Refuge de la Fournache
1.2
2,363m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge de la Fournache sits at 2,363m on the border between Piedmont and the Haute-Savoie. Approach from the French side via Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or from Italy via the Val d'Aosta. From Sixt, the standard route climbs 1,100m in 4–5 hours to the hut. The Italian approach from Pré-Saint-Didier is longer and less common. Both routes are well-marked summer trails with no technical difficulty.
The refuge holds 50 beds across shared dorms. Meals are hearty and served family-style. The hut operates reliably from June through September, closing after the first heavy snow. Water comes from a spring; facilities are basic but well-maintained. Hot showers require advance notice. Most climbers use the hut as a base for traverses across the Mont-Blanc massif or as a stage on longer ridge walks in the Chaîne du Faucigny.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email—web booking is unreliable. July and August demand booking 2–3 months ahead. September and June have more flexibility but colder nights. The hut is managed independently, not by a major Alpine club, so contact them early and confirm water availability if you visit in late August or early September when springs sometimes run low.
The refuge holds 50 beds across shared dorms. Meals are hearty and served family-style. The hut operates reliably from June through September, closing after the first heavy snow. Water comes from a spring; facilities are basic but well-maintained. Hot showers require advance notice. Most climbers use the hut as a base for traverses across the Mont-Blanc massif or as a stage on longer ridge walks in the Chaîne du Faucigny.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email—web booking is unreliable. July and August demand booking 2–3 months ahead. September and June have more flexibility but colder nights. The hut is managed independently, not by a major Alpine club, so contact them early and confirm water availability if you visit in late August or early September when springs sometimes run low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (July–August); weekends fill faster than weekdays. Contact the hut directly by phone or email, or use rifugi.net for availability.
Open mid-June through September; staffing and services are reliable throughout the season, though weather can close access in shoulder months.
From Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (French side) is easiest: 4–5 hours, 1,100m elevation gain on a well-marked summer trail with no technical climbing. The Italian approach from Pré-Saint-Didier is longer and rarely used.
50 beds in shared dorms, hearty family-style meals at dinner and breakfast included with most stays. Bring your own towel; water is available but shower facilities are basic.
Yes—the French approach is straightforward hiking with no exposure, making it good for families and people new to hut walking. Start early to avoid arriving in poor light.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website