Refuge D'hiver de Tête Rousse

Refuge d'Hiver de Tête Rousse sits at 3,167m on Mont-Blanc's northeast flank, in the Haute-Savoie. You reach it from the Nid d'Aigle train station (2,372m, accessible by rack-railway from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains). From the station, the marked path climbs 795m over 3-4 hours across rocky terrain and snowfields depending on season. The refuge overlooks the Tête Rousse Glacier to the south and offers a direct approach to Mont-Blanc's normal route via the Goûter route.
The refuge operates year-round, unusual for high Alpine huts. It provides 65 beds in dormitory rooms and has a kitchen where staff prepare meals—expect hearty fare at altitude. Water comes from snowmelt and is treated. The building is substantial and well-maintained by the FFCAM. Toilets are basic but functional. The hut is popular with Mont-Blanc aspirants and winter mountaineers tackling the massif. Weather changes fast at this elevation; be prepared for wind, cold, and whiteout conditions even in summer.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email as far ahead as possible—July and August are solid months and fill 2-3 months in advance. Winter access (December-March) requires Alpine experience and appropriate gear; contact the hut first to check current conditions and staffing. Acclimatization matters: arriving the day before a summit push reduces altitude sickness risk.