Fruit of the skilful restoration of the grandfather's hut bequeathed to him, this large Walser rascard was once a stable, barn, majon and village school.
Crest, a Walser village dating back to the 1600s, bears witness to the passage of this population from the Swiss Valais who, during their migrations for commercial and religious purposes, settled on the slopes of Monte Rosa and left traces of their particular dwellings: the rascards.
It is precisely the wood and stone of the Walser that have been retained for the recovery of what is now the Refuge.
Opened in 1990, the Vieux Crest has seen a wide variety of guests. Today it is preferred, during the summer season, by the numerous trekkers who venture on the Alta Via n1 trails, on the Tor des Géants route or on the circular rings such as the Tour des Six, but also by groups of friends or families who want to spend a few days in the mountains. During the winter season, it is an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts: the vast Monterosa Ski area, which includes three valleys - Ayas Gressoney Alagna - for 160 m of slopes, starts right from the Crest area.
The special features of the Vieux Crest Refuge are the warmth and sunshine that these walls, steeped in history, experience and tradition, have maintained since ancient times, and which they still convey to all patrons today.
The Refuge has 36 beds divided into 7 rooms, a restaurant and bar that can accommodate up to 70 guests, a terrace dehor available for breakfast, aperitifs and lunch, and a 3-seater sauna.