It was first built in the 19th century and reconstructed many times until it was built anew in 2013, so it can accommodate the increasing number of climbers trying to climb Mont Blanc. The new iteration is designed to adapt to extreme weather conditions, looking like a space station. The capacity has been greatly improved, with the hut now able to house up to 120 mountaineers. It is usually open from the end of May to the beginning of October, depending on the conditions.

Service-wise, they’re similar to the Tête Rousse Hut. They offer half-board service, and they also don’t have running water, which you can then buy in plastic bottles. If you want additional food or drinks, they have some quite basic mountaineering meals without extravagance. If you are staying in this hut, we strongly recommend that you drink enough water, because it will lessen the chance of getting altitude sickness.

The hut is reached by a 3-hour, 900 m elevation gain hike from Nid d’Aigle, the highest train station of Tramway du Mont-Blanc. Although sleeping here adds an extra few hours to reach the summit on the next day, the hut has more sleeping space and is a safer starting point to avoid the rockfall of the Grand Couloir, which is more prevalent later in the day.

The hut can accommodate up to 72 people in rooms and dormitories in the summer season. A base camp on the snowfield next to the hut was built in 2019, where it is also possible to spend the night (with prior reservation). Besides the half-board meals included for our tour, the hut also offers other meals and drinks and can even make you a lunch package for the hike. Keep in mind that they do not cater to food restrictions. The hut is also too high for running water, so we should bring our own or buy it in the hut.

It was officially opened in 1985, and rebuilt again in 2006 into today’s shape, making it possible to be open in winter too. Each year, it opens its doors in early spring for ski mountaineering, closing again in mid-May. From June until September it is used as a resting place for classic ascents and hikes in the Gran Paradiso National Park.

It is privately run by a friendly Italian hospitality crew, making your night here cosy, even though sleeping at elevation could be a little uncomfortable. It is one of the rare huts at this elevation with running water that is also drinkable, so you can even take a shower. They also provide you with slippers to use in the rooms or dormitories, where we’ll stay depending on availability.

The best part of the hut is definitely their dining room. In true Italian fashion, they serve all kinds of delicious meals, including desserts, served with creamy espresso coffee. They also offer other non-alcoholic drinks, while beer and wine are always available for an evening toast after a successful day.

After coming down from comfortable rooms equipped with an LCD TV, free WiFi, and a private bathroom, start the day with its hearty breakfast made from regional fresh produce. And after coming down from the alpine peaks, relax in the rejuvenating spa, lounge full of mountain-inspired books, or a green courtyard facing Mont Blanc.

The rooms all have private bathrooms, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and most of them even the view of the mountains. And when you are tired after a long day in the mountains, relax in the cosy setting of the hotel bar and enjoy a well-deserved drink.

It offers both B&B and half-board options, making it an excellent place to stay if you want to explore more of Chamonix. And if you want to relax, visit its Bar & Bistro and chill on the outdoor terrace with the views of the lovely town.