Tour Du Mont Blanc Refuges: Experience Authentic Alpine Accommodation
As you traverse through the stunning landscapes in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc refuges await you as welcoming havens. These rustic accommodations offer a unique and authentic Alpine experience, providing respite and camaraderie amidst the challenging trails.
As you prepare for your trek, it's good to get a glimpse of the mountain lifestyle and experience in the heart of the European Alps. This way, you know what to expect when you're on the trail.
Without further ado, here's the low down on the Tour du Mont Blanc accommodation.
Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges - What to Expect
Staying in the mountain huts and hotels will likely be among your most unforgettable experiences during your trek.
These accommodations offer simple yet delicious home-cooked meals, cosy sleeping areas, and a welcoming atmosphere for sharing stories with fellow trekkers after dinner.
Comforts and Amenities
The mountain huts/hotels you'll stay in are generally dormitory-style, with shared bathrooms and bunk beds complete with pillows and blankets.
Despite their rustic nature, most accommodations provide essential amenities such as electricity and showers.
Showers are available everywhere but can be time-limited and unreliable in some places, particularly at the more remote refuges.
Meals in the refuges are included in your trip price, and you can buy extra drinks and snacks from them as needed.
Electricity and WiFi are usually available, although we recommend that you disconnect and fully embrace the remote feel of your adventure.
In general, remember the Tour du Mont Blanc refuges are all very remote. Some of them receive supplies via helicopter once a week. So, it won't be quite the same as staying in a typical hotel or hostel.
Tip: For hygienic reasons, we recommend taking a thin and light sleeping bag liner on your trip. Also, bring a sleep mask and earplugs in case your neighbours snore!
See the full packing list for the Tour du Mont Blanc here.
Get the genuine experience
Mountain Cuisine
Mont Blanc Refuges offer two booking options, demi-pension or bed-only (some refuges do not have a bed-only option). Skyhook's trips are booked demi-pension, which means your price will include a hearty dinner and breakfast.
Typical meals are traditional alpine cuisine prepared with local ingredients, giving you a taste of the region's gastronomic delights. Savour hearty mountain specialities, such as raclette, fondue, or tartiflette, and replenish your energy for the upcoming trekking challenges.
Only water is included with meals at the refuges. So, be sure to bring extra cash to buy soft drinks, beer, or great-value wine on offer at these stops.
Many hikers are pleasantly surprised by excellent food and wine along the way. If you are doing a guided trek through Skyhook, the guides often go out of their way to surprise guests with special meals or treats to celebrate events.
Unforgettable Views
Waking up in a Tour du Mont Blanc refuge is a truly magical experience. As you draw open the curtains or step outside, you'll be greeted by jaw-dropping vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and cascading glaciers.
Each refuge boasts its own unique panoramas, revealing the grandeur of the Mont Blanc massif and its surrounding valleys. Taking in these beautiful surroundings with your morning cup of coffee/ tea is a real treat!
Hut Etiquette
Some of the mountain huts can accommodate over 70 trekkers at a time. Keeping this in mind, it's important to respect the space and belongings of other trekkers.
It's standard practice to leave your filthy hiking boots outside the door. The refuges are very strict about this (understandably so) and provide Crocs for you to use.
If you don't like sharing shoes, we suggest you bring your own sandals/ house shoes.
Overview of the Tour du Mont Blanc Huts
On the 4-day Tour du Mont Blanc trek, you stay in various accommodations, each offering unique experiences and opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Alps.
Here's a brief overview of your itinerary and where you'll be staying:
Night 1: Rifugio Bonatti - Remote location with awesome views, showers, and dormitory-style rooms.
Night 2: Refuge d'Arpette - Mountain views, showers, and 6-8 person dormitory rooms.
Night 3: Auberge Du Mont Blanc - Mountain views, an awesome bar and garden, showers, and 6-8 person dormitory rooms.
How to Make a Tour du Mont Blanc Refuge Booking
The great thing about booking a tour through Skyhook is that all of your accommodation for Tour du Mont Blanc is taken care of.
Because space in the mountain huts is limited (and places fill up fast), we recommend booking your trip more than two months out.
However, occasionally, you can still find a last-minute space on one of our tours (check available dates here).
If you are hiking Tour du Mont Blanc unguided, it's worth getting your accommodation plans in order well and making your hut bookings before the trekking season starts. You can expect to pay around €55pp for a bed for the night and meals.
