Located at 2,687 meters (8,815 ft) altitude, in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif, the emblematic Refuge du Couvercle is closed for the summer of 2020.
The refuge will undergo extensive renovation works, expected to cost almost two million euros.
Initially a simple wooden hut, the first Couvercle refuge was built in 1904 and enlarged in 1922.
In 1932, the present refuge was built, approximately 70 m from the old refuge. Offering 128 beds, the Refuge du Couvercle gives access to the Aiguille du Moine, Courtes, Aiguille Verte and many other popular sightseeing and mountaineering locations.
The Refuge du Couvercle closed for renovation
Extensive renovation works will take place in the summer of 2020.
The bunk beds and all other furniture have already been removed from the dorms. The panelling was taken down from the walls. Everything is prepared for the renovation works to commence.
The site is large and is expected to cost a little less than two million euros. It is necessary to take again the framework and the floors. The building will be partitioned differently. Thus, the number of beds will be lowered to around sixty, to improve the comfort of mountaineers.
The entire energy system of the building will also be reviewed. Photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors will provide electricity and hot water. A new 15,000-litre tank will replace the current one.
For those who wish to go to the Talèfre basin, there is the winter room. It is the historic refuge built in 1904 and renovated since. It offers around 20 seats. In this summer season, some evenings it could be full. It is therefore perhaps necessary to consider the bivouac nearby.
Source @Le Dauphine
