Planurahütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Tödi Summit Base

The Planurahütte SAC is a classic high-alpine summit hut dramatically positioned above the Claridenfirn, directly beneath the massive north face of the Tödi (3,614 m)—the highest peak of the Glarus Alps. Remote, technical, and uncompromising, it serves almost exclusively as a base for glacier travel and serious alpine ascents, with the Tödi as its primary objective.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Claridenfirn / Tödi massif, Glarus–Uri border, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,947 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 40–45 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

  Access to the Planurahütte is fully alpine and demanding.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Bristen / Maderanertal via the Claridenfirn

    • From Glarus side as part of long glacier traverses

  • Ascent time: ~6–8 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,600–2,000 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, glacier travel, snow and mixed terrain

  • Difficulty: High-alpine (PD–AD, route-dependent)

  Full glacier equipment and strong alpine experience are mandatory.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are functional and adapted to extreme alpine use.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Simple half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water (snowmelt / managed supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous, experienced teams.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Focused, quiet, and mountaineering-oriented.

  • Energy-dense alpine meals

  • Guests are almost exclusively alpinists

  • Evenings centered on weather windows, glacier conditions, and early starts

  Early departures (often before 03:00) are standard.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Essential due to limited capacity and serious objectives

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Planurahütte is primarily a summit base for:

  • Tödi (3,614 m) – classic normal route via the Claridenfirn

  • Glacier ascents and traverses in the Tödi–Clariden area

  • 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 (experienced teams only)

  • Main risks: Crevasses, storms, whiteouts, difficult retreat

  Stable forecasts and conservative decision-making are critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Glacier and ski-mountaineering teams

  • Climbers targeting the Tödi

  • Not suitable for hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,947 m, the Planurahütte SAC is inseparable from the identity of the Tödi itself. Its remote position, serious access, and focused atmosphere make it one of Switzerland’s most purpose-driven summit huts. For alpinists seeking a classic, demanding 3,600-metre ascent in a wild setting, it is an essential base—defined by commitment, exposure, and alpine authenticity.