When do bookings open for the Refuge du Goûter?

Bookings generally open in late March or early April for the summer season (mid-June to mid-September). The exact opening date is posted on refuges.ffcam.fr. Places fill very quickly in the first hours — logging in at opening is strongly recommended.

How many places does the Refuge du Goûter have?

The Refuge du Goûter has approximately 120–130 places total. Some are reserved for guided rope teams (bookings made by guide companies). The rest are open to the public via the FFCAM platform.

What if the Refuge du Goûter is full?

Several options: join the waitlist via the platform, check for cancellations (places regularly become available), or consider climbing via Tête Rousse with a bivouac or a shorter night. Do not attempt the climb without a confirmed booking in peak season.

Can you cancel a hut booking?

Cancellation and refund conditions are detailed when you book on refuges.ffcam.fr. In case of bad weather or conditions preventing your climb, huts can sometimes adapt their policy — verify directly with the hut.

Do CAF members get a discount?

Yes, members of the French Alpine Club (CAF) get reduced rates at CAF-staffed huts, including the Refuge du Goûter. Annual CAF membership is available on ffcam.fr and also includes mountain insurance.

Is it possible to arrive at the hut without a booking?

In peak season (July-August), arriving without a booking is strongly discouraged. The hut can deny access if all places are occupied. Outside peak periods, dormitory places may be available on arrival — check with the hut the day before.

Huts • Logistics

Booking the Refuge du Goûter: Practical Guide

Published May 30, 2026 · Updated July 5, 2026

Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix

The Refuge du Goûter (3,835 m) is the essential stop on the normal route up Mont Blanc. Its capacity is limited, demand is very high in peak season, and bookings are exclusively online. Here's how to proceed, when to book, and what to do if all places are taken.

3,835 m

Hut elevation

≈ 120–130

Total places (to verify)

Apr.

Booking opens

FFCAM

Official manager

Procedure

Book in 5 Steps

Go to the official booking platform

The Refuge du Goûter is managed by the French Alpine Club (CAF). Bookings are exclusively online via refuges.ffcam.fr — no telephone bookings are accepted in normal periods.

refuges.ffcam.fr

Create an account or log in

An account on the FFCAM platform is required. Account creation takes just a few minutes. If you have already used the platform for another hut, your account works directly.

Choose dates and party size

Specify the night you want (usually the night before your summit attempt) and the number of people in your rope team. The hut offers half-board (dinner + breakfast) included.

Pay online

The booking is confirmed by online payment. The exact amount must be verified on refuges.ffcam.fr — it varies slightly year to year and according to your status (CAF member or non-member).

Keep the confirmation

Print or save the confirmation on your phone. It may be requested when you arrive at the hut. Arrive before 6 PM to avoid losing your place.

Critical timing

Places fill within a few hours on opening day.

In peak season (July-August), booking opens create fierce competition. The exact opening date is published in advance on refuges.ffcam.fr and on CAF social media. Prepare your account and payment information in advance so you're ready the moment bookings open. refuges.ffcam.fr.

What's included

What comes with your booking

Dinner

Hot meal on your arrival evening. Essential for recovery before your summit attempt.

Breakfast

Served early morning (around 3–4 AM) for a nocturnal start to the summit.

Dormitory bed

Shared dormitory accommodation (no private rooms). Bring earplugs and a sleep mask.

Water

Water available at the hut. Capacity to heat water varies depending on occupancy.

Price to check on refuges.ffcam.fr — different rate depending on CAF membership status.

Alternatives

Other huts on the Mont Blanc route

Refuge de Tête Rousse (3,167 m)

First stage from Saint-Gervais. Useful for acclimatization at 3,000 m before climbing to Goûter.

Capacité : 76 placesRéservation : refuges.ffcam.fr — same platform

Generally less in demand than Goûter, easier to obtain.

Refuge des Cosmiques (3,613 m)

For the Trois Monts route from the Aiguille du Midi. Different hut, Chamonix side.

Capacité : To verifyRéservation : Direct booking with Refuge des Cosmiques — verify with the source.

Very high demand in peak season.

The Mont Blanc Huts page presents all the huts on the normal route and their characteristics. Torn between Goûter and Tête Rousse? See the detailed Goûter vs Tête Rousse comparison to choose the best stage for your itinerary.

Crisis situation

The hut is full — what now?

1. Sign up for the waitlist via the refuges.ffcam.fr platform. Cancellations happen regularly, especially in the 10–15 days before your date.

2. Consider the Trois Monts route from the Aiguille du Midi, with a night at Refuge des Cosmiques — an alternative with separate booking and independent availability.

3. Shift your dates The first half of June and the second half of August are generally less in demand than the first two weeks of August.

4. Hire a guide Guide companies like the Chamonix or Saint-Gervais Guide Company have a reserved quota of places. Booking via a guide can give you access to dates otherwise unavailable. Consulter l'annuaire

Frequently asked