The Refuge de Folly
Drive up to the first or second car park at Les Allamands. The Refuge de Folly is a 1.5/2 hour hike from here, with a fun climbing section towards the beginning. Nestled into the side of the Criou mountain, the Folly offers outstanding views across the valley and the Dents Blanches above. The welcome here by Charlotte and her team is warm, and the food delicious.
Click here for their website (opens in new window).
Refuge de Golèse
An ideal walk to do with smaller children – from age 5 and above. Park at the 3rd car park at Les Allamands, and the Refuge de Golèse is around a 1.5 hour walk from here. The Golèse sits in a sunny spot, surrounded by cow pastures, and wonderful views towards Samoens in one direction, and Morzine in the other. The refuge has a mixture of dormitory rooms and pretty individual bedrooms sleeping 4 people.
Click here for their website.
The Refuge de Fonts
Another great walk which is accessible for children. Park at Salvagny in Sixt, and the refuge as around a 1.5-2 hour walk from here. The refuge de Fonts has a real rustic charm,sitting in alpine meadows, and the backdrop of the Cirque de Fonts.
Click here for their website.
Alfred Wills/Refuge d’Anterne
Alfred wills was a British mountaineer, who loved Samoens and Sixt, and built his first refuge in the area in 1859. To reach the refuge, park at the parking at Lignon above the village of Sixt, and the refuge is a 3 hour walk from here. The first half of the hike is steep, the second half opens up onto much flatter land, where you walk alongside a river, and will often see Marmottes. Just beyond the refuge sits the wonderful Lac d'Anterne.
Click here for their website.
Refuge de la Vogealle
Park at the Fer-à-Cheval, and the walk will initially follow the flat at the Bout de Monde. Then take the steep climb up. You will experience outstanding views of the Tenneverge mountain and amazing waterfalls. Family run, the refuge de la Vogealle sits at 1902 metres altitude, and is built to a very high standard with a lovely garden and comfy beds. A 20 minute walk beyond the refuge is the lac de Vogealle, into which the mountain melt flows.
Click here for their website.