Temporary restrictions on Mont Blanc refuge

The prefect of Haute-Savoie took the action after the Mayor of Saint-Gervais Jean-Marc Peillex warned of overcrowding at the refuge, and accused department officials of not enforcing the laws and regulations regarding Mont Blanc access and reservations at the mountain refuges. The operators of the Gouter are now required to communicate with the prefect of Haute-Savoie and the Mayor of Saint-Gervais on a daily basis about the state of reservations at the mountain hut.

After the eight day period of restrictions, there is a possibility of the order being renewed, depending on how the situation progresses. It was previously reported in June that the Gouter refuge had reached maximum capacity for the summer season, with all 13,000 nights already reserved. Those without a booking will need to hope for cancellations to free up beds if they wish to tackle Western Europe's highest peak by the standard route.