Weisshornhütte SAC – Classic High-Alpine Hut & Weisshorn Summit Base

The Weisshornhütte SAC is the historic and most direct base hut for ascents of the Weisshorn (4,506 m)—often regarded as one of the Alps’ most beautiful and demanding 4,000-metre peaks. Perched high above the valleys on a rocky spur, the hut offers a traditional, serious alpine atmosphere and serves experienced alpinists targeting the Weisshorn and surrounding objectives.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val d’Anniviers / Randa sector, Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,932 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC high-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

  Reaching the Weisshornhütte is long, steep, and fully alpine.

  • Main approach: From Randa (Mattertal)

  • Ascent time: ~5.5–7 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,600–1,800 m

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, moraines, exposed sections, rocky steps

  • Difficulty: T4

  Excellent fitness, sure-footedness, and a head for exposure are essential. The approach itself is a serious undertaking.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Traditional SAC comfort adapted to high-alpine use.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

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

• Food & Atmosphere

  Focused, calm, and mountaineering-oriented.

  • Energy-rich alpine meals

  • Clientele almost exclusively alpinists

  • Evenings revolve around weather windows, route conditions, and timing

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

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Essential, especially in peak summer

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Weisshornhütte is primarily a summit base:

  • Weisshorn (4,506 m) – normal route via the East Ridge (Schaligrat sector)

  • Variants and traverses for highly experienced teams

  • Demanding alpine routes in the Weisshorn massif

  All routes require full alpine equipment, excellent route-finding, and strong judgment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Conditions: Extremely weather-sensitive

  • Main risks: Rockfall, storms, exposure, difficult retreat

  Stable forecasts and conservative decisions are critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced mountaineers

  • Guided summit teams

  • Climbers with prior 4,000-m experience

  • Not suitable for hikers or beginners

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,932 m, the Weisshornhütte SAC is inseparable from the legend of the Weisshorn itself. Its demanding access, focused atmosphere, and position below one of the Alps’ most elegant summits make it a rite of passage for serious alpinists. This is a hut where commitment, preparation, and respect for the mountain define the experience.