The Chalet Austria was a popular doss for Brits for some years. It was free, fairly close to Montenvers from where water could be obtained. I used it from 1963 and this photo was taken in 1964. Later, when Montenvers developed and the Alpine Zoo was built it became less pleasant. On this trip in 1964 there was a bit of lively action when some of the Edinburgh Squirrels left their stuff overnight whilst on a route. Some French climbers decided to move the stuff and install themselves.The Squirrels returned, were not impressed, threw the French out and their kit. Not quite on the scale of one or two incidents in Chamonix in the 60's

Outstanding - I remember it rather fondly - in my mind it seemed bigger and nicer. It was very welcome spot one late night in the mid 70s after a particularly trying day. I'd tried just crashing by the path but was (gently) kicked awake by a couple of frogs wondering whether I was dead. So I stumbled on, and Chalet Austria was like a little bit of heaven. I did get woken again by a roaring primus at about 5am, but that was relatively soothing.
"I wonder what that lad did yesterday? He hasn't moved...."