European Alps FAQ: More Trips and Huts
On this page: Summer Haute Route | Tour du Mont Blanc | Hut System
Summer Haute Route
The summer version of the Haute Route uses many of the same huts as the ski touring Haute Route. Since trekkers descend by foot the summer trek takes more time. You'll have the chance to see wild flowers and animals including ibex.
The summer version also allows you to visit towns such as the picturesque mountain village of Grimentz.
There are several variations to the Haute Route. During our standard trek, known as the walker's variation, you'll only cross one glacier and you do not need any technical experience or equipment. Average daily walking time is approximately 7 hours.
If you are interested in a more technical variation that crosses several glaciers and requires crampons and an ice axe, please contact us for pricing and availability.
Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a fantastic summer trek. You'll experience all sides of the majestic Mont Blanc and spend nights in France, Italy and Switzerland.
The lodging on this trek combines high altitude mountain huts, village huts (known as "gîtes") and bed and breakfast inns.
This trek passes by many glaciers but you won't need to cross them.
Mountain Huts
What is the hut system?
The hut system is similar in both France and Switzerland. Most huts were built by local sections of the national mountain clubs for the benefit of mountaineers. Today the huts are used by mountaineers, trekkers, and hikers.
When can I use the huts?
Anyone can stay in the huts and reservations are always recommended. The huts remain open all year, but for the fall and much of the winter there is no one running the huts and only a small part of them remain open. This part of the building is know as the "local d'hiver" (winter section). The huts are fully open with meals and staff during the ski touring season (mid-March through mid-May) and during the summer (mid-June through mid-September).
What is it like in the huts?
The huts are about communal living for adventure seekers who enjoy the remote high-alpine environment but also enjoy the comfort of a warm meal and a warm bed. Inside there is a foyer for you to leave your boots. There is also a main communal room for visitors to hang out and eat. The huts have a kitchen used by the staff to prepare meals and some huts have a small area where you can prepare your own food. The rest of the hut is used for sleeping with various rooms all equiped with bunk beds. You can expect a soft matress and blankets. You should bring a personal sleeping bag liner.
What is the food like? What can I purchase in the huts?
While staffed and during our guided tours dinner and breakfast are included. Dinner usually consists of soup, a stew or pasta, and desert. For breakfast you can expect bread, butter, and jam along with your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Between meals you can purchase snacks and you can also purchase beverages including beers and local wines.
Where can I learn more about the huts? Where can I see images of the exteriors and interiors?
Here are links for some of the huts where you might stay (all websites are in French):
