Tête Rousse Hut

The Tête Rousse Hut (French: Refuge de Tête Rousse) is a mountain hut in the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps. It is located beside the Tête Rousse Glacier at an altitude of 3,167 m. Owned by the Club Alpin Francais (CAF), it is normally reached after an approximately two hour climb from Nid d'Aigle, the highest stop on the Mont Blanc Tramway. It is commonly used by mountaineers attempting to climb the modern normal route on the French side or Goûter route to the summit of Mont Blanc. Staying here, rather than continuing to the higher Goûter Hut adds an extra 2–3 hours to the ascent of Mont Blanc, but is less cramped than the latter and also avoids having to climb the dangerous 'Grand Couloir' later in the day when the risk of injury from stonefall is at its greatest.

Tête Rousse Hut
Tête Rousse Hut beside the Tête Rousse glacier with Aiguille de Bionnassay in the background
View down the Grand Couloir, looking towards the Tête Rousse Hut and the Tête Rousse Glacier
The old Tête Rousse Hut, now dismantled
The Base Camp, with the Grand Couloir and the Gouter Hut in the background

The mountain refuge was completely refurbished in 2003 and can accommodate 72 people in summer and 16 people in winter. Because of the popularity of the Goûter route to ascend Mont Blanc, both huts only accept reservations in advance, and also require confirmation three days before arrival. Camping at high altitude is banned on this route, however it is permitted on the snowfield above the Tête Rousse Hut.[1] [2] In 2019 a base camp was built on that snowfield where it is possible to spend the night, but it is required to have a reservation there also. Camping with a private tent is completely forbidden. Accommodation at the Tête Rousse Base Camp will include 6 group tents (of the “Himalayan Base Camp” type), each sleeping 8 people, which come equipped with camp beds, including pillows and duvets[3].

References
  1. "Tête Rousse Hut - Activities". refugeteterousse.ffcam.fr. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  2. Sur la route du Mont-Blanc, la difficile rénovation d'un refuge à 3 167 mètres d'altitude
  3. "Le camp de base, Refuge de Tete Rousse". refugeteterousse.ffcam.fr. Retrieved 2019-08-15.



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