Goûter Refuge

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.