Monte Rosa Hut SAC

The Monte Rosa hut was extensively renovated and rebuilt in 1939. The kitchen and bedrooms were separated and the number of guests that could be accommodated increased to 96. At the inauguration in 1940, the hut was renamed from Cabane Bétemps (1895-1939) to Monte Rosa Hütte.

In 1996, the Zermatt Civil Defense set up various routes across the glacier leading to the hut. The vulnerability of the glacier and other sections of the paths required annual renewal and safety measures through the installation of steps and a fixed rope. The hut warden had to monitor the paths regularly, which was a laborious task. In 2002, the hut was showing signs of ageing, the roof was getting old and there was mold on the walls. As a result, the beams supporting the entire structure began to break. According to the report of the SAC hut commission, a renovation or complete reconstruction of the hut was unavoidable.

ETH Zurich, which was looking for a major project to mark its 150th anniversary, heard about the project to reconstruct the Monte Rosa hut. The architecture department, headed by Professor Andrea Deplazes, worked with architecture students on this task. In an architectural competition held in 2004, the crystal design for a new Monte Rosa hut was selected.

Planning for the new hut began in early 2008 and could only be built thanks to the support of numerous patrons and sponsors. The inauguration took place on July 10, 2010. The old hut was blown up in 2011 as part of an army exercise. During the construction of the new hut, the path to the hut was also reassessed.

The new Monte Rosa hut could accommodate 120 guests, was equipped with the latest high technology and could generate up to 90% of its own energy. Thanks to its special shape, the silver aluminum shell reminiscent of a rock crystal, the technologies used and its energy efficiency, this innovative building paved the way for new construction methods. Thanks to a photovoltaic system and thermal solar collectors integrated into the south façade of the building, the hut can generate 90% of the energy it consumes.

There are several routes that lead to the Monte Rosa hut. Here are some of the best known:

Normal route from Zermatt: The best-known route leads from Zermatt via the Gornergrat and the Monte Rosa massif to the hut. This is a popular route for mountaineers who want to climb Monte Rosa and the peaks of the massif. These include the Signalkuppe, the Dufourspitze and the Grenzgipfel, to name but a few.

From Saas Fee via the Adler Pass: Another option is the ascent from Saas Fee via the Adler Pass and on to the Monte Rosa hut. This route offers spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif and is a challenging hike.

From Alagna over the Grenzgletscher: A route from the Italian side of the Monte Rosa massif leads from Alagna over the Grenzgletscher to the hut.

From Gressoney-La-Trinité over the Lysjoch: Another route from the Italian side of the Monte Rosa massif leads from Gressoney-La-Trinité over the Lysjoch to the hut. This route is also challenging.

Sunrises from the Monte Rosa hut: a special natural spectacle!

The best time to visit the Monte Rosa hut depends on your individual interests and the activities you are planning:

Summer (June to September): This is the most popular time to visit the hut, especially for mountaineers and hikers. The days are long, the weather tends to be more stable and the melting snow allows access to the surrounding peaks and hiking trails. It is the ideal time for mountain tours and glacier hikes.

Spring (April to May): There can still be a lot of snow during this time, but it is possible to visit the hut if you focus on snowshoeing or ski touring. Conditions can be variable, so good equipment and experience of winter conditions is important.

Fall (October): During fall, the weather can become more volatile and temperatures can drop. Still, autumn can be a nice time to visit the hut to enjoy the fall colors and experience calmer conditions on the trails. For mountain tours, however, you should keep a close eye on the weather forecast.

Winter (December to March): The Monte Rosa hut is also accessible in winter, but access can be more difficult and often requires special equipment such as snowshoes or ski touring gear. The hut can also be a nice refuge in winter to enjoy the snowy landscape and experience the tranquillity of the mountains.