Windgällenhütte AACZ – High-Alpine Hut & Windgällen Massif Base

The Windgällenhütte AACZ is a classic high-alpine hut located above the Maderanertal in the Canton of Uri, at the foot of the dramatic Gross Windgällen massif. Managed by the Academic Alpine Club of Zurich (AACZ), it is known for its serious terrain, steep approaches, and focused mountaineering atmosphere. The hut serves primarily as a base for alpine climbing, mixed routes, and demanding scrambles, rather than casual hiking.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Maderanertal / Windgällen massif, Canton of Uri, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,032 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 35–40 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Academic Alpine Club of Zurich (AACZ)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is steep and fully alpine, requiring solid mountain experience.

  • Main approach: From Brunni (Maderanertal)

  • Hiking time: ~4–5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,400 m

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, scree, exposed rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T4

  Sure-footedness, good route-finding, and confidence with exposure are essential.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are functional and traditional, aligned with the hut’s technical purpose.

  • Dormitory sleeping with mattresses and blankets

  • Simple meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Basic indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous, well-prepared teams.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Quiet, focused, and distinctly mountaineering-oriented.

  • Simple, energy-dense alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly composed of alpinists and strong alpine hikers

  • Evenings centered on route conditions, weather windows, and early starts

  Crowds are uncommon due to the demanding access and objectives.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Windgällenhütte is a strategic base for:

  • Gross Windgällen (3,187 m) and neighboring peaks

  • Alpine rock, snow, and mixed routes in the Windgällen group

  • Demanding scrambles and ridge traverses

  • Spring ski-mountaineering routes (conditions permitting)

  Glacier travel is route-dependent; alpine climbing competence is mandatory.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to early September

  • Spring: Ski mountaineering (experienced parties)

  • Main risks: Rockfall, exposure, storms, rapid weather changes

  Early starts and stable forecasts are critical.

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpinists

  • Alpine climbers and mixed-route teams

  • Strong hikers comfortable with exposure

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,032 m, the Windgällenhütte AACZ offers direct access to some of Uri’s most dramatic and demanding alpine terrain. Its AACZ heritage, steep approaches, and focused clientele create an atmosphere defined by commitment and authenticity. For mountaineers seeking serious routes away from crowds, it is a highly rewarding base.