Gandegghütte – High-Altitude Hut & Matterhorn Approach Base

The Gandegghütte is a high-altitude mountain hut located above Zermatt, directly beneath the east face of the Matterhorn. Thanks to its proximity to lift infrastructure and its strategic position near major alpine routes, it serves as an important approach and support hut for mountaineers, guides, and high-altitude hikers operating in the Matterhorn area. While accessible, it remains firmly within a high-mountain environment.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Zermatt / Matterhorn sector, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 3,030 m

  • Type: Mountain hut / alpine refuge (served)

  • Capacity: Approx. 80–90 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: typically June to September and during the winter ski season

  • Management: Private / Zermatt mountain infrastructure

• Access & Approaches

  Access is efficient but altitude and weather must not be underestimated.

  • Main access:

    • Via Zermatt cable cars to the Schwarzsee / Trockener Steg area, followed by a short hike

    • On foot via high-alpine trails from Zermatt (longer option)

  • Hiking time:

    • From lifts: ~30–60 minutes

    • On foot from Zermatt: 4–5 hours

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, rocky sections, ski-area terrain

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

• Facilities & Comfort

  The Gandegghütte offers above-average comfort for its altitude.

  • Large dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Hot meals and drinks

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  It functions partly as a high-altitude lodge, especially during ski season.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is lively and international.

  • Alpine and Valais cuisine

  • Frequent presence of guides and mountaineers

  • Social evenings due to easy access and high capacity

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Moderate to high (reflecting altitude and access)

  • Booking: Recommended, especially in summer and winter peak periods

  • Payment: Cash and cards usually accepted

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Gandegghütte is well positioned for:

  • Approaches toward Hörnlihütte (Matterhorn normal route)

  • High-altitude hikes around Schwarzsee and Trockener Steg

  • Glacier sightseeing and ski-area traverses

  • Winter ski touring and freeride routes

  It is more of a logistics and staging hut than a summit base.

• When to Go

  • Summer: Hiking and mountaineering approaches

  • Winter: Ski season and high-altitude stays

  • Main risks: Altitude effects, sudden weather changes, wind

• Who Is This Hut For

  • High-altitude hikers

  • Mountaineers and guides

  • Ski tourers and winter visitors

  • Visitors seeking a high-mountain overnight near Zermatt

  • Not intended as a remote or technical refuge

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 3,030 m, the Gandegghütte combines exceptional altitude with accessibility. Its direct views of the Matterhorn and its role as a logistical hub make it a unique place to experience the high Alps without committing to extreme alpine routes—an ideal bridge between tourism and serious mountaineering.