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Mountain Huts

Climbers, mountaineers, ski tourers, trekkers and keen hillwalkers too will no doubt make use of mountain huts at some time in their alpine careers. Known variously as a cabane, camona, chamanna, hütte, refuge or rifugio, Switzerland has plenty to choose from. The latest Swiss Alpine Club (www.sac-cas.ch) hut book gives details of more than 350, most of which belong to individual clubs affiliated to the SAC, but many others included are either privately owned or belong to other organisations, yet are open to all comers. The majority are staffed during the high summer season; some have part-time wardens in residence at weekends or when booked in advance by a group; a few are unmanned, and a small handful are little more than simple bivouac shelters with minimal facilities. For up-to-date information on all SAC huts check www.schweizer.huetten.ch or www.alpesonline.ch.

Zmutt, a traditional alp hamlet above Zermatt

Communal dormitories of varying size are common to all. While bedding such as pillows, mattresses, blankets or duvets is provided, users should bring their own thin sleeping bag liner for reasons of hygiene. Toilet and washing facilities vary widely. At lower altitudes many washrooms have hot and cold running water; some have showers and indoor flush toilets, while facilities in general are more limited and basic the higher you go. Bivouacking is not allowed within 400m of a hut.