Cabane des Dix CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Traverse Hub Guide

The Cabane des Dix CAS is one of the most important high-alpine huts in the Valais, strategically positioned above the Val des Dix near the Grande Dixence area. Less a destination hut and more a logistical hub, it plays a central role in major alpine traverses and classic glacier routes, including key variants of the Haute Route.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val des Dix / Grande Dixence sector, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,928 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 90–100 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

  Despite its altitude, access is relatively efficient for a hut in glaciated terrain.

  • Main approach: From Barrage de la Grande Dixence

  • Ascent time: ~3–4.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,100 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, moraines, rocky slopes; snowfields early season

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  • Requirements: Good fitness and alpine awareness

  The approach is well marked but can be demanding in poor weather.

• Facilities & Comfort

  The Cabane des Dix offers solid CAS comfort and capacity, reflecting its role as a major crossing hut.

  • Large dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water available (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

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

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is practical and expedition-oriented.

  • Energy-rich alpine meals

  • International mix of alpinists and long-distance trekkers

  • Evenings focused on weather analysis and route planning

  This is a hut where early starts and long days are the norm.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Strongly recommended due to high demand

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane des Dix is a cornerstone of several major alpine itineraries:

  • Haute Route variants (Dix ↔ Vignettes ↔ Prafleuri / Chanrion)

  • Glacier crossings in the Mont Blanc de Cheilon and Pigne d’Arolla sectors

  • Long-distance alpine traverses linking Val d’Hérens, Val de Bagnes, and Val des Dix

  • Spring ski touring routes

  Most routes involve glacier travel and require full alpine equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapidly changing weather

  • Main risks: Crevasses, storms, whiteouts

  Stable weather windows and early departures are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  Experienced mountaineers

  • Long-distance alpine trekkers

  • Ski tourers (spring)

  • Strong hikers with glacier experience

  • Not suitable for casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,928 m, the Cabane des Dix CAS is less about comfort or scenery alone and more about connectivity. As a central node on the Haute Route network and a gateway to vast glacier systems, it is one of the most operationally important huts in the Valais—essential for anyone undertaking serious alpine traverses.