Refuge du Mont-Joly
2.6
Haute-Savoie, France
Write a review
About
Refuge du Mont-Joly sits at 2,002m on the Mont-Joly massif in Haute-Savoie, above the Vallée de la Chaîne. The main approach is from the village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains via the hamlet of Nantaux: allow 4–5 hours for the 11km hike. The trail climbs steadily through mixed forest before opening onto alpine pasture. Most parties break the approach in two days using intermediate shelter, though strong hikers manage it in one push. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness.
The refuge is run by FFCAM and offers 40 places in shared dormitories. They serve evening meals and packed lunches; half-board or full-board are standard. The kitchen handles vegetarian requests with notice. Water comes from the spring; the hut has basic composting toilets. Open mid-June to mid-September, with limited winter weekends depending on snow conditions and staffing. The warden can advise on conditions for Mont-Joly itself (2,556m, 2–3 hours round trip) and routes into the surrounding peaks.
Book by email or telephone at least 3 weeks ahead for July and August. June and September fill steadily but are more flexible. Confirm your arrival time: the hut closes to casual callers at 19:00. A deposit secures your bed. Bring sleeping bag liner or rent one on arrival.
The refuge is run by FFCAM and offers 40 places in shared dormitories. They serve evening meals and packed lunches; half-board or full-board are standard. The kitchen handles vegetarian requests with notice. Water comes from the spring; the hut has basic composting toilets. Open mid-June to mid-September, with limited winter weekends depending on snow conditions and staffing. The warden can advise on conditions for Mont-Joly itself (2,556m, 2–3 hours round trip) and routes into the surrounding peaks.
Book by email or telephone at least 3 weeks ahead for July and August. June and September fill steadily but are more flexible. Confirm your arrival time: the hut closes to casual callers at 19:00. A deposit secures your bed. Bring sleeping bag liner or rent one on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for peak season (July–August); email or call directly to check availability and confirm your arrival date.
The refuge is staffed from June to September; winter access is possible but requires mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness.
Start from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, pass through Nantaux, and allow 4–5 hours for the 11km hike to 2,002m; most hikers split this into two days using intermediate shelter.
The refuge provides beds and meals; hot showers are typically available but confirm water situation when booking.
Not ideal for novices—the approach is long (11km, 4–5 hours) with steady elevation gain, best tackled as a 2-day walk or by experienced day hikers.
Location
45.8401, 6.6918
Need a hotel nearby?
Staying in Haute-Savoie before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in Haute-SavoieBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
2.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 50 93 10 10;+33 6 63 83 67 82
- Website
- https://www.refuge-mont-joly.com/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.