Pavillon de la Grand Combe

Pavillon de la Grand Combe sits at 1,260m in the Tarentaise valley in Savoie, serving as a base for routes into the Parc National de la Vanoise. Reach it from the village of Bonneval-en-Tarentaise by following the Torrent de Grand Combe upstream for roughly 2 hours on a well-marked trail. The approach is straightforward and gains 500m steadily through forest and open meadow. Most parties come here to acclimatise before higher objectives or to tackle ski touring and climbing in the surrounding peaks.
The hut has 30 beds split across simple dormitories and a few private rooms. Meals are served family-style and focus on hearty mountain food. Hot showers are available. The season runs from mid-June to mid-September, with shoulder months depending on snow conditions and staff availability. Winter access is possible but rare and requires proper planning. The hut is managed by FFCAM affiliated caretakers who maintain a relaxed atmosphere suited to working climbers and ski mountaineers.
Book direct by phone or email at least 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and fine-weather weekends. Arrive by mid-afternoon if possible. Half-board rates (bed and dinner) are reasonable. The location is remote enough to feel like genuine mountain territory but accessible enough for weekend trips from the Tarentaise towns.