Dammahütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Dammastock Summit Base

The Dammahütte SAC is a compact high-alpine hut dramatically positioned above the Göscheneralp basin, close to the Damma Glacier and beneath the imposing north face of the Dammastock (3,630 m), the highest peak in the Central Alps. Compared to the nearby Bergseehütte, the Dammahütte is more technical, exposed, and purpose-driven, serving primarily as a summit and glacier base for experienced alpinists.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Göscheneralp / Damma Glacier, Canton of Uri, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,439 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–35 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Reaching the Dammahütte already requires solid alpine experience.

  • Main approach: From the Göscheneralp reservoir

  • Ascent time: ~4–5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,000–1,200 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, steep moraines, exposed rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T4

  Sure-footedness, good route-finding, and stable conditions are essential. The approach is significantly more serious than that of the Bergseehütte.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are minimal and strictly functional.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping with mattresses and blankets

  • Simple meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Basic indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended only for autonomous, well-prepared teams.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is focused and distinctly alpine.

  • Simple, energy-dense meals

  • Guests are almost exclusively alpinists

  • Evenings revolve around glacier conditions, weather windows, and early starts

  Quiet and uncrowded due to the technical nature of routes.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Strongly recommended due to limited capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Dammahütte is primarily a summit base for:

  • Dammastock (3,630 m) – via glacier and mixed routes

  • Glacier tours on the Damma Glacier

  • Alpine ascents of neighboring peaks (3,000–3,500 m class)

  • Spring ski-mountaineering routes (conditions permitting)

  All routes require full alpine and glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Spring: Ski touring and glacier ascents

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

  Stable forecasts and conservative decision-making are critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Glacier and mixed-climbing teams

  • Ski mountaineers

  • Not suitable for hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,439 m, the Dammahütte SAC is one of Central Switzerland’s most serious and specialized alpine huts. Its direct access to the Dammastock and surrounding glaciers makes it an essential base for classic Central Alpine ascents. This is a hut defined by commitment, efficiency, and proximity to real alpine terrain—ideal for those seeking substance over comfort.