About
La Cabane du Vieux Emosson sits at 2,552m in the upper Vallée de la Dranse, on the border between Valle d'Aosta and the Valais. Reach it from Châtelard via the Barrage d'Emosson dam road—about 90 minutes on foot from the hydroelectric facility. The hut serves as a base for routes across the Chaîne du Ruan and access to peaks around Mont-Blanc and Gran Combin. Winter access depends on snow conditions; summer is straightforward.
The hut offers 40 beds in mixed and private rooms with basic facilities. Meals focus on hearty mountain food: polenta, stews, cheese fondue. There's no electricity beyond essential lighting—plan accordingly if you need to charge devices. The season runs June through September, weather permitting. Water comes from the mountain; the toilet facilities are functional but spartan.
Book directly by phone well ahead. July and August fill quickly, especially mid-month. Phone ahead the day before arrival to confirm your expected time and any dietary needs. The hut operates year-round for experienced winter mountaineers, but summer is the reliable season for most hikers. Bring cash; card facilities are limited or nonexistent.
The hut offers 40 beds in mixed and private rooms with basic facilities. Meals focus on hearty mountain food: polenta, stews, cheese fondue. There's no electricity beyond essential lighting—plan accordingly if you need to charge devices. The season runs June through September, weather permitting. Water comes from the mountain; the toilet facilities are functional but spartan.
Book directly by phone well ahead. July and August fill quickly, especially mid-month. Phone ahead the day before arrival to confirm your expected time and any dietary needs. The hut operates year-round for experienced winter mountaineers, but summer is the reliable season for most hikers. Bring cash; card facilities are limited or nonexistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-August); contact the hut directly by phone for availability and current conditions. Check rifugi.net or the CAI website for additional booking options if available.
Open summer season (typically June-September); winter access depends entirely on snow conditions and is not reliable. Contact ahead to confirm staffing dates for your planned visit.
From Châtelard, take the Barrage d'Emosson dam road for about 90 minutes on foot to reach the hut at 2,552m. The route is straightforward in summer but requires good snow sense in winter.
The hut offers 40 beds in mixed and private rooms with basic facilities; expect simple meals and no shower (confirm current amenities when booking).
Yes for fit families and hikers with mountain experience—the 90-minute approach is moderate, but the 2,552m altitude and location on steep terrain mean this is better for acclimatized visitors rather than complete beginners.
Location
46.0625, 6.9004
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
2.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +41 79 342 95 66
- Website
- http://www.cabaneduvieux.ch
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
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