Lonza Biwak – Remote High-Alpine Bivouac & Emergency Shelter

The Lonza Biwak is a small, austere high-alpine bivouac situated in the upper reaches of the Lötschental, in the Canton of Valais. Intended strictly as an emergency and transit shelter, it supports experienced alpinists operating on long, committing routes in a remote mountain environment. Comfort is minimal; self-sufficiency and sound alpine judgment are essential.

• Bivouac Overview

  • Location: Upper Lötschental, Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: ~2,950 m

  • Type: High-alpine bivouac / emergency shelter

  • Capacity: Approx. 6–8 sleeping places

  • Season: Accessible year-round (conditions dependent)

  • Management: Local alpine infrastructure (not a serviced hut)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is purely alpine and conditions-dependent.

  • Typical access: Via high-alpine routes from the Lötschental

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, scree, snowfields; mixed terrain possible

  • Difficulty: High-alpine (T4–T5)

  • Requirements:

    • Advanced alpine experience

    • Confident navigation and route-finding

    • Ability to assess weather and retreat options

  Approaches are commonly part of multi-day alpine itineraries.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are extremely limited.

  • Simple sleeping platforms or benches

  • No heating

  • No food or water supply

  • No electricity

  Users must carry all food, water, and emergency equipment.

• Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is isolated and functional.

  • Rarely visited

  • Quiet, exposed nights

  • Used almost exclusively by alpinists

  This is shelter of necessity, not leisure.

• Usage & Ethics

  • Booking: Not possible

  • Access: First-come, first-served

  • Ethics: Strict leave-no-trace; leave the bivouac clean and usable

• Alpine Context

  The Lonza Biwak is relevant for:

  • Remote alpine traverses in the Lötschental

  • Linking demanding routes where no serviced huts exist

  • Emergency shelter during deteriorating conditions

  It is not connected to marked hiking trails.

• When to Go

  • Summer: Alpine routes and traverses

  • Spring: Possible ski-mountaineering approaches (conditions permitting)

  • Main risks: Weather instability, cold, isolation, difficult retreat

• Who Is This Bivouac For

  • Highly experienced alpinists

  • Ski mountaineers on committing routes

  • Teams operating far from serviced infrastructure

  • Not suitable for hikers, beginners, or casual overnights

Why This Bivouac Matters

At around 2,950 m, the Lonza Biwak represents the most minimal layer of alpine safety infrastructure in the Lötschental. Its value lies in continuity and refuge, offering a critical fallback option in one of the Valais’ more remote alpine sectors.