Mountain refuge Refuge des lacs Merlet

Access and guidance

It is appropriate to arrive with water already determined. The nearest reference is more than 3 km, so in this sector of Savoy autonomy weighs as much as orientation. At 2,417 metres, Refuge des lass Merlet it enters full in an open mountain environment, where the changes of slope and exposure can alter progression, wind and thermal sensation in very little space.

The shelter is related to the environment of Courchevel and with the high reliefs that separate valleys and passing domains in the Avals area. In this type of terrain, an approach that starts comfortable can become more demanding by gaining height or by turning towards more dark or more exposed sides. This reading of the relief matters especially when visibility gets worse or when it has to be decided whether to continue, divide day or withdraw on the same itinerary.

Paper in the area

Its position fits well as support to fail long routes. The closeness of the GR 55 within the scope of The Vanoise , gives it meaning as an intermediate point rather than as a simple isolated destination. It can also be used to reorganize a journey if time changes, something common at this level, where a poor orientation on high ground penalizes more than at the bottom of the valley.

Summits like Petit Mont Blanc , Saulire or Aiguille de Mey, who help to understand their alpine character and their relationship with cords and nearby steps. Not so much as a basis for technical ascent on its own, but as a road coat in a sector where the relief requires a good reading of the hills, changes of the side and possible exits to neighbouring valleys.

If the approach or passage through this shelter is proposed, it is appropriate to provide for changing weather, time margin and basic self-sufficiency. In a high and open area like this, the practical orientation of the itinerary counts as much as the distance on the map.