Refuge de la Gittaz

Refuge de la Gittaz sits at 2,002m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, above the Vallée de la Tarentaise in Savoie. The standard approach from Bourg-Saint-Maurice takes 4–5 hours on foot, ascending via the hamlet of Nancroix. The path is clear but steep in sections, gaining 1,200m. From Grenoble, the drive to Bourg-Saint-Maurice is 2.5 hours, then the hut is reachable as a day walk or overnight trip. Winter access requires snowshoes or ski mountaineering depending on conditions.
The refuge operates as a small, working mountain shelter with 31 beds across several rooms. The warden cooks evening meals and breakfast daily during the season. The kitchen serves straightforward mountain food—you'll eat what's on the menu, not choose from options. Water comes from the mountain; there is no shower. The toilet is basic. The hut runs from June through September, with extended shoulder season weekends depending on snow. Groups should contact ahead.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email well ahead for summer weekends. July and early August are consistently busy; aim to reserve by late May. The hut is popular with climbers and ridge walkers heading into the Belledonne massif, and with families doing multi-day tours. Mid-week visits face far fewer crowds. Winter use is possible but confirm conditions with the warden first.