Capanna Cadlimo CAS – Remote Alpine Hut & Ticino–Graubünden Border Base

The Capanna Cadlimo CAS is a remote and characterful alpine hut perched high above the Val Termine, near the border between Ticino and Graubünden, not far from the Lukmanier (Lucomagno) Pass. Known for its solitude and broad high-mountain landscapes, it functions as a stage hut for alpine hiking, traverses, and spring ski touring, with optional progression to more demanding terrain. This is a hut for those who value quiet routes and autonomy.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val Termine / Lukmanier region, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,570 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 40–45 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

  Approaches are long but technically moderate, depending on starting point.

  • Main approaches:

    • From the Lukmanier Pass area

    • From Campra / Val Termine

  • Hiking time: ~4–6 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,300 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, scree, grassy slopes, occasional snowfields early season

  • Difficulty: T3

  No glacier travel is required to reach the hut in summer.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Comfort is traditional and functional, consistent with remote CAS huts.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended for fully autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is quiet, authentic, and route-focused.

  • Simple, hearty alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly composed of trekkers and ski tourers

  • Evenings often spent planning crossings and discussing conditions

  Crowds are rare due to the hut’s isolation.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC/CAS hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC/CAS member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended in summer and spring ski season

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Capanna Cadlimo is well positioned for:

  • Alpine hiking and traverses between Ticino and Graubünden

  • Multi-day routes linking Lukmanier – Val Termine – Medel valley

  • Spring ski touring on broad slopes and ridges

  • Quiet summit hikes and panoramic viewpoints

  It is not a primary base for 4,000 m or heavily glaciated objectives.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September (hiking)

  • Spring: March–May (ski touring, snow conditions permitting)

  • Main risks: Fog, sudden weather changes, isolation

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Long-distance trekkers

  • Ski tourers

  • Visitors seeking solitude and non-commercial alpine terrain

  • Not suitable for beginners without mountain experience

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,570 m, the Capanna Cadlimo CAS offers a rare blend of remoteness, simplicity, and expansive alpine scenery. Sitting quietly above the Lukmanier region, it rewards effort with silence, wide horizons, and classic stage-hut versatility—an ideal refuge for those who measure alpine value by space and stillness, not by crowds.