Cabin du Fayard

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.