Demanding
About
Refuge du Goûter sits at 3,815m on the north face of Mont-Blanc, on the standard French route to the summit. The hut is 5–6 hours' walk from Nid d'Aigle (2,372m), which you reach by train from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. The path climbs steeply through the Goûter Couloir, a rock and scree gully prone to rockfall—aim for an early start to cross it during the cooler morning hours. Winter and spring ascents require different timing and avalanche awareness.
The refuge operates year-round and holds 120 beds in dormitory rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; bring your own lunch or buy supplies from the small shop. There are no showers. The hut has a generator for limited electricity and a weather radio. Water comes from melted snow in winter and from sources above in summer. Toilets are outside and basic. The atmosphere is functional and crowded during the climbing season (June–September); expect noise and limited privacy.
Book directly by email or phone at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August. The hut becomes very busy from mid-June through early September. Consider mid-May or September–October for better availability and fewer crowds. Confirm your arrival time when you book; staff need to prepare food and manage capacity. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is mandatory. Bring a sleeping bag: blankets may be thin or absent.
The refuge operates year-round and holds 120 beds in dormitory rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; bring your own lunch or buy supplies from the small shop. There are no showers. The hut has a generator for limited electricity and a weather radio. Water comes from melted snow in winter and from sources above in summer. Toilets are outside and basic. The atmosphere is functional and crowded during the climbing season (June–September); expect noise and limited privacy.
Book directly by email or phone at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August. The hut becomes very busy from mid-June through early September. Consider mid-May or September–October for better availability and fewer crowds. Confirm your arrival time when you book; staff need to prepare food and manage capacity. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is mandatory. Bring a sleeping bag: blankets may be thin or absent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3–4 months ahead for summer, especially July–August; contact by phone (+33 4 50 78 40 40) or email for availability and reservations.
Open year-round, but staffed reliably from mid-June to mid-September; winter and spring visits require advance coordination.
Take the train from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to Nid d'Aigle (2,372m), then hike 5–6 hours steeply upward through the Goûter Couloir; start early to cross the couloir in cooler morning conditions and avoid rockfall risk.
120 beds in shared dorms, meals provided (bring cash or arrange payment in advance); no showers available, so wash water is cold or minimal.
No—this is a technical mountaineering hut on the Mont-Blanc standard route; you need solid fitness, mountain experience, and comfort with steep scrambling and rockfall hazard.
Location
45.8511, 6.8306
HutLists Score
2.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 120
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 50 54 40 93
- Website
- https://refugedugouter.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
Featured in Guides
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.