Mountain refuge Chalet de la Biolle

The approach to this shelter fits better in days that should be measured well from the beginning, especially if used as support within a journey. At 1704 meters, in the end of Montsapey and in the Saboyan sector near Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the Villa de la Biolle appears on a ground of medium and high mountain where the orientation of the slopes and time changes can have a significant impact on progression. Its position is of interest to those who link long-distance routes, as it is within the scope of the Haute Traversée de Belledonne for GR 738 and the Grand Tour de Tarentaise in addition to local routes to the Col de l'Arc or the Bouchle de Feissons.

Rather than understand it only as a destination, it should be read as a point of withdrawal, stage partition or day adjustment if conditions worsen. In this environment, nearby summits such as Le Grand Arc or Le Petit Arc they strengthen the mountainous character of the area, but they should not lose sight of the logistics: there is no immediate source next to the shelter and the nearest one is approximately 2 km away, so it is prudent to leave with sufficient water autonomy and without relying on a direct supply upon arrival. If it is proposed as a step-by-step shelter, its usefulness depends much on weather forecasting, time margin and the ability to adapt the route on the way, especially on long routes where a change of orientation or visibility can slow progress.