Refuge de Tornieux

Refuge de Tornieux sits at 2,057m in the Chaîne du Ruan, above the Vallée Verte east of Samoëns. The hut anchors a web of day walks and multi-day routes across limestone plateaus and rocky ridges. Reach it from Samoëns village (860m) in 4–5 hours via the GR5, climbing steadily through forest and pasture to the refuge. Winter access depends on snow cover; the route is often muddy in spring and early summer.
The refuge is a small, traditional operation run by FFCAM. It sleeps around 40 people in dorm rooms and a few private doubles. Meals are solid mountain fare—dinner and breakfast are included with bed, and packed lunches are available. The water supply is reliable but the hut has no shower. It opens mid-June to late September, closing when snow blocks the path reliably. During July and August the refuge fills quickly, especially weekends, so arrive early or book ahead. In June and September you'll find it quieter and can often drop in without reservation.
Phone the refuge directly to book (numbers are published by FFCAM). Call in the morning between 9 and 11am French time. Expect to pay around €50–60 per person for bed and meals. July weekends need booking 4–6 weeks ahead. Outside summer holidays you can usually secure a bed with 1–2 weeks' notice.