Good to know
Practical info
Emergencies
- Europe general: 112 (SMS: 114)
- Chamonix helicopter (PGHM): +33 4 50 53 16 89
- Bourg St Maurice helicopter: +33 4 79 07 01 10
- Aosta rescue (Italy): +39 0165 238 222 · or 118
- Switzerland (REGA): 1414
Money
- 💶 EUR — France + Italy. Refuges: bring €30–75 per night in cash.
- 🇨🇭 CHF — Switzerland (Days 5–7). EUR often accepted, poor rate.
- Suggested to bring: ~€300 + ~200 CHF cash per person.
- Some refuges are strictly cash: la Balme, Bon Abri.
Refuge etiquette
- 🛏️ Sleeping-bag liner is mandatory at every refuge.
- 👟 Boots off at the door — store in the shoe room.
- 🍽️ Dinner is typically served at 18:30 or 19:00 sharp.
- 🥪 Order picnic lunches the day before, before 17:30.
- 🔇 Lights out around 22:00 — earplugs help.
Useful links
- • autourdumontblanc.com — the official refuge booking portal
- • tmbmap.com — dedicated route app
- • chamonix.com — town + transport
- • chamonix-bus.com — local buses