The Incredibly Futuristic Lodge At The Top Of Mont Blanc

Those, climbing to the top of Mont Blanc, can now take shelter in the incredibly futuristic Refuge du Goûter. Situated precariously close to the edge of the mountain, at an altitude of around 3835 m in France, the lodge, also called the Goûter hut, features a shiny stainless steel exterior that lies in perfect contrast to the snow-covered, gently-rolling alpine landscape. It is currently one of the highest refuges present in all of Western Europe.

Designed by Swiss architect Hervé Dessimoz, the 16-meter-tall structure sits right adjacent to a 1,500-meter steep drop. Given the somewhat-treacherous location of the lodge, the developers implemented additional safety measures to ensure the building’s stability against the harsh natural elements. It is embedded 14 meters into the rock, and can withstand winds with speed of up to 300 kph.

Despite its remote locale, it is completely self-sufficient for both water and energy (dependent primarily on solar power). The lodge’s utilitarian interior features a fully-equipped communal kitchen and simple bunk-style beds, which can accommodate over 120 people at any given time. Making a reservation, however, can prove difficult, especially since the Refuge du Goûter usually remains open till the middle of October, every year.