Le Criou
3.4
Savoie, France
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About
Refuge du Criou sits at 2,084m on the eastern flank of Mont-Blanc, above the Vallée de Montjoie near Saint-Gervais. The hut is a 4-5 hour hike from Contamines-Montjoie via the Chalets de Miage and Lac de Miage. Start early: the path gains 1,200m steadily through forest then alpine meadow. In winter the approach is seriously technical and requires mountaineering experience. Summer access is straightforward hiking for anyone comfortable with exposed paths above 2,000m.
The refuge is run by FFCAM and operates year-round, though winter visits need advance notice. It sleeps 40 people across dormitory beds. Hot meals and packed lunches are available if you book in advance—the hut cannot feed walk-ins reliably. Water comes from meltwater sources; stock up in summer. The small hut has wood heating, so conditions are basic but functional. It's a genuine working refuge, not a hotel. From here you can climb Mont-Blanc via the Trois-Monts route, traverse to Refuge des Contamines, or use it as a base for Mont-Joly (2,002m) and other local peaks.
Book meals and accommodation 48 hours minimum in advance by phone (+33 4 50 47 41 08) or email. July and August fill quickly—reserve a week ahead for these months. June and September offer more flexibility. Winter bookings require calling ahead to confirm the hut is staffed. The refuge sits just outside Parc National des Écrins; check current conditions with FFCAM before traveling.
The refuge is run by FFCAM and operates year-round, though winter visits need advance notice. It sleeps 40 people across dormitory beds. Hot meals and packed lunches are available if you book in advance—the hut cannot feed walk-ins reliably. Water comes from meltwater sources; stock up in summer. The small hut has wood heating, so conditions are basic but functional. It's a genuine working refuge, not a hotel. From here you can climb Mont-Blanc via the Trois-Monts route, traverse to Refuge des Contamines, or use it as a base for Mont-Joly (2,002m) and other local peaks.
Book meals and accommodation 48 hours minimum in advance by phone (+33 4 50 47 41 08) or email. July and August fill quickly—reserve a week ahead for these months. June and September offer more flexibility. Winter bookings require calling ahead to confirm the hut is staffed. The refuge sits just outside Parc National des Écrins; check current conditions with FFCAM before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3-4 months ahead for July and August; email or call ahead to confirm availability and arrange your stay.
The refuge is staffed from June to September; outside these months it may be closed or unstaffed.
Hike 4-5 hours from Contamines-Montjoie via Chalets de Miage and Lac de Miage, gaining 1,200m through forest and alpine meadow; start early.
Expect dormitory beds, meals (dinner and breakfast included with most bookings), and basic washroom facilities; there's no shower.
It's suitable for hikers comfortable with sustained elevation gain and exposed mountain paths above 2,000m, but not for alpine beginners or families with young children.
Location
45.3696, 7.0665
HutLists Score
3.4
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- 11:00-17:00
- Total
- 60
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 7 88 87 22 88
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.