Chalet de l'Eau Froide

Chalet de l'Eau Froide is a small, unstaffed mountain hut in the Bauges area (elevation 1621 m). It’s managed locally by the commune of Giez and is meant for self-reliant backcountry overnights on a first-come, first-served basis—there’s no bed reservation system.

Inside there’s a single room with a table and bench seating, plus a wood stove. Use is free, but you need to bring your own sleeping setup; there’s no built-in bedding (there’s only floor space for sleeping). Wood is provided as cut boards for the stove, and you’ll find dry toilets on site (installed around 2022).

For water, a nearby fountain at the front of an active shepherd’s area can be used for top-ups, though it may not flow strongly in winter and early spring. Plan to pack out your trash and expect a basic “shelter” setup rather than a staffed facility.