Cabane d'Orny CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Glacier Base Guide

The Cabane d’Orny CAS is a classic high-alpine hut overlooking the Glacier d’Orny, in the upper Val d’Entremont. Compact, exposed, and strongly mountaineering-oriented, it is an important base for glacier ascents and alpine traverses on the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc massif. The hut is frequently used by alpinists progressing toward more demanding objectives.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val d’Entremont / Orny Glacier, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,831 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 35–40 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is alpine but relatively efficient for a glaciated hut.

  • Main approach: From Champex-Lac via Bovine / Orny valley

  • Ascent time: ~4–4.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,300 m

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

  • Difficulty: T4 / alpine

  • Requirements: Sure-footedness, basic glacier awareness, alpine experience

  Early-season snow or late-season ice can significantly affect conditions.

• 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 (often snowmelt)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity for lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is quiet and technical.

  • Simple, energy-rich alpine meals

  • Guests are mainly alpinists and glacier trekkers

  • Early evenings focused on summit planning

  This is a working hut rather than a social destination.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended, especially in summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane d’Orny is a strategic alpine base for:

  • Aiguille d’Orny (3,264 m) – classic glacier ascent

  • Glacier routes on the Glacier d’Orny

  • Traverses toward Cabane de Saleinaz and Mont Blanc sector routes

  • Spring ski-mountaineering itineraries

  Most routes require glacier travel and full alpine equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, fast-changing weather

  • Main risks: Crevasses, rockfall, storms

  Stable forecasts and early starts are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Strong alpine hikers with glacier experience

  • Ski mountaineers (spring)

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,831 m, the Cabane d’Orny CAS offers a compact and authentic high-mountain experience at the gateway to the Mont Blanc massif. Its position above the Orny Glacier, classic CAS atmosphere, and direct access to serious alpine terrain make it a valuable base for committed mountaineers and long alpine itineraries.