Mutthornhütte SAC – Remote High-Alpine Hut & Glacier Traverse Base

The Mutthornhütte SAC is a remote and demanding high-alpine hut located deep in the Bernese Alps, between the Lötschen Pass and the upper Kander Valley. Far removed from lift infrastructure and marked hiking trails, it functions primarily as a base for long glacier traverses and serious alpine routes. This hut is reserved for experienced alpinists and ski mountaineers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Bernese Alps (between Lötschenpass & Kander valley), Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,897 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 45–50 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

  All approaches to the Mutthornhütte are alpine and committing.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Lötschenpasshütte via glacier terrain

    • From Kandersteg via long alpine routes

  • Ascent time: ~5–7 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,600 m

  • Terrain: Glacier travel, moraines, snowfields, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: High-alpine (PD)

  • Requirements:

    • Confident glacier travel

    • Rope and crevasse-rescue skills

    • Strong navigation and endurance

  This hut is rarely approached as a single-day objective.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Despite its isolation, the hut provides reliable SAC-standard shelter.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water (snowmelt supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for full autonomy.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is expedition-focused and quiet.

  • Energy-dense alpine meals

  • Guests are almost exclusively alpinists or ski tourers

  • Evenings dedicated to route planning and weather analysis

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Essential, due to limited access and capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Mutthornhütte is a key waypoint for:

  • Glacier traverses between Kandersteg, Lötschental, and the Aletsch region

  • High-alpine ski-mountaineering routes (spring)

  • Long, multi-day alpine link-ups across the Bernese Alps

  It is not a summit-focused hut but a traverse hub.

• When to Go

  • Spring: Ski touring (March–May)

  • Summer: July–September (alpinism)

  • Main risks: Crevasses, whiteouts, storms, isolation

  Stable weather windows and conservative planning are critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Glacier-traverse teams

  • Ski tourers

  • Not suitable for hikers, beginners, or casual overnights

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,897 m, the Mutthornhütte SAC represents pure alpine commitment. Its isolation, long approaches, and strategic position between major alpine regions make it a cornerstone of classic Bernese Alps traverses. For skilled alpinists, it offers continuity through one of the most serious and beautiful mountain landscapes in Switzerland.