Cabane de Tracuit CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Summit Base Guide

The Cabane de Tracuit CAS is one of the most iconic high-alpine huts in the Valais, dramatically perched on a rocky ridge above the Turtmann Glacier. Famous as the classic base for ascents of the Bishorn and the Weisshorn, it combines extreme exposure, serious alpine terrain, and an unforgettable panoramic setting. This is a hut firmly rooted in high-mountain alpinism.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val d’Anniviers (Zinal / Turtmanntal sector), Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 3,256 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 120 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to late September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access to the Cabane de Tracuit is demanding and unmistakably alpine.

  • Main approach: From Zinal (via Tracuit valley)

  • Ascent time: ~5–6 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,700–1,900 m

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, exposed rocky sections, snowfields

  • Difficulty: T4

  • Requirements: Excellent fitness, sure-footedness, no fear of exposure

  The final ridge approach is steep and spectacular, requiring full concentration.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Despite its extreme position, the hut offers robust CAS comfort.

  • Large dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is functional but intended for fully autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is intense and expedition-focused.

  • Energy-rich alpine meals

  • Early dinners and very early departures

  • Mix of alpinists preparing for 4,000 m summits

  Evenings are short, focused on weather and route conditions.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Essential due to very high demand

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane de Tracuit is a premier summit base:

  • Bishorn (4,153 m) – classic glacier ascent

  • Weisshorn (4,506 m) – via the East Ridge (serious, classic route)

  • Glacier traverses toward the Turtmann and Anniviers sectors

  • High-alpine ski touring routes in spring

  All routes require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapidly changing weather

  • Main risks: Crevasses, exposure, storms, altitude effects

  Stable weather windows and early starts are mandatory.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers and alpinists

  • Strong alpine climbers

  • Ski mountaineers (spring)

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 3,256 m, the Cabane de Tracuit CAS is not just a hut—it is an alpine landmark. Its exposed ridge-top position, direct access to iconic 4,000 m summits, and dramatic atmosphere make it one of the most memorable and serious huts in the Alps, symbolising the commitment and reward of true high-mountain alpinism.