Cabane Barraud CAS – Alpine Hut Guide

The Cabane Barraud CAS is an alpine hut located above the Val d’Hérens at a moderate altitude, serving primarily as a hiking base and a gateway to higher alpine terrain. While not a high-glacier hut, it offers a classic mountain atmosphere and is well suited to strong hikers looking for longer valley routes and connections toward more demanding objectives.

• Hut Overview

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

  • Altitude: 1,995 m

  • Type: Serviced CAS alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–35 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: typically summer season

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is alpine but technically moderate.

  • Main approach: From villages in the Val d’Hérens

  • Ascent time: ~2.5–3.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~700–900 m

  • Terrain: Forest paths, alpine trails, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

  Routes are well marked and suitable for experienced hikers.

• Facilities & Comfort

  During the guarded season, the hut provides standard CAS comfort.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Basic electricity for lighting

  The winter room is simple and requires self-sufficiency.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is relaxed and social, attracting hikers rather than exclusively mountaineers.

  • Traditional Swiss alpine cuisine

  • Simple, hearty meals

  • Friendly hut ambiance

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended during summer weekends

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  • Day hikes above the Val d’Hérens

  • Valley-to-valley trekking routes

  • Connections toward higher alpine terrain and neighboring huts

  • Scenic viewpoints and ridge walks

  Most routes are non-technical.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to October

  • Conditions: Generally stable; weather can change quickly

  • Winter: Limited use via winter room or snowshoe access

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Regular hikers

  • Trekking enthusiasts

  • Families with mountain experience

  • Not intended as a high-alpine mountaineering base

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 1,995 m, the Cabane Barraud CAS offers an accessible yet authentic alpine hut experience in the Val d’Hérens. It is an excellent contrast within your index—bridging low valley hiking and more serious alpine terrain—while maintaining classic CAS hospitality and atmosphere.