Le Tiocan
1.1
Vaud Alps, Switzerland
About
Le Tiocan sits at 2,050m in the Val d'Hérens, a day's walk below the high peaks but well positioned for exploring the surrounding ridges and glaciers. Access from Arolla takes 3 hours on marked trail through larch forest and alpine meadow. The hut is small and remote enough that you won't find crowds, but established enough that someone maintains the building properly.
The hut sleeps 15 across multiple rooms. Half-board is the standard offering: expect simple, filling meals prepared from what's available locally and what you've carried up. There's a basic kitchen if you need to cook your own food. Water comes from the spring outside. The hut runs a simple generator for light and charging. It operates year-round but expect skeleton staffing outside summer; contact ahead if you're planning a shoulder-season visit. Bedding is provided.
Book direct by email or phone—there's no online system here. July and early August fill fast; aim to book 4–6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September are quieter. The keeper will confirm your arrival time and dietary needs when you book. Bring cash; card payment isn't reliable this far up. The hut sits on the main hiking routes up to Pigne d'Arolla and toward Pas de Chèvres, so expect fellow hikers if you're here during peak season, but nothing approaching the chaos of the bigger commercial huts lower down.
The hut sleeps 15 across multiple rooms. Half-board is the standard offering: expect simple, filling meals prepared from what's available locally and what you've carried up. There's a basic kitchen if you need to cook your own food. Water comes from the spring outside. The hut runs a simple generator for light and charging. It operates year-round but expect skeleton staffing outside summer; contact ahead if you're planning a shoulder-season visit. Bedding is provided.
Book direct by email or phone—there's no online system here. July and early August fill fast; aim to book 4–6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September are quieter. The keeper will confirm your arrival time and dietary needs when you book. Bring cash; card payment isn't reliable this far up. The hut sits on the main hiking routes up to Pigne d'Arolla and toward Pas de Chèvres, so expect fellow hikers if you're here during peak season, but nothing approaching the chaos of the bigger commercial huts lower down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead during peak season (July–August); shoulder months need less notice. Contact by email or phone directly—this is a small hut with only 15 beds.
Le Tiocan operates June through September, staffed during this period for meals and hut management.
Start from Arolla and follow the marked trail up Val d'Hérens; the hut is a 3-hour walk through larch forest and alpine meadow, ending at 2,050m.
Half-board is standard—simple, filling dinners and breakfasts prepared by the hut keeper. Expect basic dormitory sleeping and limited hot water; bring a headlamp and quick-dry towel.
Yes, if you're fit enough for 3 hours uphill with a pack. The approach is straightforward on marked trail, and the hut's small size means a quieter, less intimidating experience than larger huts.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 15
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 50 41 48 09
- Website
- http://association.objectif.gaia.over-blog.com/