Turtmannhütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Turtmann Glacier Traverse Base

The Turtmannhütte SAC is a remote high-alpine hut situated above the Turtmanngletscher, between the Turtmann Valley and the upper reaches of the Val d’Anniviers. Isolated from lift infrastructure and surrounded by glaciers and 4,000-metre peaks, it functions primarily as a traverse and summit base for experienced alpinists and ski tourers. This is a hut defined by commitment, continuity, and serious alpine terrain.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Turtmanngletscher / Val d’Anniviers–Turtmann valley, Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,519 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 60–65 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 are long and alpine, with glacier travel required depending on route and season.

  • Main approaches:

    • From the Turtmann Valley via alpine paths and moraines

    • From the Val d’Anniviers as part of high-alpine traverses

  • Ascent time: ~5–6.5 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,300–1,600 m

  • Terrain: Alpine trails, moraines, snowfields; glacier proximity near the hut

  • Difficulty: T4 / High-alpine (PD, route-dependent)

  Strong fitness, navigation skills, and alpine experience are essential.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Despite its remoteness, the hut offers reliable SAC-standard shelter.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for fully autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is quiet, focused, and expedition-oriented.

  • Energy-dense alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly composed of alpinists and ski tourers

  • Evenings dedicated to weather analysis and route planning

  Crowds are rare due to the demanding access.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Strongly recommended, especially in summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Turtmannhütte is a strategic hub for:

  • Glacier traverses between Turtmann Valley and Val d’Anniviers

  • Ascents of surrounding alpine peaks (often 3,500–4,000 m class)

  • Spring ski-mountaineering routes across the Turtmanngletscher

  • Multi-day high-alpine link-ups with huts such as Tracuit, Mountet, and Cabane de Tracuit (expert routes)

  All routes require full alpine or ski-mountaineering equipment.

• When to Go

  • Spring: March–May (ski touring)

  • Summer: July–September (alpinism and traverses)

  • Main risks: Crevasses, whiteouts, storms, isolation

  Stable weather windows and conservative decision-making are critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Glacier-traverse teams

  • Ski tourers

  • Not suitable for casual hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,519 m, the Turtmannhütte SAC offers access to one of the least frequented but most rewarding high-alpine regions in Valais. Its isolation, strong traverse potential, and glaciated surroundings make it a cornerstone for serious alpine journeys linking valleys and massifs—quiet, demanding, and deeply authentic.