Chalet des Vuardes
3.7About
Chalet des Vuardes sits at 1665m in the Chaîne des Aravis, above the village of La Clusaz in Haute-Savoie. Most hikers approach from La Clusaz via the GR5 or local variants, a 2.5 to 3-hour climb on well-marked paths. The hut works as a base for ridge walks across the Aravis and as a stepping stone on longer Alpine traverses.
The chalet is a working mountain lodge run by FFCAM. It offers dormitory beds and a few private rooms, serving meals to residents and day visitors. Expect simple food—soup, pasta, stew—and a reliable kitchen. The facilities include running water and toilets; no showers. The hut operates year-round but becomes basic in winter and busiest from June through September. The atmosphere is practical rather than plush: this is a place to rest before the next pass, not to linger.
Book through FFCAM or contact La Clusaz tourist office. July and August weekends fill quickly; aim to reserve 4 to 6 weeks ahead for summer. Weekdays are quieter. The hut fills with groups in early summer when local schools close. Access remains possible in winter but services reduce sharply, so contact ahead if you're planning a cold-season visit.
The chalet is a working mountain lodge run by FFCAM. It offers dormitory beds and a few private rooms, serving meals to residents and day visitors. Expect simple food—soup, pasta, stew—and a reliable kitchen. The facilities include running water and toilets; no showers. The hut operates year-round but becomes basic in winter and busiest from June through September. The atmosphere is practical rather than plush: this is a place to rest before the next pass, not to linger.
Book through FFCAM or contact La Clusaz tourist office. July and August weekends fill quickly; aim to reserve 4 to 6 weeks ahead for summer. Weekdays are quieter. The hut fills with groups in early summer when local schools close. Access remains possible in winter but services reduce sharply, so contact ahead if you're planning a cold-season visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; weekends year-round fill quickly. Contact the hut directly or book through the FFCAM website.
Open late June to mid-September, staffed daily during that period. Winter weekends possible by prior arrangement.
Start from La Clusaz village and follow the GR5 or local marked paths; the climb takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach 1665m.
Dormitory beds and a few private rooms; meals include simple soup, cheese, and bread for residents and day visitors.
Yes—the approach from La Clusaz is a moderate 3-hour hike on well-marked paths, making it accessible for fit hikers new to Alpine refuges.
Location
46.0212, 6.5872
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- private
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