Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges CAS – Alpine Hut & Mountaineering Base Guide

The Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges CAS is a small and distinctly alpine hut located high above the Val d’Hérens, beneath the sharp granite ridges of the Aiguilles Rouges. Quiet, exposed, and technical in character, it is primarily used by alpinists and experienced hikers approaching serious alpine terrain. This is a hut defined by commitment rather than comfort.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val d’Hérens, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,810 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 to the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges is demanding and clearly alpine.

  • Main approach: From Arolla

  • Ascent time: ~4.5–5.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,300–1,500 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, moraines, rocky sections, occasional snowfields

  • Difficulty: T4

  • Requirements: Sure-footedness, good route-finding skills, alpine experience

  The final section is exposed and should not be underestimated, especially in poor weather.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are functional and typical of a high-alpine CAS hut.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water available (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity for lighting

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

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is calm, focused, and technical.

  • Simple, energy-rich alpine meals

  • Guests are typically alpinists or strong hikers

  • Early nights and very early starts are common

  This is not a social hut but a working base for alpine routes.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended due to limited capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges is mainly a mountaineering base:

  • Ascents and traverses on the Aiguilles Rouges ridges

  • Alpine rock routes and mixed terrain

  • High-alpine link-ups toward neighboring huts in the Val d’Hérens

  Some routes involve snow, ice, or glacier sections depending on conditions.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Rockfall, snowfields, storms

  Stable weather windows are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Mountaineers and alpinists

  • Climbers seeking quiet granite terrain

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,810 m, the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges CAS offers a raw and authentic high-alpine experience in one of the quieter sectors of the Val d’Hérens. Its exposed position, technical surroundings, and low visitor numbers make it a rewarding base for those seeking solitude and serious alpine objectives away from the more frequented routes.