Refuge du Col de Balme
On the border ridge at 2191 m, with the whole Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc massif laid out ahead — the classic first sight of the range on the way home.
On the border ridge at 2191 m, with the whole Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc massif laid out ahead — the classic first sight of the range on the way home. Basic, atmospheric, and unbeatable at sunrise.
The place
On the border ridge at 2191 m, with France on one side and Switzerland on the other, and the entire Chamonix valley laid out below — the Aiguilles, the Drus, the Mer de Glace, and Mont Blanc closing the far end. It is the classic first sight of the massif on the way home, and it stops most people in their tracks.
The refuge itself is old, basic and full of character, with a stove and not much in the way of comfort. Staying is worth it for one reason: sunrise. Being at 2191 m when the light comes onto the Mont Blanc range is the kind of thing people plan whole trips around, and here it is simply what happens if you booked a bunk. Bring cash and low expectations of the plumbing.
Getting there
| Leg | Distance | Elevation | Trail runner | Fit / sportive | Multiday hiker | Relaxed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From Refuge Le Peuty | 4.4 km | +842 / −0 m | 1h07 | 1h39 | 2h11 | 2h37 |
| To Gîte d'Alpage Les Ecuries de Charamillon | 2 km | +24 / −155 m | 0h21 | 0h29 | 0h37 | 0h45 |
Booking
This stop is not on the Tour du Mont-Blanc booking portal — it takes its own reservations, so there is no live availability for it in the planner. Contact it directly, early: the well-known ones fill months ahead.
Other places to stay nearby
- Gîte d'Alpage Les Ecuries de Charamillon Gîte · 1950 m
2.0 km further along the Tour, at 1950 m. Bookable on the Tour du Mont-Blanc portal, so the planner shows its availability night by night. - Gîte Saint Louis Gîte · 1300 m
3.1 km further along the Tour, at 1300 m. Bookable on the Tour du Mont-Blanc portal, so the planner shows its availability night by night. - Gîte Mermoud Gîte · 1300 m
3.9 km further along the Tour, at 1300 m. Bookable on the Tour du Mont-Blanc portal, so the planner shows its availability night by night. - Refuge Le Peuty Refuge · 1328 m
4.4 km back down the Tour, at 1328 m. Bookable on the Tour du Mont-Blanc portal, so the planner shows its availability night by night.
For when this stop is full. These book themselves and are not on the Tour du Mont-Blanc portal — contact each directly and confirm before you rely on it.
Stages passing this stop
Plan your Tour du Mont Blanc
Free planner: set your days and fitness, get the right huts with live availability, offline maps and daily briefings.
Open the free planner →