Photo Refuge de la Balme
Photo Refuge de la Balme
Photo Refuge de la Balme
Photo Refuge de la Balme
Photo Refuge de la Balme

Refuge de la Balme

LES CONTAMINES

  • 39 guests
  • 1706m
Located in the heart of Les Contamines-Montjoie, the Balme mountain refuge is much more than just a place for hikers to stay: it is a true family affair.
Now run by Michaël GUT, it continues the tradition started by his father and grandfather before him. With its friendly atmosphere and authentic character, the refuge embodies the spirit of hospitality and the passing on of family knowledge.

A mid-mountain refuge located at 1,706 metres, at the foot of the Aiguille de la Pennaz (2,668 metres), on the T.M.B., GR5, Tour du Beaufortain and Tour du Pays du Mont-Blanc trails.

The bivouac area is NOT managed by the refuge. It is located 200m from the refuge, with a water point and toilets nearby.


**PLEASE NOTE: When making your booking, be careful not to confuse this refuge with the Col de Balme refuge (Vallorcine/Argentière) or the communal refuge of La Balme in Beaufortain (73).**


Half board (overnight stay + dinner + breakfast + hot shower):

- 1 private charming room (one double bed + one bunk bed) minimum 2 people- maximum 4 people
- 5 shared dormitories (sleeping 4 to 13 people)

Lunch (12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), à la carte, homemade desserts, drinks, local Mont Blanc beers.

Homemade picnic to take away.

Availability calendar

Clic on the calendar to book

Available Last seats available Full or closed Not available for online booking (please contact the mountain hut)
Michael GUT (gardien) / Pauline JANAND (aide gardienne)

Continue your itinerary

Tour of Mont Blanc in an anti-clockwise direction
Auberge-Refuge de la Nova
  • 04 h 34 mn
  • 10.4 km
  • 800m D+ / 958m D-
Les Chambres du Soleil
  • 04 h 35 mn
  • 10.8 km
  • 804m D+ / 959m D-
Refuge des Mottets
  • 06 h 08 mn
  • 17.1 km
  • 1213m D+ / 1052m D-
Clockwise tour of Mont Blanc
Refuge des Prés
  • 00 h 58 mn
  • 2.3 km
  • 268m D+ / 43m D-
Gîte le Pontet
  • 01 h 36 mn
  • 5.6 km
  • 28m D+ / 557m D-
Gîte Les Mélèzes
  • 01 h 55 mn
  • 6.8 km
  • 30m D+ / 576m D-
La Ferme à Piron
  • 02 h 01 mn
  • 7.1 km
  • 26m D+ / 576m D-
Auberge du Truc
  • 03 h 21 mn
  • 11.8 km
  • 616m D+ / 605m D-
Gîte Michel Fagot
  • 06 h 36 mn
  • 23.1 km
  • 966m D+ / 1664m D-
Chalet Les Méandres (ex Tupilak)
  • 07 h 33 mn
  • 26.5 km
  • 1152m D+ / 1689m D-

Location and nearby services

Tour du Mont-Blanc stage: LES CONTAMINES Direct access to the TMB and GR5 trails Right next to shops and transport

View the full map

Practical information

- Private room with double bed, half board: €180 + €80 per additional person
- Dormitories for 4 to 6 people, half board: €75 per person
- Dormitory for 12 people, half board: €68 per person
- Camper pack WITHOUT ACCOMMODATION (dinner + shower + breakfast): €45 per person

1h30 depuis le parking de Notre-Dame de la Gorge (distance: 4km, dénivelé: 496m)
2h20 depuis le village des Contamines (distance: 8 km)
2h depuis le col du Bonhomme

SUMMER 2026 TIMETABLE ( from June 13 to September 13 inclusive)

Dinner: 6.30pm
Breakfast: 7am

We recommend arriving by 5.30pm at the latest to ensure a smooth check-in.
If you have any special dietary requirements (allergies, etc.), please let us know in the comments section when you make your booking.

**PLEASE NOTE: When making your booking, please be careful not to confuse us with the Col de Balme refuge (Vallorcine/Argentière) or the Balme Tarentaise communal refuge in Beaufortain (73).**

For the well-being of all and to combat bedbugs, shoes, rucksacks and luggage are not allowed in the dormitories. There is a room dedicated to their storage. You can take the items you need for the night to your rooms using transport boxes.

Other nearby shelters

View the map See all shelters and lodges
Auberge du Truc

Auberge du Truc

Les Contamines-Montjoie
La Ferme à Piron

La Ferme à Piron

Les Contamines-Montjoie
Gîte Les Mélèzes

Gîte Les Mélèzes

Les Contamines-Montjoie
Gîte le Pontet

Gîte le Pontet

Les Contamines-Montjoie
Refuge de Nant Borrant

Refuge de Nant Borrant

Les Contamines-Montjoie
Refuge des Prés

Refuge des Prés

Les Contamines-Montjoie
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