Bivouac du Dolent-La Maye CAS – High-Alpine Bivouac Guide

The Bivouac du Dolent-La Maye CAS is a small, unguarded alpine bivouac located on the Swiss side of the Mont Dolent massif, above the Val d’Entremont and close to the Italian border. Less extreme in altitude than other Dolent-area bivouacs, it nevertheless sits in serious alpine terrain and is intended exclusively for experienced, autonomous alpinists.

• Bivouac Overview

  • Location: Mont Dolent / La Maye sector, Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,667 m

  • Type: Unguarded alpine bivouac

  • Capacity: Approx. 6–8 sleeping places

  • Season: Summer alpine season only (condition-dependent)

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Although lower in altitude, access remains long and committing.

  • Typical access: From the Val d’Entremont or upper Val Ferret

  • Ascent time: ~4.5–6 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,100–1,400 m

  • Terrain: Moraines, glacier sections, steep alpine paths

  • Difficulty: Alpine (T4–T5 depending on route and conditions)

  • Requirements: Glacier travel skills, confident navigation, alpine experience

  Retreat options become limited once above the upper basins.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are minimal and intended strictly for planned bivouac or emergency use.

  • 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 generally cold and quiet, with a focused, technical atmosphere shared by small rope teams preparing early starts toward Mont Dolent or nearby objectives.

• Prices & Booking

  • Overnight stay: Free

  • Booking: Not required

  • Policy: First-come, first-served

  Users are expected to leave the bivouac clean and fully functional.

• Best Routes From the Bivouac

  The bivouac serves as a strategic base for:

  • Routes toward Mont Dolent (3,823 m)

  • Alpine objectives in the La Maye sector

  • Glacier traverses linking Swiss and Italian terrain

  All routes require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best period: July to early September

  • Conditions: Variable; rapid weather changes possible

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

  A stable weather window remains essential despite the lower altitude.

• Who Is This Bivouac For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Highly skilled alpine hikers with glacier experience

  • Alpinists seeking a discreet and less-crowded Dolent approach

  • 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 2,667 m, the Bivouac du Dolent-La Maye CAS offers a comparatively lower but still serious alpine foothold in the Mont Dolent massif. Quiet, functional, and rarely visited, it is ideal for experienced alpinists seeking commitment and solitude without the extreme exposure of higher bivouacs in the area.