Sustlihütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Susten Granite Base

The Sustlihütte SAC is a renowned high-alpine hut located above the Susten Pass, near the border between the cantons of Bern and Uri. Set in a dramatic granite landscape with glaciers and steep ridges, it is best known as a base for alpine rock climbing, glacier ascents, and ski mountaineering. Its atmosphere is technical and focused, attracting experienced alpinists rather than casual hikers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Susten Pass / Sustenhorn area, Bern–Uri border, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,257 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 55–60 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to late September

    • Spring opening for ski touring (conditions dependent)

    • Winter room: accessible outside guarded periods

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is alpine and already demanding, even before reaching glaciated terrain.

  • Main approach: From the Susten Pass road (Steingletscher area)

  • Hiking time: ~3.5–4.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,100 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, moraines, rocky steps, occasional snowfields

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Early in the season, snow and ice can significantly increase difficulty.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are traditional and well adapted to a technical alpine base.

  • 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 widely used by ski-mountaineering teams.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is purposeful and distinctly alpine.

  • Hearty, energy-focused meals

  • Clientele mainly composed of climbers, alpinists, and ski tourers

  • Evenings focused on weather forecasts, route conditions, and early starts

  Despite its popularity, the hut retains a serious, non-touristic character.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Sustlihütte is a cornerstone base for:

  • Granite climbing routes in the Susten region

  • Ascents of peaks such as the Sustenhorn

  • Glacier routes on the Steingletscher

  • Spring ski-mountaineering tours

  • Links to huts such as Grassenbiwak, Steingletscher area bivouacs, and Dammahütte

  Most objectives require full alpine or glacier equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Spring: Ski touring and glacier ascents

  • Main risks: Crevasses, rockfall, storms, rapid weather changes

  Stable forecasts and early starts are essential.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Rock climbers and mixed-climbing teams

  • Ski mountaineers

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,257 m, the Sustlihütte SAC occupies one of the most versatile and technical alpine zones of Central Switzerland. Its combination of granite walls, glaciers, and accessible road approach makes it a premier base for ambitious alpine days without extreme remoteness. For climbers and alpinists seeking quality terrain and efficient access, it is a reference hut of the Susten Pass.