Cabane du Petit Mountet – Alpine Hut & Trekking Stage Guide

The Cabane du Petit Mountet is a small and traditional mountain hut located high above Zinal, in the upper Val d’Anniviers. Often overshadowed by the nearby Cabane du Mountet CAS, it plays a complementary role as a quiet stage hut for hikers and alpine trekkers moving through the Zinal valley. Simpler, lower, and more accessible, it offers an authentic alpine overnight experience in a spectacular setting.

• Hut Overview

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

  • Altitude: 2,140 m

  • Type: Mountain hut / alpine refuge (seasonally served)

  • Capacity: Approx. 20–25 sleeping places

  • Season: Typically June to September (conditions dependent)

  • Management: Local / private

• Access & Approaches

  Access is long but technically straightforward, following classic alpine hiking trails.

  • Main approach: From Zinal

  • Hiking time: ~4–5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,000 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, pastures, moraines, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T3

  The approach is physically demanding due to distance but remains non-technical.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are simple and reflect the hut’s traditional character.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping areas

  • Meals available during the open season

  • Drinking water available

  • Basic toilets

  • Little or no electricity

  Comfort is modest, focused on shelter and rest rather than amenities.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is calm, quiet, and strongly alpine.

  • Simple, hearty mountain meals

  • Evenings marked by silence and isolation

  • Often used by trekkers continuing higher into the valley

  This hut is valued for its peaceful setting rather than social life.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Moderate

  • Booking: Recommended due to limited capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Cabane du Petit Mountet fits naturally into longer itineraries:

  • Stage stop on treks into the upper Zinal valley

  • Approach point toward Cabane du Mountet CAS

  • Long valley hikes beneath the Zinalrothorn and Obergabelhorn

  • Alpine trekking routes (non-glacial)

  It is not a summit base but a transitional refuge.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Stable summer weather preferred

  • Main risks: Fatigue due to long approach, sudden storms

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced hikers

  • Long-distance alpine trekkers

  • Travelers seeking quiet, traditional huts

  • Landscape photographers

  • Not suitable for technical mountaineering

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,140 m, the Cabane du Petit Mountet offers an understated but deeply authentic alpine experience. Its role as a calm staging point beneath some of the Valais’ most dramatic peaks makes it ideal for hikers who value solitude, rhythm, and immersion over altitude and technical challenge.