Refuge de Plan Saint-Jean
1.2
Vaud Alps, Switzerland
About
Refuge de Plan Saint-Jean sits at 2,451m on the border between Valais and the Vaud Alps, reached via the Col de la Forclaz de Montmin. The approach from Montmin takes 2 hours on foot, climbing through open alpine meadows and scree. Winter access is often complicated by snow and avalanche risk; plan accordingly or ask locally before heading up.
This is a small refuge—10 beds across simple dormitory space. It's staffed seasonally and provides drinking water from a spring. Meals aren't listed as available, so bring your own food. There's no electricity, no WiFi, and minimal facilities beyond basic shelter. The refuge works well as a staging point for mountaineering routes on the Mont-Blanc massif approaches or as a high camp for ridge traverses in the region. Summer is the reliable season; winter visits require mountain experience and current snow conditions knowledge.
Book by phone directly with the refuge keeper. Get the number from the SAC/CAS hut database or your guidebook before you go—there's no internet access on-site to sort things out later. July and August fill quickly; contact 3–4 months ahead for peak season. Shoulder seasons (June and September) are quieter but weather can shift fast at this elevation.
This is a small refuge—10 beds across simple dormitory space. It's staffed seasonally and provides drinking water from a spring. Meals aren't listed as available, so bring your own food. There's no electricity, no WiFi, and minimal facilities beyond basic shelter. The refuge works well as a staging point for mountaineering routes on the Mont-Blanc massif approaches or as a high camp for ridge traverses in the region. Summer is the reliable season; winter visits require mountain experience and current snow conditions knowledge.
Book by phone directly with the refuge keeper. Get the number from the SAC/CAS hut database or your guidebook before you go—there's no internet access on-site to sort things out later. July and August fill quickly; contact 3–4 months ahead for peak season. Shoulder seasons (June and September) are quieter but weather can shift fast at this elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call ahead to reserve—the hut has only 10 beds, so book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, longer during peak season (July–August).
The hut is staffed seasonally; plan on June to September, but confirm dates by phone before visiting.
Approach from Montmin via Col de la Forclaz de Montmin; the hike takes 2 hours and climbs through alpine meadows and scree to 2,451m.
The hut provides drinking water from a spring and simple dormitory beds; bring your own food or ask the guardian about meal options when you call.
The 2-hour approach is moderate and well-marked, but winter conditions and avalanche risk require experience—stick to summer and check conditions locally before going.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 10
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +41 21 843 91 35
- Website
- https://www.vallorbe.ch/fr/vieculturelle/refuges/?action=showobject&object_id=4546