Refuge de la Balme

Refuge de la Balme is a backcountry alpine hut on the commune of La Côte d’Aime in Tarentaise (Savoie), at 2009 m altitude. It sits on the GR5 and on the variant of the Tour du Beaufortin, at the foot of Pierra-Menta, and works as a base for hikes, climbs, and other outdoor outings in summer and winter.

Winter stays require contacting the warden for the seasonal plan so there’s a place. The hut is typically staffed from mid-June to mid-September, but it remains open year-round for shelter and basic comfort.

Official website