About
Cabane de la Cave sits at 2,518m in the Chaîne de la Bauges, between Annecy and Chambéry in Savoie. The standard approach is from Châtel-sur-Montsalvens (1,050m) via a 4-hour hike through beech forest and alpine pastures. The route is well-marked but steep in sections. You can also reach it in 3 hours from Col de la Loze (1,653m) via the GR96 if you have transport at the pass. The hut sits on a minor col overlooking a limestone plateau, making it a natural base for ridge traverses and peak ascents in the Bauges.
The cabane is a simple stone refuge run by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) with 20 bunks across two rooms and basic dormitory conditions. It has a small kitchen where meals are prepared; expect hearty stews and pasta rather than restaurant dining. Water comes from a spring but can be scarce in late summer. There's no electricity or heating beyond a wood stove. The hut typically opens mid-June through September, depending on snow conditions. Winter access is possible for skilled mountaineers only.
Book directly with FFCAM Chambéry section at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and in good weather windows. The guardian is usually present from mid-June onwards but may be absent in shoulder seasons; contact ahead to confirm occupancy. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. Bring a headlamp—the hut has no lighting after sunset.
The cabane is a simple stone refuge run by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) with 20 bunks across two rooms and basic dormitory conditions. It has a small kitchen where meals are prepared; expect hearty stews and pasta rather than restaurant dining. Water comes from a spring but can be scarce in late summer. There's no electricity or heating beyond a wood stove. The hut typically opens mid-June through September, depending on snow conditions. Winter access is possible for skilled mountaineers only.
Book directly with FFCAM Chambéry section at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and in good weather windows. The guardian is usually present from mid-June onwards but may be absent in shoulder seasons; contact ahead to confirm occupancy. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. Bring a headlamp—the hut has no lighting after sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; shoulder season (June, September) requires less notice.
Cabane de la Cave is staffed June to September, with variable opening dates depending on snow and weather.
Start from Châtel-sur-Montsalvens (1,050m) for a 4-hour hike via GR96, or from Col de la Loze (1,653m) in 3 hours if you have transport to the pass.
The hut provides dinner and breakfast; bring your own sleeping bag, and showers are limited or unavailable—plan for a wash with cold water.
No—the approach is steep and exposed in sections, and the hut sits at 2,518m; it's better suited to hikers with mountain experience and those planning ridge work or peak ascents.
Location
45.4321, 6.7179
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HutLists Score
2.6
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Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
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