Winter Hut Life: Swiss Huts in the Snow
We all know that I love a Swiss hut in the summer. But, did you know that some huts are open in the winter as well? And not just with an unguarded winter room - fully staffed huts!
A night at a mountain hut is always a memorable experience, but staying at one in the winter feels extra special. After the freezing night sets in, no one ventures outside, and the hut becomes a snug little refuge, bustling and lively, but also somehow intimate and calm. It's such a wintry, cozy atmosphere. Summertime huts have their charm, but winter huts? In the Swiss Alps? Pretty magical.
Important: While all the huts below have some type of marked snowshoe paths, always check conditions before heading out. Avalanche danger, weather, and trail conditions can change dramatically. Research trails thoroughly beforehand and when in doubt, contact the hut directly. Better to reschedule than take risks.
Here are some of my favorite huts that are open and guarded during the winter months. Remember to check the hut websites for current opening status, and make reservations in advance—winter huts sometimes have a more limited capacity, and might fill up quickly on the weekends. For detailed route descriptions and approach information, the SAC Route Portal is an invaluable resource.
Lidernenhütte - Schwyz
The Lidernen Hut is open throughout the winter season. This is the most accessible hut on this list, with almost direct gondola access from the valley (it's a tiny open-air gondola—not for those with a fear of heights!). There is also an approach trail from Riemenstalden valley if there is enough snow. Once you're there, there are plenty of fun unmarked tours in the surrounding mountains to peaks like Rosstock and Hagelstock. Keep in mind these routes are unmarked and require good navigation skills, avalanche awareness, and appropriate safety equipment.
The hut offers cozy dormitory-style sleeping and traditional Swiss mountain hut meals. It's a great option for families or those new to winter hut experiences.
Spitzmeilenhütte - St. Gallen
The Spitzmeilen Hut is modern, family-friendly SAC hut near Flumserberg resort that is open on weekends in the winter. The marked snowshoe trail from Panüöl (approximately 1.5-2 hours one way) is physically challenging with steady climbing, but stays on safe terrain and avoids avalanche-prone areas—making it suitable for snowshoers with good fitness but without requiring technical mountaineering skills. The hut location offers stunning panoramic views of the Churfirsten and surrounding peaks.
Note: Check the hut website before heading out to confirm it's open, as winter hours can vary.
Lötschenpasshütte - Wallis
The Lötschenpass Hut is a cozy and remote winter hut perched on the pass between the Lötschental and Gasternal valleys, with gorgeous views of both the Valais and Berner Alps. It’s open and guarded throughout the winter season. This is mainly a hut for ski tourers, but it is accessible for snowshoers as well. The safest and easiest way for snowshoers is to take the marked route from Hockenhorngrat (approximately 1.5-2 hours). There is another route from Lauchernalp, but this is for experienced snowshoers with avalanche gear only. The sleeping arrangement is a dormitory-style winter room with mattresses. Note that weekends can be busy, as ski touring groups and mountain schools sometimes book the hut for overnight trips—midweek visits tend to be quieter.
P.S. The hut has no running water in the winter, and fair warning, the WC is outdoors. And it’s cold!
Bärghuis Schönbüel - Obwalden
Bärghuis Schönbüel definitely has some of the best mountain views on this list, with a truly legendary panoramic sun terrace. The hut is open daily in winter (same hours as the Lungern-Turren cable car). Accessible via a marked snowshoe loop from Turren (SchweizMobil Route 799, approximately 1.5-2 hours one way, hiking clockwise is recommended). This guesthouse is "fancier" than most mountain huts, with single, double and triple rooms (and rooms have linens provided) and an à la carte restaurant for dinner.
Note: In bad weather or high avalanche danger, an alternate route via Breitenfeld offers a safer approach to the hut. In good weather, I recommend adding on the Hoch Gumme summit!
Leglerhütte- Glarus
I love the hike to this hut in the summer, and it’s just as great in the snow! The Legler Hut is open on select weekends during winter (check the website for specific dates, as opening depends on weather and snow conditions). Accessed via a marked snowshoe route from Mettmenalp (approximately 2.5-3 hours, 700m elevation gain), this trail follows a well-marked path with snow poles and is suitable for snowshoers with good fitness.
Important note: The cable car from Kies to Mettmen operates only Friday-Sunday in winter, so plan accordingly.
Lobhornhütte- Berner Oberland
The Lobhorn Hut is a small, traditional SAC hut perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley at 1,955m, famous for its unrivaled views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The hut is open and guarded on weekends during winter (Friday lunch through Sunday evening), weather permitting. Check the hut's website from Thursday each week for current opening status. Accessible via a marked snowshoe trail from Sulwald (approximately 1.5 hours), which you can reach by taking a small cable car from Isenfluh. The trail climbs steadily through snow-covered mountain forests and open plains, and it’s incredibly scenic.
The hut serves delicious regional food, including homemade soups, homemade cakes and alpine cheese from nearby Alp Suls. With only 24 sleeping places in dormitory-style rooms, this cozy hut is a very local and intimate mountain experience.
Note: The hut has no running water in winter, and the WC is outside.
Brisenhaus - Nidwalden
The Brisenhaus is open and guarded throughout the winter season (mid-December to Easter), daily except Tuesdays. The safest (and most used) route to the hut from Niederrickenbach (approximately 1.5-2 hours, 600m elevation gain), although you can also approach from Klewenalp (but be aware of avalanche conditions). The trail from Niederrickenbach is well-marked through forest and open terrain, suitable for both snowshoers and ski tourers. The hut is famous for its hearty mountain food, especially the rösti (add the cheese—you won't regret it!) and fresh homemade cakes.
Note: There is no winter room available when the hut is closed on Tuesdays—the emergency shelter is the only option.
Cabane Mont Fort - Valais
If you’ve skied in Verbier (or hiked the Haute Route), you probably have already come across the famous Cabane Mont Fort! This is a legendary SAC mountain hut at 2,457m in the Verbier ski area. The hut is open and guarded throughout the winter season (January-April), and you can stay overnight. Easily accessible for snowshoers via a marked trail from Les Ruinettes passing through La Chaux (approximately 1.5-2 hours with minimal elevation gain). The well-maintained, compacted snow path crosses ski slopes but is straightforward to follow—snowshoes may not even be necessary on this route, to be honest.
Note: During the day, the hut is very busy as it also functions as a popular piste restaurant, with skiers stopping for lunch on the sunny terrace. It calms down once all the ski lifts close for the day.
And there are even more! Here are a few that are on my list to visit, but haven’t gotten to yet:
Cabane Brunet - Valais
Chamanna Tuoi - Graubünden (Lower Engadin)
Rotondohütte - Uri
