Refuge de la Charpoua

Refuge de la Charpoua sits at 2,841m on the north side of Mont-Blanc massif, above the Vallée de Chamonix. The main approach is from Montenvers (1,913m), a cable-car ride up from Chamonix followed by a 3–4 hour hike across the Mer de Glace and up the moraine. The terrain is steep and exposed in places; crampons and an ice axe are essential in winter and early summer. A less-used alternative comes from the Refuge des Cosmiques (3,613m) in 2–3 hours across glacier and scree, but requires mountaineering experience.
The refuge is run by the FFCAM and sleeps around 60 people in dormitory rooms. It serves a hot evening meal, breakfast, and packed lunches. Water comes from melting snow and ice. The hut operates year-round, though access is severely restricted November to April when avalanche risk is high and the Mer de Glace crossing becomes dangerous. Most visitors arrive June to September. Facilities are basic—no heating, composting toilets, and no electricity beyond a small solar panel.
Book 3–4 months ahead for July and August weekends. Contact the refuge directly by phone (tel: +33 (0)4 50 53 16 14) or email. Many climbers use Charpoua as a staging point for Mont-Blanc ascents via the Goûter route, so space fills quickly during the summer season. The hut also serves solo hikers tackling the Haute-Savoie circuit and mountaineers accessing the Aiguilles du Chardonnet group.