About
Cabane du Fayard sits at 2,327m on the slopes of Mont Blanc's western approaches, accessed from the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie in the Parc National de la Vanoise. The standard route climbs via the Lay valley, gaining 1,100m over 4–5 hours from the roadhead. Fit parties can reach it as a day walk from Les Contamines, though most hikers arrive after an overnight at Refuge du Truc (1,760m). A scramble of 45 minutes connects the cabin to the Tête Nord des Fours (2,740m), a serious alpine warm-up with exposure on poor rock. The cabin sits on the approach to Mont-Blanc du Tacul and other Chamonix aiguilles for climbers planning multi-pitch ascents.
The FFCAM-managed cabin sleeps around 12 people on basic wooden bunks. There is no guardian service and no meals provided—bring all food and fuel. Water comes from a stream; a small stove allows cooking. The cabin opens from June through September depending on snow conditions. Winter ascents are possible but require winter mountaineering skills and self-sufficiency; the building is unheated and the approach avalanche-prone. The cabin is tiny and fills quickly during July and August weekends.
Contact the Chamois d'Or hotel in Les Contamines or the FFCAM Haute-Savoie section for current access information and conditions. There is no formal booking system. Groups planning to stay should notify the FFCAM office before arrival. Plan to arrive with spare fuel and supplies in case weather forces an unplanned overnight.
The FFCAM-managed cabin sleeps around 12 people on basic wooden bunks. There is no guardian service and no meals provided—bring all food and fuel. Water comes from a stream; a small stove allows cooking. The cabin opens from June through September depending on snow conditions. Winter ascents are possible but require winter mountaineering skills and self-sufficiency; the building is unheated and the approach avalanche-prone. The cabin is tiny and fills quickly during July and August weekends.
Contact the Chamois d'Or hotel in Les Contamines or the FFCAM Haute-Savoie section for current access information and conditions. There is no formal booking system. Groups planning to stay should notify the FFCAM office before arrival. Plan to arrive with spare fuel and supplies in case weather forces an unplanned overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 4–6 months ahead for July and August; shoulder season (June, September) requires 2–3 months' notice.
Open and staffed from mid-June to mid-September, weather dependent.
Start from Les Contamines-Montjoie village, climb via the Lay valley gaining 1,100m in 4–5 hours to 2,327m; most hikers break the journey overnight at Refuge du Truc (1,760m).
Basic mountain cabin with dormitory beds, communal meals (dinner and breakfast), and limited water—expect no hot showers or private rooms.
Not ideal for beginners; the 1,100m climb is steep and the 45-minute scramble to Tête Nord des Fours (2,740m) requires scrambling ability and mountain experience.
Location
45.7178, 6.2097
Plan your visit
Get directionsNeed a hotel nearby?
Staying in Savoie before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in SavoieBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
2.5
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.