Chamanna da Tschierva CAS – High-Alpine Hut & Piz Bernina Base

The Chamanna da Tschierva CAS (Tschiervahütte) is one of the most important high-alpine huts in the Bernina Group, located high above the Val Roseg in the Upper Engadin. It is the classic starting point for the ascent of Piz Bernina (4,049 m) via the Biancograt, one of the most famous snow-and-ice ridges in the Alps. The hut is serious, technical in purpose, and firmly oriented toward experienced alpinists.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val Roseg, Upper Engadin, Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,584 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 long and physically demanding.

  • Main approach:

    • From Pontresina through the Val Roseg

  • Hiking time: ~5.5–6.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,300–1,500 m

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

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Beyond the hut, routes immediately enter glaciated and technical terrain.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Well equipped for sustained high-alpine 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 alpinists.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Focused, serious, and expedition-oriented.

  • Energy-dense alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly composed of alpinists aiming for Piz Bernina and neighboring peaks

  • Evenings dedicated to weather analysis, rope planning, and early starts

  Despite its popularity, the hut retains a strong alpine discipline.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Chamanna da Tschierva is a key base for:

  • Piz Bernina (4,049 m) via the Biancograt

  • Glacier routes toward Piz Morteratsch, Crast’Agüzza, and Piz Roseg

  • High-alpine traverses linking to Chamanna Coaz and Italian refuges

  • Spring ski mountaineering routes (conditions permitting)

  Full alpine and glacier equipment is mandatory for all main objectives.

• When to Go

  • Summer: July–early September (alpinism)

  • Spring: Ski mountaineering

  • Main risks: Crevasses, exposure on snow ridges, rockfall, rapid weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Glacier-travel and high-altitude climbing teams

  • Parties attempting classic Alpine routes

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,584 m, the Chamanna da Tschierva CAS is inseparable from the legend of Piz Bernina. Its position, history, and direct access to one of the Alps’ most iconic ridges make it a cornerstone hut of Swiss high-alpinism, ideal for mountaineers seeking technical challenge, altitude, and classic routes.