Bivouac de l'Aiguillette à la Singla CAS – High-Alpine Bivouac Guide

The Bivouac de l’Aiguillette à la Singla CAS is a small, unguarded high-alpine shelter overlooking the upper Val d’Hérens. Remote and rarely visited, it is designed for experienced alpinists seeking a strategic overnight stop in a demanding alpine environment rather than comfort or accessibility.

• Bivouac Overview

  • Location: Val d’Hérens, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 3,179 m

  • Type: Unguarded high-alpine bivouac

  • Capacity: Approx. 6–8 sleeping places

  • Season: Short summer alpine season only (strictly condition-dependent)

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is long, isolated, and suitable only for autonomous alpine parties.

  • Typical access: From the Val d’Hérens via glacier and high-alpine terrain

  • Ascent time: ~5–7 hours (depending on start point and conditions)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,300–1,600 m

  • Terrain: Moraines, glacier travel, exposed rocky sections

  • Difficulty: Alpine (T5 / PD–AD depending on route)

  • Requirements: Glacier travel skills, rope management, strong navigation

  Retreat options are limited once committed to the upper mountain.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are extremely basic and intended for emergency or planned bivouac use only.

  • Enclosed bivouac shelter

  • Simple sleeping platforms or benches

  • No guaranteed blankets

  • No food service

  • No running water

  • No electricity or heating

  All supplies must be carried in and out.

• Food & Atmosphere

  There is no catering. Nights are often cold and windy even in midsummer. The atmosphere is quiet, technical, and focused, typically shared by small rope teams preparing for early alpine starts.

• Prices & Booking

  • Overnight stay: Free

  • Booking: Not required

  • Policy: First-come, first-served

  Users are expected to leave the bivouac clean and functional.

• Best Routes From the Bivouac

  The bivouac is used as a base for serious alpine objectives:

  • Routes around the Aiguillette à la Singla

  • High-alpine ridge and glacier traverses in the Val d’Hérens

  • Remote summit attempts away from serviced hut networks

  All objectives require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best period: July to early September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Crevasses, rockfall, fog, sudden storms

  Stable weather windows are essential.

• Who Is This Bivouac For

  • Experienced mountaineers only

  • Highly skilled alpine hikers with glacier experience

  • Alpinists seeking solitude and commitment

  • Not suitable for beginners or non-technical hikers

• Practical Tips

  • Carry full alpine and bivouac equipment

  • Bring sufficient water or means to melt snow

  • Plan conservative timings and early starts

  • Inform a third party of your itinerary

  • Apply strict Leave No Trace principles

Why This Bivouac Is Worth Visiting

At 3,179 m, the Bivouac de l’Aiguillette à la Singla CAS offers a rare, discreet foothold in one of the quieter high-alpine sectors of the Val d’Hérens. Spartan and exposed, it rewards well-prepared alpinists with isolation, commitment, and direct access to serious alpine terrain.