Cufercalhütte SAC – Remote Alpine Hut & Rheinwald–Madris Traverse Base

The Cufercalhütte SAC is a remote high-alpine hut located above the Val Madris, in the Rheinwald region of the Canton of Graubünden. Set in a wild, austere alpine landscape close to the Italian border, it serves primarily as a stage hut for experienced alpine hikers and long-distance trekkers, as well as a base for spring ski touring. Its character is defined by isolation, endurance, and route continuity rather than comfort.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val Madris / Rheinwald, Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,385 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–35 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually late June to late September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Approaches are long, demanding, and fully alpine.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Splügen or Hinterrhein via Val Madris

  • Hiking time: ~5–6.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,500 m

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, grassy slopes, scree sections

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Good fitness, sure-footedness, and navigation skills are essential, especially in poor visibility.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Functional and simple, aligned with the hut’s remote role.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Managed drinking water supply

  • Basic indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous parties.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Quiet, isolated, and route-focused.

  • Substantial alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly experienced hikers, traverse parties, and ski tourers

  • Evenings are calm, centered on weather checks and next-day planning

  Crowds are rare due to the long approach.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Cufercalhütte is well placed for:

  • Alpine hiking traverses in the Rheinwald and Madris Alps

  • Cross-border routes toward Italy (route-dependent)

  • Spring ski-mountaineering itineraries

  • Exploration of remote high valleys and passes

  It is not primarily a glacier base, though snowfields may persist early in the season.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September (hiking)

  • Spring: Ski mountaineering

  • Main risks: Isolation, fog, sudden weather changes, early snowfall

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Long-distance trekkers

  • Ski-mountaineering parties

  • Traverse-focused groups

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hut visitors

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,385 m, the Cufercalhütte SAC represents the wild heart of the Rheinwald Alps. Long approaches, minimal infrastructure, and deep silence make it ideal for hikers who value effort, remoteness, and continuity of trail over popularity or easy access.