6 Extreme Swiss Mountain Huts

Few mountaineers would likely attempt to conquer the extreme verticals of Switzerland - were it not for the various mountain huts.

Situated at breath-taking altitudes, these government funded huts provide climbers shelter from the raw nature of Swiss mountains. Visitors can expect basic accommodations, including some huts with individual rooms, showers and food.

No less than 152 huts are being maintained by SAC, the Swiss Alpine Club. Here are six from the canton of Valais which stuck out as most extreme:

Solvay Hut

(Courtesy of Streeter5000)
 
(Courtesy of summitpost.org)
 
Altitude: 4'003 m/13'133 ft
Capacity: 10
Location: Matterhorn
Good to know: For emergency use only!
 

Mischabeljoch Bivouac

(Courtesy of gulliver.it)
 
(Courtesy of Hikr.org)
 
Altitude: 3'851 m/ 12'621 ft
Capacity: 24
Location: Above Saas Fee
Good to know: Don't presume there will be food in the hut!
 

Bertol Hut

(Courtesy of Alternatives Wandern)
 
Altitude: 3'311 m/10'863 ft
Capacity: 80
Location: Val d'Herens
Good to know: Located along the itinerary of the mythical Patrouille des Glaciers.
 

Hörnli Hut

(Courtesy of Andreas Dändliker)
 
(Courtesy of Wikipedia)
 
Altitude: 3'260 m/10'696 ft
Capacity: 120
Location: Matterhorn
Good to know: Due to the lack of a water source, melt water must be cooked before use.
 

Cabane de Tracuit

(Courtesy of summitpost.org)
 
(Courtesy of Association Alta-Via)
 
Altitude: 3'256 m/10'682 ft
Capacity: 110
Location: Zinal valley
Good to know: The way there is long and steep, involving a series of fixed ladders and chains.
 

New Monte Rosa Hut

(Courtesy of ETH Zurich)
 
(Courtesy of Wikipedia)
 
Altitude: 2'883 m/9'459 ft
Capacity: 120
Location: Monte Rosa
Good to know: This self-sufficient, self-sustaining, modern day lodge was conceived by the bright architectural minds of two Swiss universities.