Refuge de Tête Rousse
1.5
3,165m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Tête Rousse sits at 3,165m on the normal route to Mont Blanc from the Italian side. You reach it from the Montenvers area by hiking 4–5 hours from the Maison du Tourisme in Saint-Gervais (France) or from Courmayeur (Italy) via Val Veny—count on 5–6 hours from either base. The approach crosses alpine meadow and scree; the path is well-marked but gains 1,000m of elevation.
The refuge has 72 beds split across several dormitory rooms and offers half-board (dinner and breakfast included) or room-only rates. Meals are substantial mountain food designed to fuel climbers. Water comes from snowmelt. The hut sits on the standard Mont Blanc traverse and acclimatizes climbers for the 4,808m summit push. It opens mid-June through September, depending on snow conditions. Check before planning winter or shoulder-season visits.
Book 3–4 months ahead for July and August; June and September fill more slowly. Contact the hut directly by email or phone. Arrive by mid-afternoon to eat dinner with other climbers and rest before an early alpine start. The hut fills on good-weather weekends. Solo climbers should expect shared dormitories.
The refuge has 72 beds split across several dormitory rooms and offers half-board (dinner and breakfast included) or room-only rates. Meals are substantial mountain food designed to fuel climbers. Water comes from snowmelt. The hut sits on the standard Mont Blanc traverse and acclimatizes climbers for the 4,808m summit push. It opens mid-June through September, depending on snow conditions. Check before planning winter or shoulder-season visits.
Book 3–4 months ahead for July and August; June and September fill more slowly. Contact the hut directly by email or phone. Arrive by mid-afternoon to eat dinner with other climbers and rest before an early alpine start. The hut fills on good-weather weekends. Solo climbers should expect shared dormitories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July–August, especially if climbing Mont Blanc; shoulder seasons (June, September) need 4–6 weeks notice. Contact by phone or check rifugi.net for availability.
Open June through September; fully staffed during peak season (July–August). Shoulder months may have reduced hours—confirm dates before traveling.
From Courmayeur (Italy), hike 5–6 hours via Val Veny; from Saint-Gervais (France), 4–5 hours via Montenvers. The route gains 1,000m through alpine meadow and scree on a well-marked path.
Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard; room-only options available. Expect basic dormitory accommodation with 72 beds total; showers are typically available but may have limited hot water—confirm amenities when booking.
Not ideal for beginners—the 1,000m elevation gain and altitude (3,165m) demand solid fitness and acclimatization. It's designed for Mont Blanc climbers and experienced hikers; families with young children should consider lower valley refuges first.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 72
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 50 58 24 97
- Website
- https://www.refugeteterousse.ffcam.fr/