© Summit Post
Vallot Refuge & Bivouac (4362m), Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Small bivvy hut situated between Dome du Gouter and Mont Blanc
Open all year this very basic, unguarded hut sleeps up to 12 people (although in busy periods there tend to be a few overspilling onto the benches and floor areas!).
At an altitude of 4362 metres this is one of the last places you can stop on the way to tackle the summit of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. More of a small bivvy hut than an actual refuge the facilities are basic and it is meant for emergency use rather than a planned nights stop, mainly for climbers in trouble or taking on longer routes in the area.
Although in a fantastic remote spot here are a few things to think about if you end up near this hut!
- It is officially not allowed to plan a bivy there, the hut is reserved for climbers in a case of emergency (think about it!)
- The hut is totally remote, if the weather is changing, you are caught in a bad place
- Located at an high altitude of 4.362m - if you are not well acclimatised you'll have some problems the next day
- The hut is sometimes very dirty
You are asked to pay a small fee per night if you do use the hut to go toward upkeep and maintenance of this emergency site.
