Cabane de Valsorey CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Mountaineering Base Guide

The Cabane de Valsorey CAS is a classic high-alpine hut located deep in the Val d’Entremont, at the foot of the Grand Combin massif. Remote, glaciated, and serious in character, it is one of the principal bases for ascents of Grand Combin peaks and for demanding alpine routes on the Italian–Swiss border. This hut is firmly oriented toward experienced mountaineers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val d’Entremont / Grand Combin massif, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 3,030 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 55–60 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

  qAccess to the Cabane de Valsorey is long and clearly alpine, reflecting its isolated position.

  • Main approach: From Bourg-St-Pierre (Val d’Entremont)

  • Ascent time: ~5–6 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,500–1,700 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, moraines, snowfields, glacier sections

  • Difficulty: Alpine (T4 / PD)

  • Requirements: Glacier travel skills, rope techniques, strong fitness

  The final section involves glacier travel and should not be underestimated.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Despite its remote setting, the hut provides solid CAS-standard facilities.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity for lighting

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

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is serious and expedition-oriented.

  • Energy-rich alpine meals

  • Guests are primarily alpinists targeting early summit starts

  • Evenings focused on weather, conditions, and route planning

  This is a quiet hut with early nights.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Essential in summer due to popularity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane de Valsorey is a key mountaineering base:

  • Grand Combin de Valsorey (4,184 m) – classic ascent

  • Grand Combin de Grafeneire (4,314 m) via advanced routes

  • Glacier traverses within the Grand Combin massif

  • High-alpine link-ups toward Italian routes and cols

  All objectives require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Crevasses, icefall, 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, conditions permitting)

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 3,030 m, the Cabane de Valsorey CAS is one of the most serious and rewarding huts in the Valais. Its direct access to the Grand Combin massif, remote setting, and classic high-alpine character make it an essential base for committed mountaineers seeking big objectives in a truly glaciated environment.