Rifugio Des Alpes

Rifugio Des Alpes sits at 2,387m on the main hiking route between the Mont-Blanc and Gran Paradiso massifs. The standard approach is 4.5 hours from Courmayeur via the Val Veny trail, gaining 1,200m steadily through larch forest then alpine meadow. Most hikers use this hut as a waypoint on multi-day traverses rather than a destination itself.
The hut sleeps 80 in shared dorms and private rooms. Half-board is mandatory—expect simple mountain food, nothing fancy. There's a basic bar and small shop for last-minute supplies. Water comes from a spring; the toilet situation is basic but functional. The hut stays open from June through September, with July and August bringing full capacity most nights.
Book directly by phone or email at least 6 weeks ahead for July and August. June and September slots fill 3 weeks in advance. Expect to pay around €35-40 per person for half-board. The hut is family-friendly and doesn't require technical climbing experience, making it popular with walkers doing the classic multi-day routes. Confirm your arrival time when you book—the kitchen closes at 19:00.