Refuge du Mont-Joly

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.