The Refuge Albert Premier is a high altitude refuge at 2702 meters right next to the Glacier du Tour. It is a popular jump off point for mountaineering in the Mont Blanc Massif and in winter it is also popular for ski touring and ski mountaineering. The refuge is named after the Belgian King Albert who was an alpinism enthusiast. The Refuge is open both in summer and winter and offers food and snacks and accommodation. Considering its altitude, its pretty impressive that the menu includes items like tartiflette, croute, a variety of salads and even a home-made foie-gras! Dogs are not allowed in the refuge. Check their website for up to date details on their opening dates and to make online bookings.

The easiest way to reach the Refuge Albert 1er is to take the Charamillon gondola from Le Tour lift to the mid station and then take the Autannes chair lift to the end station. From there its roughly 500 meters of elevation gain to the refuge.  We got a detailed trail description for this trail which also describes alternate routes for getting to the refuge and back down to Le Tour.