Refuge du Goûter
© FFCAM
The place
A high-mountain hut located in the Mont Blanc massif at 3,835 m altitude, on the Aiguille du Goûter (Haute-Savoie). Inaugurated in 2014, it is one of the highest staffed huts in Western Europe. It stands close to the normal route up Mont Blanc and is the last stage before the summit. Ovoid in shape and clad in stainless steel, it was designed to be energy self-sufficient thanks to solar panels and a snow-melting system. Booking is mandatory to stay there.
Getting there
Point de départ : gare TMB du Nid d'Aigle (Tramway du Mont Blanc), 2372 m d'altitude (45.859157 N, 6.798293 E). Le refuge se situe sur l'itinéraire normal d'ascension du Mont-Blanc, au-dessus du Grand Couloir. La préfecture de Haute-Savoie impose de se munir du document justificatif envoyé lors de la réservation, à présenter avec une pièce d'identité à l'arrivée.
The setting
Le refuge est situé dans un site classé du Mont-Blanc où le camping et le bivouac sont interdits par arrêté ministériel.
A bit of history
#### ️ Refuge du Goûter: Heritage and Evolution Chronicle of a Mountain: Founded in 1854, the Refuge du Goûter, set against the Aiguille of the same name, has evolved through the ages. With its 2013 inauguration, the new 120-bed modern building took over, continuing to captivate mountaineers and high-mountain enthusiasts. #### ️ Location and Route At the Heart of the Alps: Located in the French Haute-Savoie, the hut majestically overlooks the Mont Blanc massif. A demanding five-hour journey from the Nid d'Aigle finally reveals the hut. A Perilous Passage: The infamous "couloir of death" demands caution and respect for the mountain, a constant challenge against the elements. #### ️ The Architecture of the Future Constructive Innovation: The new hut, all curves and stainless steel, embodies a feat of engineering. This four-level structure aspires to energy self-sufficiency. A Design Against the Elements: Built to withstand the assaults of the climate, the hut is an icon of resilience, comfort and environmental respect, nestled at 3,835 metres of altitude. #### ️ Gateway to the Skies Legendary Routes: The Goûter opens the way to Mont Blanc, offering mountaineers the privileged passage to conquer the roof of Europe via the royal route. #### Praise and Merit Acclaim: A bouquet of awards honours this architectural gem, which cleverly blends technology and ecology, notably with the Iconic Award and the Green Building Solutions Awards. #### An Icon in the Collective Imagination Beyond the Walls: Through the pages of Roger Frison-Roche's epic novels, the hut lives on in readers' hearts, a symbol of adventure and timeless exploration. #### To Extend the Adventure Altitude Reading: "Le refuge du Goûter, 3 835 m, Mont-Blanc" by Éliane Patriarca and Pascal Tournaire reveals the secrets of a place where humans and nature defy time.
A word from the warden
Gardien coordonnateur : Antoine Rattin. Extrait de son mot : « Ici tout est hors norme : l'altitude, la météo, la capacité d'accueil, les contraintes... ». Une équipe motivée assure au quotidien la logistique dans des conditions d'altitude et une météo imprévisible. Repas du soir servi de 18h30 à 19h30, petits-déjeuners à 2h ou 7h selon les départs. Pas d'eau courante dans les sanitaires en période gardée aux heures de pointe. Contact refuge : +33 4 23 36 13 93 (8h-17h).
What you'll find
Good to know
- Booking mandatory. - Additional sleeping information: For hygiene reasons, individual sleeping-bag liners are mandatory. On sale at the hut for 10 euros
