Chalet du Mélèze
2.6
Isere, France
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About
Chalet du Mélèze sits at 2,100m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, 3.5 hours' walk from Allevard-les-Bains. The standard approach climbs steeply northeast through forest and alpine meadow. Winter access via snow shoes is possible but requires avalanche awareness. The hut serves as a base for peaks across Belledonne and offers direct routes to Pic de la Pointe Noire and Mont Blanc de Cheiron.
The hut has 35 beds in mixed dormitories. Meals are substantial and included with overnight stays—expect hearty soups and mountain cooking rather than fine dining. You'll find basic heating, oil lamps in some sections, and a wood stove for common areas. There are pit toilets and water collected from snowmelt or rain. No shower facilities. The hut operates year-round but staffing is irregular in winter; contact ahead if visiting December to February.
Book 4–6 weeks in advance for July and August. The hut fills with climbers tackling Belledonne's ridge traverse. Contact via FFCAM Isère or check current contact details before arriving. Bring a headlamp, warm layers, and accept that conditions are basic—this is a working hut for mountaineers, not a hotel.
The hut has 35 beds in mixed dormitories. Meals are substantial and included with overnight stays—expect hearty soups and mountain cooking rather than fine dining. You'll find basic heating, oil lamps in some sections, and a wood stove for common areas. There are pit toilets and water collected from snowmelt or rain. No shower facilities. The hut operates year-round but staffing is irregular in winter; contact ahead if visiting December to February.
Book 4–6 weeks in advance for July and August. The hut fills with climbers tackling Belledonne's ridge traverse. Contact via FFCAM Isère or check current contact details before arriving. Bring a headlamp, warm layers, and accept that conditions are basic—this is a working hut for mountaineers, not a hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier dates and shoulder season can often be arranged with shorter notice.
The hut is staffed June to September; winter access is possible with mountaineering experience and avalanche training.
From Allevard-les-Bains, it's a 3.5-hour hike gaining 1,000m+ through forest and alpine meadow on a steep northeast route.
Dinner and breakfast are included with your stay and are substantial; there are 35 beds in mixed dorms, but no showers or flush toilets—plan accordingly.
No—the steep 3.5-hour approach and remote location suit experienced hikers and mountaineers; it's a proper base for Belledonne peaks, not a leisure walk.
Location
45.3488, 6.3442
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2.6
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Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
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