The Refuge Col de Balme is a popular refuge located on the Col de Balme above Le Tour on the far north-eastern end of the Chamonix Valley. It lies on the border with Switzerland. The nearby summit of Tete de Balme has a stone border marker.
The refuge offers dormitory style accommodation which means they will provide beddings but you need to bring your own sleeping bag liner which is the standard for most mountain refuges. When they are open, the refuge doubles as a snack bar offering snacks and drinks. The Refuge is open from early June to mid September. You should check their own website for the exact dates and to find more booking information including a link to an offsite online booking form.
The easiest access to the Refuge Col de Balme is using the Autannes chair lift which connects to the Charamillon gondola which departs from the hamlet of Le Tour. From the Autannes chair lift its a short straight traverse to the refuge.
Linked Trails & Points of Interest
These are the trails and points of interests linked to this refuge
9
Our Rating
Exceptional
Loop Trail:
A great discovery loop of the Aiguillette des Posettes and the Montagne de Balme above Le Tour on the north-eastern end of the Chamonix Valley
Length
14.52km
When to Go
Mid Jun - Start Oct
Hiking Time
4.0 - 6.0 Hours
Elevation +
+1171m / -1171m
Kids
15+ Years old
Running Time
2.0 - 3.0 Hours
Technical Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
Dogs
No Dogs
Nearest Town
Chamonix
8
Our Rating
Very Good
Loop Trail:
A fantastic little loop which uses the lifts from Le Tour to explore the view points around the Tete de Balme visiting the Croix de Fer and the Chalets de Catogne
Length
7.4km
When to Go
Start Jul - End Sep
Hiking Time
2.0 - 3.0 Hours
Elevation +
+391m / -391m
Kids
12+ Years old
Running Time
1.0 - 1.5 Hours
Technical Difficulty
Difficult (4/5)
Dogs
Dogs Allowed
Nearest Town
Chamonix
Location & Map
Below you will the location of this point of interest on the map. You can click the button to show the nearby trails and points of interests that are listed above on the same map. Another option is to visit our complete interactive map that shows everything that is listed on our website.
Longitude:
6.9701
Latitude:
46.0267