Refuge Jean-Antoine Carrel
1.5Rifugio Jean-Antoine Carrel
3,829m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Rifugio Jean-Antoine Carrel sits at 3,829m on the Italian normal route up Mont Blanc. Reach it from Val Veny via the Monzino Hut (2,590m) in 5–6 hours of steep hiking. The route crosses high meadows then enters scree and boulder terrain. The final 500m gains 400m elevation. In winter, access requires mountaineering skills and crampons.
The hut holds 60 beds across small shared rooms. Half-board is standard: dinner and breakfast included. The kitchen serves hearty pasta and polenta. Water comes from snowmelt; the hut has no shower. Solar panels provide limited power. The season runs mid-June to mid-September, with weather closures possible even in summer. Most guests sleep one night before climbing Mont Blanc the next morning (5–6 hours to the summit, 3 hours down).
Book 3–4 months ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly: email [email protected] or call +39 0165 89192. Weekends fill faster than weekdays. The hut accepts cash and card. Note: the climb from here to Mont Blanc is serious mountaineering, not a walk. Guides are available in Courmayeur if you need one.
The hut holds 60 beds across small shared rooms. Half-board is standard: dinner and breakfast included. The kitchen serves hearty pasta and polenta. Water comes from snowmelt; the hut has no shower. Solar panels provide limited power. The season runs mid-June to mid-September, with weather closures possible even in summer. Most guests sleep one night before climbing Mont Blanc the next morning (5–6 hours to the summit, 3 hours down).
Book 3–4 months ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly: email [email protected] or call +39 0165 89192. Weekends fill faster than weekdays. The hut accepts cash and card. Note: the climb from here to Mont Blanc is serious mountaineering, not a walk. Guides are available in Courmayeur if you need one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July–August, earlier if possible since capacity is limited to 60 beds and it's the main hub for Mont Blanc ascents. Use rifugio.net or contact the hut directly through cai.it.
Open late June through September; winter access (October–May) is possible only for experienced mountaineers with full alpine skills and is not a staffed season.
Start from Val Veny, pass through Monzino Hut (2,590m), then follow steep terrain over scree and boulders for 5–6 hours total; the final 500m is very steep, gaining 400m elevation in exposed terrain.
Half-board is standard (dinner and breakfast included); expect hearty pasta and polenta dishes. Beds are in small shared rooms; water is available, though showers are limited or absent at this altitude.
No—this is a mountaineer's hut, not beginner-friendly. The access route is technical and exposed; you need solid Alpine experience, good fitness, and comfort with scrambling and scree. It's purpose-built for Mont Blanc ascents, not casual hiking.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.guidedelcervino.com/capanna-carrel/