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Mountain huts

A cosy atmosphere is created in the dining room of the Burg Hut (Walk 1)

Since the majority of mountain huts (refuge, cabane, hütte) are located in spectacular surroundings, they usually provide a memorable experience for the first-time user. Although primarily intended as an overnight base for climbers, a number of Valaisian huts are accessible to walkers. Mostly owned by the Swiss Alpine Club, but open to all, mixed-sex dormitories are the norm for sleeping accommodation (take your own sheet sleeping bag) and washing facilities can be primitive, but where a guardian (hut keeper) is in residence for the summer, meals and refreshments are usually available. Basic details are given in the main section of this book, but further information is available at www.sac-cas.ch, which provides a list.

As a number of routes contained in this guide visit mountain huts, a note on hut etiquette may be useful for newcomers intending to stay. Upon arrival remove your boots and change into a pair of special hut shoes (clogs or slippers) found on racks in the boot room or porch. Locate the guardian to book sleeping space for the night and any meals required. Meal times are usually fixed, and a choice of menu is sometimes, but not always, available. Payment should be made in cash the night before your departure. Although you will be allocated a place in a dormitory, access to it may not be possible until the evening. Since the room may be unlit, keep your headtorch or flashlight handy.