground here quickly changes between high slopes, rocky highlights and crest environment, in a very exposed strip of the Vallés , on the municipality of Conthey. At 2,860 metres, the environment of the shelter is already moving in a clearly alpine height, near the massif of Les Diablerets and reliefs where the rock dominates any smooth transition.

Refuge l'Espace is very close to the Quille du Diable ou Tour Saint-Martin , practically on top of the shelter, and also close to tops like Le Dôme des Diablerets , Oldehore or Scex Rouge . This position helps to understand its function: not so much as a valley coat, but as a support on high ground, useful to divide days or to raise ascent and links by close cords and hills.

Access requires a good management of the effort. In this type of location, the approach often goes from more friendly terrain to stony and open areas, with greater exposure to the wind and rapid changes in time. That is why it is necessary to decide in advance whether it will be used as a basis for moving through nearby summits or as a point of passage within a longer journey.

Its position fits with itineraries of greater route like the Tour des Muverans or Via Alpina , although the real interest of the shelter depends on the route chosen and how the height steps of the sector are linked. In such an area, the orientation and state of the land weigh more than the simple distance on the map.

As a free haven on high mountain, he calls for autonomy. There are no immediate sources next to the building and the nearest ones are several kilometres away, so the water must be provided before the rise. It is also appropriate to have margin against changing weather and not to take for granted any additional service beyond its basic coat function.