L'Aulp de Marlens

L'Aulp de Marlens sits at 1657m in the Chaîne de la Randa massif, north of Annecy in Haute-Savoie. The hut is reached via the Randa valley from the village of Manigod (allow 2 hours from the car park). Summer approaches are straightforward hiking on well-marked trails; winter access depends on snow conditions and your winter hiking fitness. The setting sits between rolling pastural terrain and higher limestone peaks, making it a solid base for day walks across the Chaîne.
The hut operates year-round and sleeps around 30 people in mixed dormitories. Half-board meals are standard: dinner and breakfast included with your bed. The kitchen handles vegetarian requests if you mention them when booking. There are pit toilets and limited washing water—bring a headlamp and expect basic Alpine hut conditions. Mobile signal is weak but sometimes present. The hut is managed by FFCAM and runs on a volunteer basis, so standards and opening dates can shift.
Book directly by phone well ahead if you're aiming for summer weekends; July and August fill fast. Winter visits are quieter but confirm opening before you travel—the hut may operate weekends only or close entirely during cold spells. Arrive with cash; card payments are unreliable.