Refuge de la Balme

Refuge de la Balme (also known as the refuge communal de la Balme) is a mountain refuge in the French Alps, located in the Savoie department on the territory of the commune of Aime-la-Plagne, in the Beaufortain massif. It sits at an altitude of 2,009 metres, at the foot of the Pierra Menta and near other notable peaks such as the pointe de Gargan, the Roignais, the mont Rosset and the roc de la Charbonnière. The refuge is owned by the commune of Aime-la-Plagne, making it a public, municipally operated mountain facility rather than a private commercial hotel. The refuge occupies a strategic position on major hiking itineraries. It lies on the GR5 long-distance footpath and on the GRP Tour du Beaufortain, and it is a staging point on the route leading to the cols du Grand Fond via the refuge de Presset, as well as toward the col de Bresson and the col du Mont-Rosset. Because of this location, it serves as a base camp for hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Tarentaise and Beaufortain ranges. Operationally, the refuge is guarded (staffed) roughly from mid-June to mid-September, the main summer hiking season. Outside that period it remains open all year as an unguarded shelter, offering basic accommodation and protection to mountaineers and skiers. In winter, would-be guests are asked to contact the guardian, who maintains a booking schedule and gives priority to the earliest callers. The refuge offers dormitory-style mountain accommodation, meals and refreshments typical of French alpine refuges, and it is a starting point for numerous hikes, climbs and outdoor activities. Its official website provides information on access, activities, a photo gallery, rates and contact details. As a communal refuge, its purpose is to support mountain sports and public access to the high mountains rather than to generate commercial profit.

Refuge de la Balme is a mountain refuge in the French Alps, in the Savoie department. It is located on the territory of the commune of Aime-la-Plagne, in the Beaufortain massif, at an altitude of 2,009 metres, at the foot of the Pierra Menta and near the pointe de Gargan, the Roignais, the mont Rosset and the roc de la Charbonnière. The refuge is owned by the commune of Aime-la-Plagne, which makes it a communal (municipally owned) mountain facility. Its position places it on the GR5 long-distance hiking trail and on the GRP Tour du Beaufortain. It also lies on the route leading to the cols du Grand Fond via the refuge de Presset, and toward the col de Bresson and the col du Mont-Rosset. This makes it a key staging post and base camp for hikers, climbers and other outdoor users crossing the Tarentaise and Beaufortain ranges. The refuge is guarded (staffed) for roughly the period from mid-June to mid-September each year, corresponding to the main summer hiking season. Outside this period it remains open all year round, providing shelter and basic comfort. In winter, prospective guests are asked to contact the guardian, who keeps an up-to-date schedule so that everyone can find space, with priority given to the first callers. As a communal refuge, it is part of the network of alpine refuges that support public access to the mountains. Its official website presents information about the refuge, its activities, a photo gallery, access routes, contact details and rates. The available sources do not record a precise founding date or a named founder, so these details are not asserted here.

A public, municipally owned alpine refuge serving hikers and mountaineers on the GR5 and Tour du Beaufortain, valued for its high-altitude location at the foot of the Pierra Menta.

• Guarded summer accommodation

  Dormitory-style lodging with meals during the guarded season, roughly mid-June to mid-September.

• Year-round shelter

  The refuge remains open all year to provide shelter and basic comfort outside the guarded season.

• Winter booking via guardian

  Winter stays require contacting the guardian, who maintains a schedule and prioritises the first callers.

1. 1Le Refuge de La Balme à La Côte d'Aime en Tarentaise – Savoierefuge-balme-tarentaise.fr
2. 2Refuge de la Balme (Savoie) – Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org
3. 3Refuge de la Balme – Wikidatawikidata.org