Refuge du Couvercle

The Refuge du Couvercle of the Chamonix section of the Club alpin français (FFCAM) stands at around 2683 m on a rocky outcrop above the Talèfre glacier in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif near Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. It offers an impressive view of the Aiguille Verte, Grandes Jorasses, Les Droites, Les Courtes and the Aiguille du Moine and serves as a high mountain base for many classic climbs and as an impressive final stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The hut is usually manned from the beginning of April to the end of September; outside of this period, a winter room with a limited number of sleeping places remains open. During the manned season, there is a restaurant serving dinner and breakfast, with half-board available on request. The ascent usually begins at the mountain station of the Montenvers train above the Mer de Glace: from there you descend to the glacier tongue, follow the Mer de Glace, change to the moraine and reach the house via long ladders and a marked path; the ascent takes about four and a half hours and covers around 770 meters in altitude. In winter, access is possible as a high-altitude ski tour in suitable conditions. The visit is particularly suitable for experienced mountaineers on high-altitude tours lasting several days. Regardless of the time of year, the following applies: Before every tour, current conditions, access routes, possible closures and the weather forecast should be carefully checked. The first hut was built in 1904 under a characteristic granite block, extended in 1911 and supplemented in 1930-1932 by a larger stone building, which was extended again in 1950-1952. In recent years, the complex has been extensively renovated; the capacity has been reduced to 64 sleeping places in summer, while the old hut now mainly serves as a winter room. The Chamonix section of the CAF/FFCAM remains the owner.