How does the winter shelter work?

In winter, the refuge becomes an emergency shelter, or a stopover for ski touring, for example. Given the orientation of the refuge, the Criou provides shade all day in winter, for more than 4 months. Since we are in an avalanche corridor, we remove the chimney at the end of each summer, so no fire is possible in the refuge in winter. So it is rather very very cool there! And no fire on the terrace either please (even less with our benches, thank you to those of winter 2023-2024...).

There are 15 beds in winter, each with 3 blankets; 1 dining room for 20p, pots, cutlery, plates (please do the dishes afterwards and take all your rubbish back downstairs), but you have to bring your gas can up. If you plan to come in a group, remember to let us know.

There is a spring at the end of the terrace on the left (as long as it doesn't freeze).

And above all, consult the BERA before leaving! weather and snow to come, MétéoAlpes provides accurate and regularly reviewed forecasts.

We ask for a contribution of 7€/p (building maintenance, blankets, beds, chemical product for the chemical toilet in winter, etc.).

IN SUMMER

From what age can children come?

No minimum age. You can carry your little ones, and from 3 years old, some can walk completely from the parking lot. On site, you will find a travel cot (to reserve, we only have one), a very small sleeping bag (made by my little hands, rental €2, washed after each use like all sleeping bags), a very warm sleeping bag, ...

Of course, they remain under your supervision.

And they will even be able to play with our 3 children (2011, 2013, 2018)

And to motivate them to go up to the refuge and avoid the "when will we arrive" questions, remember to print, depending on the route chosen, our treasure hunt free

Can I come with my dog?

• Hiking : dogs are allowed in our area, kept on a leash during the hike (due to the presence of flocks of sheep, but also to avoid disturbing the mules near the refuge). Be careful, they are prohibited in the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, so you will not be able to venture to the other side of the Pointe de Bellegarde, the Pointe Rousse des Chambres, the Col des Chambres. But it is OK up to Lac des Chambres for example. For "technical" access, if they are used to hiking, the passage through the Dalles du Tuet is not a problem.
• In the shelter : dogs can drink from the spring, stay with you on the terrace (if their behavior allows it) but cannot enter the dining room for hygiene reasons. If you choose to sleep in a dormitory, they will not be able to be with you and will stay in the entrance. If you take a private room, and they are clean, they can sleep on the floor at your feet. We do not ask for a financial contribution, but a quick sweep for hair is always appreciated before our big cleaning, thank you!




What wildlife can be observed?

From the refuge terrace, you can see chamois with binoculars on the Dalles du Tuet or the Dents d'Oddaz... and sometimes 50m from the refuge! At the Col des Chambres, ibex are often seen in herds. The luckiest will see and hear marmots near the Lac des Chambres. Vultures are very often present in the sky. Finally, in September, it's the deer that you can observe from the refuge, without missing their bellow (you can hear them from the start of the climb up Crêt).




Is it possible to camp?

Yes, just show up upon arrival and we will show you the spot with a beautiful sunset! You will have access to the water source, but you can also have dinner, breakfast, etc. (in this case, please book in advance)




I am vegetarian, vegan, allergic, intolerant...?

We can accommodate, but please let us know when booking (specifying whether you have no intolerance or just want to avoid it). We even have local gluten-free beer ;)




Are there showers ?

Yes, with unlimited, very cold water (and pure as glacier melt). For hot water, we are working on reinstating the existing paid system, but we are already working on the technical feasibility.




Is this hike accessible on this date? even... Will it be nice in mid-August?

uh... we're not Mrs. Irma... but let's say that when the refuge is open and manned, it's because the snow has melted at the refuge and it's accessible without equipment. Above that, it depends on the year, the weather, ... Generally speaking, the inter-refuge passes are still snow-covered in June (so crampons and ice axe are obligatory, especially at Pas au Taureau); in July, it depends on the date of the last snow. Don't hesitate to consult our Facebook page where we post the latest conditions for nearby hikes. And of course, check the mountain weather.




Where can I find reliable mountain weather forecasts?

Meteoblue is quite reliable in our area. However, you have to take an "average" between the Criou at 2200m and Samoëns at 700m.

THE radars from Météo France also give a good indication of how the weather is developing.

We don't have a weather antenna at the refuge, so if you call us to find out the weather, we will try to find a little signal to consult these sites ;)




What happens to my waste?

• Our restrooms accept toilet paper, but nothing else. Trash cans are available for sanitary waste. Please do not dispose of picnic leftovers, papers, etc.
• Our stove accepts your paper packaging, cardboard, and anything that burns, you can leave them with us when you leave
• For the rest of your waste, please carry it back down on your back... like we do with all the waste from our business!




Is it possible to charge your phone?

Electricity is limited at the refuge (3kW when everything is going well... and to already run the dishes, kitchen appliances, ...). There are no sockets in the rooms. You can bring your phone to us to recharge if you are dry, but the priority is to put your phone in airplane mode (this does not prevent the GPS and the functioning of hiking apps on maps downloaded beforehand). Otherwise, the solar chargers to place on the top of the hiking bag work very well! (2 weeks of roaming without problem)




Is there a network?

At the end of the terrace in good weather... Yet another reason to leave your phone in airplane mode and enjoy the scenery, once you've reassured your loved ones




What payment methods do you accept?

Checks, cash, bank transfers. For credit cards, given the network, it's unfortunately complicated. We also don't accept holiday vouchers.




What happens if something unexpected happens?

Please let us know as soon as possible! For safety reasons (in the mountains), we must call back all guests who have not arrived for dinner (served at 7 p.m.) so that we can arrange to meet you or call for emergency services!




Why haven't I received confirmation of my reservation?

Start by checking your spam (we will always reply to you from refugedufolly@gmail.com).

If you booked more than 24 hours ago, please do not hesitate to call us.

If you booked less than 24 hours ago, please be a little patient. We promise to take reservations at least every evening after the service.




Are you recruiting?

Yes! Our team can be as large as six people, depending on the summer season. Recruitment is generally closed by mid-February (the first candidates can be accepted as early as November), so there's no need to send us your CV in April ;)




Is it possible to make gift cards?

Yes! To please your loved ones, to offer a 100% local gift, for a last-minute gift (sent within 24 hours by email), we offer tailor-made gift cards: choose your service (lunch, half-board, snack, ...), we will make you the right gift with a suitable design (Christmas, birthday, nature, ...). Contact us by email: refugedufolly@gmail.com