Refuge des Grands Mulets

Refuge des Grands Mulets stands at 3051m on the northwestern ridge of Mont-Blanc, above the Chamonix valley. The standard approach from Chamonix takes 4–5 hours via the Grands Mulets route, climbing steeply through forest then open terrain. A variant from the Bossons Glacier adds complexity and is only viable with mountaineering experience. Either way, you gain 1500m from the valley floor. The hut serves as the final camp before summit attempts on Mont-Blanc via the classic Goûter route.
The refuge manages 68 beds across multiple dormitories and a few private rooms. The FFCAM kitchen provides dinner and breakfast; bring your own lunch and snacks for the summit day. Water comes from melted snow—the hut stores fuel to supplement the sparse natural sources at this elevation. Facilities are basic: expect pit toilets and cold running water. The hut opens mid-June through September, though exact dates shift with snow conditions. Weather here changes rapidly; bring a warm layer and waterproof jacket even in summer.
Book directly by phone with Club Alpin Français (the Chamonix section manages this hut). July and August fill 2–3 months ahead, especially weekends and mid-week slots around the good-weather window. June and September offer better availability. Confirm your reservation by phone—email alone is not reliable. Arrive early in the day; late arrivals risk being turned away if capacity is full.