Life in an Alpine refuge is governed by simple, practical rituals that mark the transition from the wildness of the trail to the comfort of the shelter. One of the most universal of these is the act of swapping heavy, mud-caked hiking boots for a pair of lightweight, communal Crocs.
This ritual, practiced at every refuge from Gittamelon to Refuge Plan Lombardie, is more than just a rule to keep the floors clean. It is a symbolic act. Removing your boots signifies the end of the day’s hard work. Slipping into a pair of Crocs is a physical manifestation of relaxation and entering a space of rest and recovery.
For a family on the Grand Tour de Tarentaise, this simple act became a familiar and comforting part of their daily routine. It marked their arrival and their acceptance into the temporary community of the refuge. It’s a great equalizer; everyone, from seasoned mountaineers to first-time children, pads around in the same colourful, comfortable footwear.
These small, shared rituals are the building blocks of “refuge culture.” They create a sense of order and community in a remote environment. The simple, humble act of swapping boots for Crocs is a perfect metaphor for the refuge experience itself: shedding the burdens of the outside world to embrace simplicity, comfort, and camaraderie.
