Demanding
About
Cabane du Vélan sits at 2,642m on the eastern flank of Mont Vélan in the Valais Alps. Approach from Bourg-Saint-Pierre village (1,632m) via the Vallée du Vélan. The hiking time is 3–3.5 hours on a well-marked trail gaining 1,010m elevation. This is the standard approach and moderately steep but straightforward. You can also reach the hut from the Mauvoisin valley to the north, though this route is less common and involves scrambling.
The hut is managed by CAS Bourg-Saint-Pierre section of the Swiss Alpine Club and holds 62 beds across multiple dormitory rooms. Meals are served daily during the season—expect simple, hearty Alpine fare. Drinking water is available on-site. The hut operates year-round but staff presence and meal service vary by season; confirm opening dates before planning a winter visit. The hut makes an excellent base for Mont Vélan ascents (3,727m, roughly 4 hours from the hut, non-technical but sustained climbing), and for traverses toward the Gran San Bernardo area.
Book directly by email or phone with CAS Bourg-Saint-Pierre. July and August are busy; aim to book 4–6 weeks ahead for these months. June and September are more relaxed. Call ahead in shoulder seasons to check staffing and meal availability. The hut fills quickly during longer Alpine traverses and Mont Vélan climbing season.
The hut is managed by CAS Bourg-Saint-Pierre section of the Swiss Alpine Club and holds 62 beds across multiple dormitory rooms. Meals are served daily during the season—expect simple, hearty Alpine fare. Drinking water is available on-site. The hut operates year-round but staff presence and meal service vary by season; confirm opening dates before planning a winter visit. The hut makes an excellent base for Mont Vélan ascents (3,727m, roughly 4 hours from the hut, non-technical but sustained climbing), and for traverses toward the Gran San Bernardo area.
Book directly by email or phone with CAS Bourg-Saint-Pierre. July and August are busy; aim to book 4–6 weeks ahead for these months. June and September are more relaxed. Call ahead in shoulder seasons to check staffing and meal availability. The hut fills quickly during longer Alpine traverses and Mont Vélan climbing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; email or call the hut directly to reserve.
The hut is staffed from June to September; check ahead for exact opening and closing dates.
Hike from Bourg-Saint-Pierre village (1,632m) via the Vallée du Vélan in 3–3.5 hours, gaining 1,010m on a well-marked, moderately steep trail.
Meals are served daily, and drinking water is available; there are 62 beds total.
Yes, the standard approach is straightforward hiking for anyone with basic mountain fitness and experience at altitude.
Location
45.9169, 7.2455
HutLists Score
2.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- SAC CAS Bourg-Saint-Pierre
- Total
- 62
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +41 27 787 13 13
- Website
- https://www.velan.ch/
Activities
Featured In
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