Cabane de Susanfe CAS – Alpine Hut & Mountaineering Base Guide

The Cabane de Susanfe CAS is a well-known alpine hut located at the eastern end of the Vallon de Susanfe, beneath the dramatic limestone walls of the Dents du Midi. Positioned in a wild and enclosed cirque, it serves as a key base for alpine hiking, classic scrambles, and mountaineering routes in one of the most striking massifs of western Valais.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Vallon de Susanfe / Dents du Midi, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,102 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 45–50 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually June to late September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is alpine but remains approachable for experienced hikers.

  • Main approach: From Champéry via the Vallon de Susanfe

  • Hiking time: ~3–4 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~800–1,000 m

  • Terrain: Forest trails, alpine meadows, rocky paths

  • Difficulty: T3

  The final section opens into a spectacular high cirque surrounded by cliffs.

• Facilities & Comfort

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

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity for lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for self-sufficient use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is lively yet alpine-focused.

  • Traditional Swiss and Valais cuisine

  • Energy-rich meals

  • Mix of hikers, scramblers, and alpinists

  Evenings often involve route planning for the surrounding peaks and passes.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended in summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane de Susanfe is a prime base for:

  • Ascents and scrambles on the Dents du Midi

  • Alpine hikes and circuits within the Chablais Alps

  • High passes and traverses linking Valais and Haute-Savoie

  • Winter ski touring routes (conditions dependent)

  Some routes involve exposed scrambling and require good alpine experience.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to September

  • Conditions: Cool nights, rapid weather changes possible

  • Main risks: Rockfall, storms, early-season snow

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced hikers

  • Scramblers and mountaineers

  • Alpine trekkers

  • Landscape photographers

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,102 m, the Cabane de Susanfe CAS offers an immersive alpine experience beneath the towering Dents du Midi. Its dramatic setting, strong route connectivity, and classic CAS hospitality make it one of the most rewarding huts in the Chablais Alps for hikers and mountaineers alike.