Chamanna d'Es-cha CAS
1.3
2,594m
Lombardy, Italy
About
Chamanna d'Es-cha sits at 2594m in the Rhaetian Alps on the border between Lombardy and the Graubünden. The hut is reached from the Maloja Pass area via the Val d'Es-cha. Standard access takes 3–4 hours from the valley. Most parties approach from the east via the Spügen Pass route, which adds hiking time but works well as a multi-day traverse.
The hut has 50 beds split across multiple dormitory rooms. Meals are served daily during the open season—expect simple, high-altitude cooking that fuels rather than impresses. A self-catering kitchen is available if you bring your own food. Water runs from a reliable spring. The hut opens mid-June through late September, with staffing dependent on snow melt and weather. Check ahead before visiting in early or late season.
Book by email or phone 4–6 weeks before your trip, especially for July and August weekends. The hut fills regularly with both guided groups and independent parties doing east–west Alpine traverses. Phone calls work better than email if you need a quick answer. Arrive by early afternoon to secure a room assignment and eat with the main service. The hut is managed by the CAS (Club Alpino Svizzero), so Swiss booking conventions apply.
The hut has 50 beds split across multiple dormitory rooms. Meals are served daily during the open season—expect simple, high-altitude cooking that fuels rather than impresses. A self-catering kitchen is available if you bring your own food. Water runs from a reliable spring. The hut opens mid-June through late September, with staffing dependent on snow melt and weather. Check ahead before visiting in early or late season.
Book by email or phone 4–6 weeks before your trip, especially for July and August weekends. The hut fills regularly with both guided groups and independent parties doing east–west Alpine traverses. Phone calls work better than email if you need a quick answer. Arrive by early afternoon to secure a room assignment and eat with the main service. The hut is managed by the CAS (Club Alpino Svizzero), so Swiss booking conventions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends during July-August; weekdays and shoulder season (June, September) can often be booked a few days before. Call ahead or check rifugio.net—phone contact is available directly.
Typically open mid-June through mid-September, depending on snow conditions and staffing. Confirm exact dates by calling ahead, as high-altitude huts often close earlier in poor weather.
Standard approach from Maloja Pass via Val d'Es-cha takes 3-4 hours; from the east via Spügen Pass is longer and better suited for multi-day traverses. There is no road access.
Simple high-altitude meals served daily during the open season; 50 beds in dormitory rooms. Shower facilities are typically limited; bring a washcloth and expect cold water or none at this elevation.
It's suitable for fit hikers comfortable with 3-4 hour mountain hikes at 2594m elevation; families with strong teenagers can manage it, but young children and unprepared beginners should choose lower, more accessible huts.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 50
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Self catering
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +41 81 854 17 55
- Website
- https://www.es-cha.ch/