Tips for staying in Tour du Mont Blanc refuges

First and foremost, park all notions of privacy as Tour du Mont Blanc refuges, rifugi or mountain huts are all about sharing and caring. And sometimes snoring – so always bring earplugs. As well as all the items we recommend in our What to pack for a hiking trip blog, there are a few other top tips for these mountain hut adventures. 

Power up

Because the mountain huts are so remote, resources are often limited, so bring your own charged power bank if you have a device, if you get a signal to use it, that is. 

Sleeping gear

Bring a sleeping bag and a liner as some mountain huts insist on the latter and will ask you to hire one if you don’t bring one. Slipper socks are handy too, as they are easy to pack and keep your tootsies cosy while wandering around communal areas. Bring an eye mask if you don’t want to wake up with the early birds, and a travel pillow is always a dreamy addition. 

Avert your gaze

Dorms are mixed-gender, so it goes without saying that modesty prevails, and respecting others privacy as they change for bed and so on is a must. 

Don’t be a fish out of water 

Drinking water is nearly always available in mountain huts and, on the rare occasions that it’s not, we will always advise you in advance of water points. Always pack one or two reusable bottles, or a water bladder and, as you are walking in remote areas, a filtered water bottle such as the sugarcane, plant-based plastic Water to Go one is perfect if you want to top up from streams, ensuring that the water is free of any toxins.

Cash in

Always carry some cash (euros and Swiss francs) in your bag because some mountain huts don’t accept cards and you won’t find an ATM for days sometimes. 

Bathroom basics

Be prepared for basic, and then you can only be pleasantly surprised if you find an indoor toilet, running water and a hot shower. Bring a head torch if the loo is outside, and toilet paper just in case. And please don’t bring wipes, they are eco disasters, but anti-bacterial gel is a must. A flannel is very handy if you just want to do a quick wash and dry in the morning. In terms of bathroom etiquette, there are often lots of people waiting to wash, so this isn’t the time or place for pampering. 

Silence is golden 

Most people want to hit the sack and the hills early, so it’s important to let them bask in their well earned peace and not be chatting. And don’t do anything that might cause someone to shout ‘get a room’ – because, apart from anything, there usually isn’t a room. Save the cuddles for the city.