Cabin Efra

Capanna Efra sits at 2,039m in the Ticino Alps, accessible from the Nufenen valley. Most hikers approach via Hospental (the typical base) with a 4-hour ascent that gains 1,200m elevation. The hut stands on a working mule route, so the trail is well-maintained but steep. A shorter variant starts from Gries, cutting 45 minutes off the walk. Either route puts you in serious terrain quickly—this is not a valley hut.
The cabin runs 24 beds across basic dorms and a small private room. The SAC manages it as a working alpine hut, not a destination of comfort. Expect cold water, pit toilets, and heating only in the main room. Staff cook simple evening meals and serve breakfast. The season runs mid-June to mid-September, weather-dependent. Surrounding peaks include Gletschhorn and Galenstock—both ski-touring objectives in spring and solid rock climbs in summer. Most visitors spend one or two nights and push onto traverse routes or climb from here.
Book directly by phone. July and August weekends fill by early June. May to June and September shoulder season is quieter. Bring a headtorch, earplugs, and your own sleeping bag liner (they provide blankets). The hut charges around 35 CHF per night and meals run 15–20 CHF. Water supply can be unreliable in late summer—confirm when booking.