Cabane de l'A Neuve CAS – High-Alpine Hut Guide

The Cabane de l’A Neuve CAS is a remote high-alpine hut overlooking the upper Val d’Entremont, set above extensive glacier terrain near the Mont Dolent sector. Quiet and clearly mountaineering-oriented, it is a strategic base for demanding glacier crossings and classic alpine routes far from busy hiking corridors.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Upper Val d’Entremont, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,735 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–35 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: typically mid-June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is long and committing, reflecting the hut’s glaciated surroundings.

  • Main approach: From Val d’Entremont (various starting points depending on conditions)

  • Ascent time: ~4.5–6 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,500 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, glacier sections

  • Difficulty: T4 / alpine

  • Requirements: Sure-footedness, glacier travel skills, alpine experience

• Facilities & Comfort

  Classic CAS comfort during the guarded season.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water available (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity for lighting

  The winter room is basic and requires full self-sufficiency.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Meals are hearty and functional, aimed at early summit or traverse days. The atmosphere is calm and technical, with most guests planning glacier routes or long alpine crossings.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended in summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  • Glacier routes in the A Neuve / Envers des Dorées basin

  • Traverses toward Mont Dolent and adjacent cols

  • High-alpine link-ups toward neighboring huts and bivouacs

  Most objectives require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Crevasses, rockfall, storms

  Early starts and stable forecasts are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Strong alpine hikers with glacier experience

  • Long-distance alpine trekkers

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,735 m, the Cabane de l’A Neuve CAS offers a discreet, serious alpine base in one of the Valais’ quieter high-glacier sectors. Its isolation, classic CAS character, and direct access to demanding terrain make it a rewarding choice for experienced alpinists seeking commitment and solitude.