Refuge de la Balme Dessus

Refuge de la Balme Dessus sits at 1895m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, above the Grésivaudan valley. Drive to Les Prés (near Allevard) and park at the trailhead. The hut is 2.5 hours on foot from here, climbing steadily through forest then Alpine pasture. The path is clear and well-marked, gaining roughly 600m elevation. Approach from the south is also possible via the Vallon de Cornillon, adding an extra 30 minutes. In winter, avalanche conditions can block the lower sections—check conditions locally before setting out.

The refuge sleeps around 30 people in small dormitories. Half-board meals are served—the kitchen provides solid mountain food, nothing fancy. You get a bunk, dinner, and breakfast. The water comes from a spring nearby. There's an outdoor toilet. The hut typically opens mid-June through September, depending on snow melt. Outside this window, the place is unguarded. This is a working mountain refuge for people doing the circuit across Belledonne or climbing Mont-Blanc-de-Cheimond (2928m) nearby.

Book directly with the refuge keeper via the FFCAM. Phone ahead (especially in July-August) to confirm availability and dinner service—the keeper sometimes takes days off mid-week. Most traffic comes in July and August; June and September are quieter. Bring cash for payment. The hut has no electricity or mobile signal, so expect to be offline.