Bivouac du Dolent
1.1
2,667m
Haute-Savoie, France
About
Bivouac du Dolent sits at 2667m on the Mont-Blanc massif, accessible from the Chamonix valley. Approach from Chamonix town via the Mer de Glace railway, then 4–5 hours on foot past Montenvers refuge toward Glacier du Géant and the Col du Dôme. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and rope work on glacier terrain. The bivouac functions as a base for Mont-Blanc ascents via the Italian normal route and traverses across the massif toward Mont-Blanc du Tacul.
The bivouac offers 12 beds in a small stone shelter with basic self-catering facilities—no meals provided. Bring all food, fuel, and cooking equipment. Water comes from melting snow or glacier sources in summer; treat it carefully. The shelter is unguarded and operates year-round, though summer (July–August) is when most parties use it. Winter and spring routes demand glacier experience, crevasse rescue knowledge, and full mountaineering kit. Expect cramped quarters and no services beyond a roof and walls.
Book direct with the FFCAM Chamonix section or contact the Montenvers refuge staff who monitor conditions. The bivouac has no telephone; advance contact is essential. July weekends fill fast, so confirm availability before committing to the approach. Bring headtorch, stove fuel that works at altitude, and a sleeping bag rated for -10°C minimum. The shelter fills quickly during Mont-Blanc attempts.
The bivouac offers 12 beds in a small stone shelter with basic self-catering facilities—no meals provided. Bring all food, fuel, and cooking equipment. Water comes from melting snow or glacier sources in summer; treat it carefully. The shelter is unguarded and operates year-round, though summer (July–August) is when most parties use it. Winter and spring routes demand glacier experience, crevasse rescue knowledge, and full mountaineering kit. Expect cramped quarters and no services beyond a roof and walls.
Book direct with the FFCAM Chamonix section or contact the Montenvers refuge staff who monitor conditions. The bivouac has no telephone; advance contact is essential. July weekends fill fast, so confirm availability before committing to the approach. Bring headtorch, stove fuel that works at altitude, and a sleeping bag rated for -10°C minimum. The shelter fills quickly during Mont-Blanc attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for summer; contact the Montenvers refuge or Chamonix mountain guides, as Bivouac du Dolent has no independent booking system.
Open June to September; accessible year-round by experienced mountaineers with glacier skills, but winter approaches require guides and rope work.
Take the Mer de Glace railway from Chamonix to Montenvers, then hike 4–5 hours across glacier terrain via Glacier du Géant to reach the bivouac at 2667m.
The bivouac has 12 beds and a self-catering kitchen; you bring and cook your own food, and there's no running water or showers.
No—this is a mountaineer's bivouac for Mont-Blanc ascents and glacier traverses; you need rope skills, glacier experience, and fitness to handle the approach and terrain.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 12
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Self catering
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.cas-gruyere.ch/fr/cabanes/bivouac-du-dolent/