Cabane du Mountet CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Traverse Hub Guide

The Cabane du Mountet CAS is one of the most remote and atmospheric high-alpine huts in the Valais, located at the far end of the Val d’Anniviers above Zinal. Surrounded by glaciers and iconic 4,000-metre peaks, it is a key base for classic alpine traverses and serious mountaineering objectives. The Mountet is not a casual destination—it is a place for committed alpine travel.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Upper Val d’Anniviers (Zinal sector), Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,886 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 70–75 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

  Reaching the Cabane du Mountet is a long and serious undertaking, even though it remains non-glacial in dry summer conditions.

  • Main approach: From Zinal

  • Ascent time: ~5–6 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,400–1,600 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, moraines, rocky paths, exposed sections

  • Difficulty: T4

  • Requirements: Excellent fitness, sure-footedness, alpine experience

  The length and remoteness of the approach are the main challenges.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities reflect the hut’s high-alpine role while maintaining classic CAS standards.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • 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 at the Mountet is quiet, focused, and deeply alpine.

  • Energy-rich alpine meals

  • Evenings dedicated to weather analysis and route planning

  • Predominantly alpinists and long-distance trekkers

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

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Essential in summer due to limited access and popularity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane du Mountet is a major alpine crossroads:

  • Obergabelhorn (4,063 m) – classic ascent

  • Zinalrothorn (4,221 m) – via demanding alpine routes

  • Traverses toward Cabane de Tracuit, Arbenbiwak, and the Mattertal

  • Glacier routes and high-alpine link-ups across the Pennine Alps

  Most routes require glacier travel and full alpine equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Cold nights, rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Storms, rockfall, glacier hazards, exhaustion

  Stable forecasts and careful planning are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers and alpinists

  • Long-distance alpine trekkers

  • High-mountain photographers

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,886 m, the Cabane du Mountet CAS represents the essence of serious alpine travel. Its isolation, surrounding 4,000-metre peaks, and role in major traverses make it one of the most meaningful huts in the Alps for those seeking commitment, scale, and a deep connection to high-mountain terrain.