Mountain refuge Refuge alpage supérieur de Louvie

The high meadows of the Val de Bagnes they open way in an environment where the relief becomes more severe as you gain height over the core of Fionnay . In this amphitheater of alpine and canchal pastures, the Refuge alpage supérieur de Louvie is an essential point of reference for those who travel the upper slopes of the Valais Swiss. At an altitude of 2420 meters, the site offers a privileged view of the granite environment surrounding the massif, conditioned by the imposing silhouette of the Mont Fort whose presence marks the technical character of this entire region of the Entremont .

The location of this construction is strategic for the progression on long-distance routes such as the Tour du Val de Bagnes , allowing to fragment the most demanding stages of the journey. The link through the Col Termin-Louvie requires intelligent effort management, especially if it is to continue towards the cords that connect with the Bec des Rosses . As a point of passage on continuity routes, its role is essential to organize the days of march without having to go down prematurely to the bottom of the valley, keeping the ground on a high mountain terrain where orientation and constancy are key to completing the expected ascending levels.

Given the isolated nature of the site, planning must be rigorous in terms of the provision of resources. The nearest water sources are at a considerable distance, forcing the mountaineers to ensure their water autonomy before leaving the supply points in the low areas. As it is a mountain shelter in a summer grazing area, it is essential to have adequate equipment for the night and total autonomy, as the weather exposure on this side of the 4 Vallées can be intense and change quickly, requiring technical preparation in line with the isolation of the sector.