Refuge de la Combe (hiver)

The place

Beds planned: 13 Beds on mattresses: 13 Former alpine chalet built in 1867. Small house with an upper floor under the eaves used as a dormitory. - the fountain at the back of the refuge is only open when the staffed refuge is open. So you need to go to the [->1901], - a stove, - wood supply and forest 300m away, saw absent as of May 2018, axe, - about 8 mattresses but no blankets, - very few dishes, - a small sanitary area with sink and tap (water cut off out of season) - toilets in the building next door (can sometimes be closed...). *Warning: as long as the neighbouring refuge is open (or alpine herders are present), this cabin is CLOSED. In practical terms this means it's only accessible from October to the end of May* Located right next to the [->71] (staffed in summer) Various possible access routes: Lathuile: (Route de Saury / Montgelaz), difficulty: medium, 2h walk Chevaline (from the Northeast): (Route du moulin), difficulty: easy, 2h walk Bellecombe en Bauges (from the West): (Mont Devant), difficulty: easy, 2h30 walk. However, you pass via the [->4337] (see fact sheet) which can be problematic when snowy. In summer it's well secured, but in case of ice or snow it can be intimidating or even tricky. From Les Monts Devant, continue for a short km to reach the Reposoir car park. Then head to the Col de Bornette then Les Ailes du Nant. A path climbs through the forest to join the GR path that takes you to the pass in question, cut into the rock, which leads you to the Monts du Charbon. Compote en Bauges (from the Southwest): 2h30 walk then joins the previous route at the Col de Bornette. Refuge located to the right of the buildings used as a refuge in summer (these other buildings are closed outside the staffed period, except for the toilets, accessible year-round - well, generally...).