Chalet de la Balme

Chalet de la Balme sits at 1433m in the Tarentaise valley, a 45-minute walk from the village of Montaimet. The approach is straightforward: follow the GR55 Grande Traversée de la Savoie north through pasture and larch forest. The hut serves as a base for day hikes across the surrounding ridges and as a waypoint on the GR55 itself. It's also used by mountaineers accessing peaks in the Vanoise massif to the east.
The chalet is a simple mountain refuge, managed by the FFCAM, with capacity for 25 people in dormitory rooms. Meals are basic but substantial—expect hearty soups, pasta dishes, and local cheese. The kitchen facilities are functional but minimal. There are no showers, flush toilets, or drinking water on site; water comes from the spring outside and toilets are pit latrines. Bring a headtorch. The hut is open June through September, depending on snow conditions.
Book directly with the FFCAM section that manages the hut. July and August weekends fill quickly—aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead. Weekday visits in June or September offer more flexibility. Call ahead to confirm water availability and current conditions, particularly early in the season.