Cabin du Petit Mountet

Cabane du Petit Mountet sits at 2,142m in the Valais Alps, on the approach to Mont-Collon and the Arolla glacier region. The cabin lies roughly 2.5 hours' hike from Arolla village. Head south from Arolla towards Lac des Chéserys, then climb steeply via the Pas de Chèvres trail. The final approach crosses open alpine terrain with cairn markers. This is a straightforward mountain walk, not a scramble, but the altitude and sustained climbing reward you with views towards the Dents de Bertol and Chamonix massif.

The cabin is small—capacity around 12 people—and functions as a basic mountain shelter rather than a full-service hut. There are sleeping platforms, a wood stove, and a water source from snowmelt or a nearby stream. Meals are not provided. Bring a sleeping bag, mat, and food. The cabin sits on the Swiss-Italian border and is managed informally; there is no resident guardian and no electricity or gas. Winter access is unreliable and requires mountaineering skills. The best season is July through September when snow has cleared and the cabin is passable on foot.

This is a refuge for self-sufficient hikers planning multi-day alpine traverses, not a staffed facility. Check conditions locally in Arolla before heading up. The cabin fills quickly during the main July-August period and occasionally hosts groups, so timing matters if you want solitude. Expect very basic conditions and bring everything you need.