Refuge de Bise
4.3About
Refuge de Bise sits at 1498m in the Haute-Savoie, serving as a basecamp for day hikes and longer traverses across the northern French Alps. Access is straightforward: from the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, follow the marked trail up the Cirque de Sixt gorge. The walk takes 2.5 to 3 hours. The refuge works well as a stepping stone for routes toward the Chaîne du Remorgin or as a rest point on north-south Alpine crossings. The setting is pastoral rather than alpine—you're still in forested terrain—which makes it accessible early and late season when higher huts are snowbound.
The refuge holds 44 beds across mixed dorms and some private rooms. Meals are served daily: a proper three-course dinner and a solid breakfast. They stock basic supplies and can handle vegetarian requests with advance notice. The kitchen and common areas are functional rather than luxurious. The refuge operates year-round, though the road access can be difficult in winter; confirm conditions before visiting December through March.
Book direct by email or phone, especially for weekends and July-August when the hut fills regularly. A week's notice is usually sufficient for mid-week visits, but aim for 2-3 weeks for summer Saturdays. Half-board (bed plus dinner and breakfast) is standard. If you're planning a longer Alpine tour, this is a good place to slot in early on, when your legs are fresher and higher terrain still has winter snow.
The refuge holds 44 beds across mixed dorms and some private rooms. Meals are served daily: a proper three-course dinner and a solid breakfast. They stock basic supplies and can handle vegetarian requests with advance notice. The kitchen and common areas are functional rather than luxurious. The refuge operates year-round, though the road access can be difficult in winter; confirm conditions before visiting December through March.
Book direct by email or phone, especially for weekends and July-August when the hut fills regularly. A week's notice is usually sufficient for mid-week visits, but aim for 2-3 weeks for summer Saturdays. Half-board (bed plus dinner and breakfast) is standard. If you're planning a longer Alpine tour, this is a good place to slot in early on, when your legs are fresher and higher terrain still has winter snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for peak season (July–August); shoulder months need less notice. Contact them by email or phone directly.
Staffed from mid-June to mid-September; exact dates vary year to year, so confirm before planning.
Start from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval village and follow the marked trail up the Cirque de Sixt gorge; the hike takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
44 beds in dorms, meals provided (half-board typical), basic washing facilities; no showers, so bring a washcloth.
Yes—the approach is well-marked and moderate, and at 1498m you're still in forested terrain rather than exposed alpine ground, making it a good entry point for overnight hut hiking.
Location
46.3306, 6.7659
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 44
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 9 88 28 78 73
- Website
- https://refugedebise.com/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
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