Chalet de l'Arc

Chalet de l'Arc sits at 2,600m in the Chaîne de la Vanoise, accessed from the Vallée de la Tarentaise. The standard approach is from Tignes via the Glacier de la Grande Sassière, taking 4–5 hours. An alternative route from Bessans (in the Vallée de l'Arc) takes 5–6 hours and crosses higher terrain. Both routes involve glacier travel and require competence with crampons and rope. The hut serves as a base for ascending the Gran Paradiso (4,061m) via the normal Italian route and for traversing the Tarentaise-Maurienne ridge. Climbers also use it for ski mountaineering objectives in winter.
The hut manages 30 beds across shared dormitories. The guardian cooks dinner and breakfast daily during the summer season (late June to mid-September). Water comes from a melt stream; facilities are basic mountain standard with no shower. Half-board is mandatory; expect simple pasta, soup, and local cheese. The hut runs year-round but staffing is irregular outside summer, so contact ahead if planning a winter visit. It's managed by the FFCAM.
Book by contacting the FFCAM section for Savoie directly. July and August fill 8–10 weeks ahead, so confirm availability early. The hut operates on a first-come basis; no online booking system exists. Bring a good sleeping bag as temperatures drop to freezing year-round. Mobile signal is absent.