Capanna del Forno CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Forno Glacier Base

The Capanna del Forno CAS is a classic high-alpine hut set above the Val Bregaglia, at the foot of the Forno Glacier. It is a key base for glacier travel, alpine ascents, and long high-mountain traverses linking Graubünden, Engadin, and Italy. Remote, serious, and purpose-built, it caters primarily to experienced alpinists rather than casual hikers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val Bregaglia (access via Maloja / Val Forno), Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,574 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 70–75 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually late June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Approaches are alpine and physically demanding.

  • Main approach:

    • From Maloja through Val Forno

  • Hiking time: ~5–6.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,400 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, rocky sections; snow early season

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Approaches beyond the hut quickly enter glaciated terrain.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Well equipped for sustained high-mountain use.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Managed drinking water supply

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is functional and intended for autonomous teams.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Serious, alpine, and route-focused.

  • Energy-dense alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly alpinists, glacier-travel teams, and traverse parties

  • Evenings typically dedicated to weather analysis and early starts

  Despite its size, the hut retains a strong expedition atmosphere.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Capanna del Forno is a major hub for:

  • Glacier routes on the Forno Glacier

  • Ascents in the Forno–Bregaglia massif

  • High-alpine traverses toward neighboring Italian refuges

  • Spring ski-mountaineering itineraries (conditions permitting)

  Full alpine and glacier equipment is mandatory for most objectives.

• When to Go

  • Summer: July–early September (alpinism)

  • Spring: Ski mountaineering

  • Main risks: Crevasses, rockfall, storms, rapid weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Glacier-travel and ski-mountaineering teams

  • Long, committing traverse parties

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hut visitors

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,574 m, the Capanna del Forno CAS stands as one of Eastern Switzerland’s most important glacier huts. Its strategic position above the Forno Glacier, large capacity, and access to serious alpine terrain make it an essential base for mountaineers seeking scale, commitment, and classic high-Alpine objectives.