Cabane des Diablerets CAS – High-Alpine Hut Guide

The Cabane des Diablerets CAS is a classic high-alpine hut located on the edge of the Diablerets massif, overlooking extensive glacier terrain. Remote and clearly mountaineering-oriented, it serves as a strategic base for glacier routes, summit ascents, and long alpine traverses between Valais and the Bernese Alps. This is a hut designed for experienced mountain users rather than casual hikers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Diablerets massif (border region Valais / Bernese Alps), Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,485 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 60–65 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 is alpine in character and may involve snow or glacier terrain depending on the season.

  • Main approach: From the Col du Pillon / Glacier 3000 area (route-dependent)

  • Ascent time: ~4–5.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,200 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, snowfields, glacier margins

  • Difficulty: T4 / alpine

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

  Early season access may require crampons or basic glacier equipment.

• Facilities & Comfort

  The hut offers solid CAS comfort given its high-alpine setting.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water available (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity for lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is technical and focused, shaped by early summit plans.

  • Simple, energy-rich alpine meals

  • Guests are mainly alpinists and glacier trekkers

  • Early nights and very early starts are common

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Strongly recommended in summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane des Diablerets is primarily a mountaineering base:

  • Sommet des Diablerets (3,210 m) – classic glacier ascent

  • Glacier routes on the Glacier des Diablerets

  • Alpine traverses linking Valais and the Bernese Oberland

  • Ski touring routes in spring

  Most routes require glacier travel and full alpine equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapidly changing weather

  • Main risks: Crevasses, whiteouts, storms

  Stable weather windows are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Strong alpine hikers with glacier experience

  • Ski tourers (spring)

  • High-mountain photographers

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,485 m, the Cabane des Diablerets CAS offers direct access to one of the most impressive glacier environments in western Switzerland. Its position at the crossroads of major alpine regions makes it a valuable and serious base for summits, traverses, and classic high-mountain journeys.