Claridenhütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Claridenfirn Traverse Base

The Claridenhütte SAC is a classic high-alpine hut set above the Claridenfirn in the Glarus Alps, close to the border with Uri. Renowned for its wide glacier panorama and its role on historic alpine crossings, it functions as a stage hut for glacier traverses, ski touring, and summer alpinism rather than a single-summit base. Its character is purposeful, open, and distinctly high-mountain.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Claridenfirn / Glarus Alps (Uri–Glarus border), Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,453 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 70–75 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to late September

    • Spring opening for ski touring (dates vary)

    • Winter room: accessible outside guarded periods

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is alpine and season-dependent, with glacier involvement on several routes.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Klausen Pass area (summer hiking routes)

    • From Urnerboden or Bristen as part of longer alpine crossings

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

  • Elevation gain: ~1,000–1,400 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, scree, moraines; glacier sections on some approaches

  • Difficulty: T3–T4 / High-alpine (season-dependent)

• Facilities & Comfort

  Traditional SAC comfort suitable for multi-day itineraries.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is functional and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Calm, open, and route-focused.

  • Hearty alpine meals

  • Mix of alpinists, ski tourers, and long-distance trekkers

  • Evenings often spent planning crossings and assessing glacier conditions

  Despite its size, the hut retains a quiet, expansive feel.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended, especially in summer and spring ski season

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Claridenhütte is a key hub for:

  • Claridenfirn glacier traverses

  • Spring ski-mountaineering routes across the Glarus Alps

  • Alpine crossings linking Uri, Glarus, and Central Switzerland

  • Ascents of nearby peaks in the Clariden group (glacier equipment required)

• When to Go

  • Spring: March–May (ski touring, glacier travel)

  • Summer: July–September (alpinism & traverses)

  • Main risks: Crevasses, whiteouts on the firn, storms

  Good visibility and stable forecasts are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Glacier-traverse teams

  • Ski tourers

  • Mountaineers seeking classic Central Swiss routes

  • Not suitable for beginners without alpine or glacier experience

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,453 m, the Claridenhütte SAC stands out for its sense of space and continuity. Sitting above one of Central Switzerland’s most important firn basins, it enables elegant multi-day journeys rather than single objectives. For those drawn to classic glacier routes, long traverses, and a panoramic alpine setting, it is a cornerstone hut of the region.