Chalet de Retord
2.6
Savoie, France
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About
Chalet de Retord sits at 2,370m on the Mont Retord massif in the Chaîne de Belledonne, between the Vallée de l'Isère and the Massif de la Vanoise. You reach it from the village of Corte in about 4 hours on foot. The route climbs steeply through forest, then opens to alpine meadow. In winter, access is only possible by ski or snowshoe. The hut also connects to trails leading toward the Chalets de Montaimont and routes into the Parc National de la Vanoise.
Chalet de Retord is a small mountain refuge run by FFCAM. It offers around 30 beds in shared dormitories and provides half-board meals using local ingredients. The guardian serves dinner and breakfast. Basic facilities include water from the surrounding streams and composting toilets. The hut operates from June to September, with occasional weekend openings in May and October depending on snow conditions. This is a working hut, not a hostel—expect basic comfort and a focus on self-reliance.
Book directly with FFCAM or through the hut warden well ahead during summer. July and August fill quickly; aim for 2–3 months' notice. June and September offer quieter conditions and reliable weather for mountaineering objectives. Contact details are available through the FFCAM website or local tourist offices in Chambéry.
Chalet de Retord is a small mountain refuge run by FFCAM. It offers around 30 beds in shared dormitories and provides half-board meals using local ingredients. The guardian serves dinner and breakfast. Basic facilities include water from the surrounding streams and composting toilets. The hut operates from June to September, with occasional weekend openings in May and October depending on snow conditions. This is a working hut, not a hostel—expect basic comfort and a focus on self-reliance.
Book directly with FFCAM or through the hut warden well ahead during summer. July and August fill quickly; aim for 2–3 months' notice. June and September offer quieter conditions and reliable weather for mountaineering objectives. Contact details are available through the FFCAM website or local tourist offices in Chambéry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3–4 months ahead for July and August; earlier visits need less notice, but contact the refuge directly to confirm availability and staffing.
Chalet de Retord is staffed June to September; winter access by ski or snowshoe only, with no regular staffing.
Start from the village of Corte and allow 4 hours for the steep hike through forest and alpine meadow to reach 2,370m.
The hut provides evening meals and breakfast; expect basic dormitory beds and limited washing facilities typical of small mountain refuges.
The 4-hour approach with steep sections suits hikers with solid fitness; it's not ideal for absolute beginners, but experienced hill-walkers will manage it comfortably.
Location
45.6001, 6.5244
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2.6
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
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