Chalet la Suche (1.816 m.)

From June to September we await you with our restaurant, dormitory and a place to rest during an excursion.

A cosy refuge unique for its quaint style for those undertaking the strenuous trek around Mont Blanc or for families engaged on a short excursion in the mountains wishing to stop for lunch in a beautiful location.

For those wishing to stay overnight we offer a choice of accommodation in twin or triple rooms with private bathroom or spacious dormitories for larger groups.

From our terrace you can enjoy a privileged view over the whole of the Mont Blanc range, from the Aiguille des Glaciers to the Rochefort Crest and the Grandes Jorasses peak.

We are situated at La Suche. The refuge can be reached by footpath number 40 in 50 minutes departing from Ermitage above Courmayeur. As the excursion winds gently up through the shady pine woods, it is very suitable for families with children.

Our refuge runs on solar power and GPL gas which makes it eco-friendly. We separate and recycle rubbish and have a compost for organic waste.

The refuge is placed on one of the alternative routes of the Mont Blanc tour and it is about 2 ½ hours walk to Col Sapin, 4 hours walk to the Bonatti Refuge and 5 hours walk to l’Arvouva in Val Ferret.

Other hikes include Liconi Lake which can be reached in 3 hours offering splendid views of the Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa.

History

During the second half of 800 and the beginning of 900 the Croux family constructed here summer cow sheds and shelters.

The buildings were divided between the brothers and cousins and continued to be used for summer grazing until the 1950’s and 1960’s. Amongst the various owners were three alpine guides.

• Eliseo Croux, who accompanied Mrs Cameron on climbs on the peaks of Mont Blanc and on various expeditions outside of Europe.
• Evaristo Croux, who alongside Eliseo , climbed the East Crest of the Grand Jorasses mountain for the first time.
• Ugo Croux, who was awarded a bronze medal for saving the life of a French mountaineer on the Vallée Blanche.

The name “La Suche” probably refers to the chronic lack of water in the area, meaning “dry”. In fact already in the times of our grandfathers they built an aqueduct with hollowed out logs starting at the Tzeumetta gully, a long way off especially considering the equipment and materials available at that time.