Chalet du Plan du Jeu

Chalet du Plan du Jeu stands at 1990m on the eastern flank of Mont-Blanc, accessed from the Vallée de Montjoie near Saint-Gervais. The approach takes 3–4 hours from the Nid d'Aigle tram station (1390m), following a well-marked trail through forest that opens onto alpine pasture. The hut sits on the Plan du Jeu plateau, a natural staging point for ascents of Mont-Blanc's north face and traverses into the Chamonix valley. Snow cover is reliable here from December through May for winter mountaineering approaches.
The chalet operates as a small, intimate refuge with 7 beds split across simple dormitory rooms. The guardian provides evening meals and breakfast; bring your own lunch or request packed meals. Water comes from a reliable spring. There is no electricity or heating beyond a wood stove—expect cold nights outside summer. The hut opens year-round but is busiest from June to September and during Easter holidays. Winter access requires avalanche awareness and often crampons.
Contact the Maison de la Montagne in Saint-Gervais or book directly through the FFCAM Chamonix section; numbers are tight here, so confirm availability at least 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends and all holidays. Solo climbers and small groups will find this preferable to the larger Refuge du Nid d'Aigle. Bring a camping mat if you want genuine comfort; beds are basic.