Refuge d'Argentière
1.7
2,771m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge d'Argentière sits at 2,771m on the north side of Mont Blanc, deep in the Grandes Jorasses cirque. Reach it from Courmayeur via the Val Veny trail: the approach takes 4–5 hours on foot from the roadhead at Lago di Maison. The path climbs steadily through alpine pasture, then scree and moraines, with no technical difficulty. Most trekkers use this hut as a base for crossing Mont Blanc or accessing the Brèche de la Tour and Crête de la Noire ridges.
The hut holds 94 beds in shared dorms. Half-board is mandatory: dinner and breakfast included, lunch available. The refuge runs May through September. Water comes from snowmelt and is reliable until late summer. Toilets and washing facilities are basic—expect cold water only. The kitchen serves traditional Val d'Aosta food. The hut operates under Italian management and sits on the main GTA (Grande Traversata delle Alpi) route.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; these months fill 8–10 weeks in advance. June, September, and early October have more availability. Phone ahead to confirm exact opening dates in spring and weather conditions in autumn. Cell signal is unreliable; plan on calling from Courmayeur before your trip. Expect to pay cash or arrange payment before arrival.
The hut holds 94 beds in shared dorms. Half-board is mandatory: dinner and breakfast included, lunch available. The refuge runs May through September. Water comes from snowmelt and is reliable until late summer. Toilets and washing facilities are basic—expect cold water only. The kitchen serves traditional Val d'Aosta food. The hut operates under Italian management and sits on the main GTA (Grande Traversata delle Alpi) route.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; these months fill 8–10 weeks in advance. June, September, and early October have more availability. Phone ahead to confirm exact opening dates in spring and weather conditions in autumn. Cell signal is unreliable; plan on calling from Courmayeur before your trip. Expect to pay cash or arrange payment before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead during July–August, especially if you're timing a Mont Blanc crossing. Outside peak season, 2–4 weeks is usually sufficient. Contact the hut directly by phone or check rifugio.it for availability.
It typically operates June through September, with full staffing July–August. Shoulder months may have limited services; confirm opening dates before you go.
Start from Courmayeur, drive to Lago di Maison roadhead in Val Veny, then hike 4–5 hours on the well-marked path climbing through pasture, scree, and moraines with no scrambling required.
It provides dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches in its 94-bed dorm arrangement. Ask about shower availability when booking, as hot water may be limited.
The approach is suitable for fit hikers with mountain experience but not technical; families with older children (12+) who can manage 4–5 hours of altitude gain will manage it. It's primarily geared toward serious trekkers doing Mont Blanc or ridge routes, not casual day visitors.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 94
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 7 50 70 57 33
- Website
- https://refugedargentiere.ffcam.fr/