Col de Buffère

(S/E) Head south, following the various tracks.

There are several routes; some are marked if an event has just taken place. You can choose your own route, but avoid steep slopes and exposed areas below steep slopes.

Just below the pass, you’ll see some ruins; this is a good landmark to help you find your way.
Reach the pass.

(1) For the return journey, follow the route in the opposite direction. At around 2,200 m, you can turn right to walk along the right bank of the Torrent de Buffère and rejoin the tracks just above the Chalets de Buffère.
Head to the refuge (S/E).

Of course, make sure you check the conditions at the refuge. You are in high mountains and must take precautions regarding the snow. It is essential to read the full BERA (Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin), which is displayed at the refuge. The risk is rated out of 5, but a rating of 3 is not ‘moderate’ but ‘marked’.
Have a chat with the warden!

In preparation for the weekend, read:
Snow and avalanche bulletins
and, in this case, select Hautes-Alpes then Thabor.

The route can be done in the morning, with a picnic at the pass or below, or you can have a meal at the mountain hut so you can travel light.

There are plenty of photo opportunities, with a particularly good spot at the pass.