Rotondohütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Gotthard Traverse Base

The Rotondohütte SAC is a strategically located high-alpine hut in the Gotthard region, close to the watershed between Central Switzerland and Ticino. Surrounded by glaciers and rugged alpine terrain, it serves as an important traverse and summit base for alpinists and ski tourers operating in the Rotondo massif. Its position makes it a classic link between northern and southern Alpine routes.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Gotthard region (Uri / Ticino border), Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,571 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 60–65 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually March–May (ski touring) and June–September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access to the Rotondohütte is alpine and often glaciated, depending on season and route.

  • Main approaches:

    • From the Gotthard Pass area

    • From Val Bedretto (Ticino side)

  • Ascent time: ~4–6 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,300 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, snowfields, glacier sections

  • Difficulty: T3–T4 / High-alpine (season-dependent)

  Spring access usually involves skis and glacier travel.

• Facilities & Comfort

  The hut offers solid SAC-standard comfort suitable for multi-day alpine itineraries.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is functional and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is practical and international.

  • Hearty alpine meals

  • Mix of ski tourers, alpinists, and traverse teams

  • Evenings focused on weather, snowpack, and route planning

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Strongly recommended, especially in spring

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Rotondohütte is a key hub for:

  • Witenwasserenstock (3,082 m) and neighboring summits

  • Glacier traverses in the Rotondo massif

  • Spring ski-mountaineering routes

  • Long alpine link-ups between Uri, Valais, and Ticino

  Full alpine or ski-mountaineering equipment is required.

• When to Go

  • Spring: March–May (prime ski touring season)

  • Summer: July–September (alpine traverses and ascents)

  • Main risks: Crevasses, storms, rapid weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Ski tourers

  • Glacier-traverse teams

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,571 m, the Rotondohütte SAC stands at a historic alpine crossroads. Its role as a link between climatic regions and its strong integration into ski touring and high-alpine traverses make it one of the most versatile huts in the Gotthard area—functional, strategic, and deeply alpine.