Silvrettahütte SAC

The Silvrettahütte SAC is a classic high-alpine hut situated at the heart of the Silvretta Group, close to the Silvretta Glacier and the Austrian border. Long regarded as one of Switzerland’s key huts for glacier travel, ski mountaineering, and high-alpine traverses, it combines a serious alpine setting with relatively direct access, making it a cornerstone for experienced mountaineers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Silvretta Group, Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,341 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 70–75 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually late June to late September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Approaches are alpine but well established.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Klosters (via Schlappintal / Silvretta Pass area)

    • From Ischgl (Austria) on transboundary routes

  • Hiking time: ~4.5–6 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,200 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, rocky sections; snow early season

  • Difficulty: T3

  Beyond the hut, routes quickly enter glaciated terrain.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Well equipped for sustained high-mountain use.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Managed drinking water supply

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is functional and heavily used by ski tourers.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Alpine, social, and expedition-oriented.

  • Substantial Swiss alpine meals

  • International clientele (Swiss–Austrian routes converge here)

  • Evenings often focused on weather analysis and early starts

  Despite its size, the hut retains a strong high-alpine character.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Silvrettahütte is a major hub for:

  • Glacier travel on the Silvretta Glacier

  • Ascents of peaks such as Piz Buin, Silvrettahorn, and neighboring summits

  • Classic ski-mountaineering routes in spring

  • Long alpine traverses between Graubünden and Tyrol

  Full alpine and glacier equipment is mandatory for most objectives.

• When to Go

  • Summer: July–early September (alpinism, glacier travel)

  • Spring: Prime season for ski mountaineering

  • Main risks: Crevasses, whiteout conditions, storms, rapid weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Glacier-travel and ski-mountaineering teams

  • Long, committing traverse parties

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,341 m, the Silvrettahütte SAC is one of the most important glacier huts in Eastern Switzerland. Its combination of accessibility, serious alpine terrain, and international route connectivity makes it ideal for mountaineers seeking classic high-Alpine objectives and multi-day traverses in the Silvretta range.