Capanna Quintino Sella CAI – High-Alpine Hut & Monte Rosa Traverse Base

The Capanna Quintino Sella CAI (often called Quintino Sella al Felik) is a major high-alpine hut on the Monte Rosa massif, overlooking the Felik Glacier on the Italian side. A cornerstone of Monte Rosa traverses, it serves as a strategic stage and summit base for multiple 4,000-metre ascents and classic glacier routes linking Italy and Switzerland. This is a serious, expedition-oriented hut for experienced alpinists.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Monte Rosa massif / Felik Glacier, Aosta Valley, Italy

  • Altitude: 3,585 m

  • Type: Serviced high-alpine hut

  • Capacity: Approx. 140–160 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: typically mid-June to mid-September (conditions dependent)

  • Managed by: Club Alpino Italiano (CAI)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is fully alpine and glaciated.

  • Main approach: From Stafal (Gressoney) via lifts to Passo dei Salati / Punta Indren, then across the Felik Glacier

  • Ascent time: ~3.5–5 hours from the upper lift stations

  • Elevation gain: ~700–1,000 m (from lifts)

  • Terrain: Glacier travel, snow slopes, exposed sections

  • Difficulty: Alpine (PD)

  • Requirements: Glacier skills, rope techniques, solid acclimatisation

• Facilities & Comfort

  Given its altitude and size, the hut provides robust high-mountain comfort.

  • Large dormitories with blankets

  • Hot meals and breakfast

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  Facilities are optimised for early starts and short, efficient stays.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is busy, international, and expedition-like.

  • High-energy alpine meals

  • Strong presence of guided parties

  • Early dinners and very early departures are standard

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Higher than average due to altitude and logistics

  • Booking: Essential, especially in peak summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Capanna Quintino Sella is a prime Monte Rosa hub:

  • Castor (4,228 m) – classic ascent

  • Pollux (4,092 m) – via steeper mixed terrain

  • Traverses toward Capanna Gnifetti and Capanna Margherita

  • Glacier crossings linking Italy and Switzerland

  All routes require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Conditions: Very cold nights, strong winds, rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Crevasses, altitude illness, storms, whiteouts

  Proper acclimatisation is critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers and alpinists

  • Parties climbing Monte Rosa 4,000ers

  • Guided high-altitude teams

  • Not suitable for hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 3,585 m, the Capanna Quintino Sella CAI is one of the most operationally important huts in the Monte Rosa massif. Its scale, position above the Felik Glacier, and direct access to iconic 4,000-metre peaks make it an essential base for classic ascents and long high-alpine traverses between Italy and Switzerland.