About
Cabane des Gardes sits at 2,641m on the Col de la Loze in the Massif de la Vanoise, between the Mont-Blanc and Chamonix valleys. Reach it from the Vallon de la Forclaz in about 4 hours via a well-marked path that climbs steeply through alpine meadows and scree. The hut perches on a rocky col with views across the Vanoise massif to the high peaks. Summer access is straightforward; winter approaches require mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness.
The cabin is small—it sleeps around 12 people in basic dormitory rooms. Meals are simple and plentiful; bring cash as the hut has no card reader. There's a wood stove, running water from a spring, and an outdoor toilet. The season runs from June through September; the hut closes in winter. It's managed by local alpinists and maintains the no-frills character typical of FFCAM refuges. Conditions are spartan but functional.
Book directly by phone or email with the guardian (numéro de refuge). July and August fill weeks ahead, so contact by May if targeting those months. June and September have more availability. The hut expects self-sufficiency—bring a headtorch, warm layers, and a sleeping bag even if you've booked a bed. Water is reliable but always carry a filter.
The cabin is small—it sleeps around 12 people in basic dormitory rooms. Meals are simple and plentiful; bring cash as the hut has no card reader. There's a wood stove, running water from a spring, and an outdoor toilet. The season runs from June through September; the hut closes in winter. It's managed by local alpinists and maintains the no-frills character typical of FFCAM refuges. Conditions are spartan but functional.
Book directly by phone or email with the guardian (numéro de refuge). July and August fill weeks ahead, so contact by May if targeting those months. June and September have more availability. The hut expects self-sufficiency—bring a headtorch, warm layers, and a sleeping bag even if you've booked a bed. Water is reliable but always carry a filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier in the season you can often get away with 4–6 weeks' notice.
Open June to September, staffed during summer months; winter access is possible but requires mountaineering experience and avalanche assessment.
Hike from Vallon de la Forclaz in about 4 hours via a well-marked path that climbs steeply through alpine meadows and scree to the col at 2,641m.
The cabin sleeps around 12 people; expect basic alpine hut conditions with shared dormitory beds and simple meals provided by the guardian.
No—the steep 4-hour approach and 2,641m altitude demand solid fitness and hiking experience; it's better suited to experienced hikers planning mountaineering objectives in the Vanoise.
Location
45.7314, 6.3396
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HutLists Score
2.6
Overall
Facilities
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
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