Cabane de Saleinaz CAS – High-Alpine Hut Guide

The Cabane de Saleinaz CAS is a classic high-alpine hut set above the Saleinaz Glacier, on the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc massif. Remote and distinctly mountaineering-oriented, it is primarily used as a base for glacier crossings and serious alpine routes linking Switzerland, Italy, and France. This is a hut for experienced parties seeking commitment rather than comfort.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Saleinaz Glacier / Mont Blanc massif, Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,691 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–35 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

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

  • Main approach: From the Val Ferret (Swiss side)

  • Ascent time: ~4–5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,100–1,300 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, moraines, glacier margins

  • Difficulty: T4 / alpine

  • Requirements: Sure-footedness, basic glacier awareness, alpine experience

  Early season snow and late-season ice can significantly affect the approach.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are functional and adapted to high-alpine use.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water available (often from snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity for lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for fully autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is quiet, technical, and purpose-driven.

  • Simple, energy-rich alpine meals

  • Guests are mostly alpinists and long-distance traversers

  • Early nights and very early starts are common

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Strongly recommended due to limited capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane de Saleinaz is a strategic alpine base:

  • Glacier routes on the Saleinaz Glacier

  • Traverses toward the Col Supérieur du Tour and Italian side

  • High-alpine link-ups within the Mont Blanc massif

  • Demanding mixed and glacier routes (conditions dependent)

  Most routes require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapidly changing weather

  • Main risks: Crevasses, rockfall, icefall, storms

  Stable weather windows are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Strong alpine hikers with glacier experience

  • High-mountain photographers

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,691 m, the Cabane de Saleinaz CAS offers a raw and authentic foothold in the Mont Blanc massif. Its isolation, classic CAS character, and immediate access to demanding glacier terrain make it a valuable base for serious alpine objectives and cross-border routes in one of the Alps’ most dramatic regions.