The huts of the Val des Dix

The cabins of the Val d’Hérens

During the mountaineering epic of the 19th century in 1863, the founding of the Swiss Alpine Club (CAS) gave birth to cabins and shelters in order to encourage and facilitate the spirit of adventure in the mountains. In 1911, the CAS already had 70 cabins. Today, ski clubs or local societies also manage cabins that serve as stops for hikers. They have become hiking destinations where friends and family can share a mountain meal and a place for trekking hikers in search of alpine escape.
In the territory of Hérémence, you will find no less than 6 mountain cabins and shelters. Each with its own character and ambiance. A cabin, a soul, the soul of its keeper.

Cabane d'Essertze

Former alpine pasture renovated in 1995 by the Hérémencia Ski Club. Located at an altitude of 2,191 meters, it is open from late June to mid-September and is managed throughout the summer by members of the club who take turns, week after week, to voluntarily keep this place. The revenues from this cabin finance the skiing lessons for young residents of Hérémence. From this cabin, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Val des Dix, the peaks of the Val d'Hérens, and the Grande Dixence Dam. Starting in early August, the Hérens cows from the Mandelon alpine pasture herd graze around the cabin and the surrounding small lakes: the Gouilles d'Essertze. The ideal place for a first cabin experience.

Cabane de la Barmaz

It was built in 1935 by Grande Dixence SA to replace the old alpine pasture submerged during the construction of the first dam. The pasture welcomed livestock until 1964. It was in 1965 that members of the Gentiane de Mâche gymnastics society became interested in developing a refuge, allowing them to maintain a link with these emblematic places. Today, the cabin serves as a refuge for everyone throughout the year and is open every weekend from late June to late September by volunteers from the gymnastics society. Being the most accessible mountain cabin with 1000 meters of positive elevation gain, it is located at 2458 meters. You can get there in just 1 hour of easy walking along the wide path that runs along Lake Dix with splendid views of the glaciers. Among alpine flowers and marmots, this is the "family cabin" to visit!

Cabane des Ecoulaies

Certainly one of the smallest in the valley and a cabin just as easy to access as its neighbour, the Barmaz. Located at 2575 meters and just 1 hour and 10 minutes' walk from the Grande Dixence Dam, the Cabane des Ecoulaies is the cabin of the Ski-Club Les Pyramides d'Euseigne. It is open all year round but is guarded only on weekends from mid-July to late September by club members. A place of conviviality for an outing with friends.

Cabane de Prafleuri

Located at an altitude of 2,662 meters, the Prafleuri cabin is located on the trail of the ibex, at the top of the Prafleuri valley, in the Grande Dixence region. It offers a stop on the Chamonix-Zermatt High-Route. It is guarded in April for ski touring enthusiasts and then from July to September. It allows several alpine routes to be linked between Verbier, Nendaz, and Arolla. Since the spring of 2022, it has been managed by Antoine and Estelle, a family life project for these two mountain lovers. A cabin with a decidedly mountain spirit and perhaps the chance to observe ibexes.

Dix Hut

Located at an altitude of 2,928 meters, at the place called Tête-Noire, it is a must-stop for hikes starting from the Grande Dixence dam or Arolla. The various renovations make it possible to offer a comfortable high-mountain hut in the heart of the Valais Alps.
It is a stopover hut for the Tour of Val d'Hérens.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs (White Pants)

This small refuge in the shape of an igloo can accommodate a maximum of 15 people and is located at an altitude of 3280 meters, at the top of the Pantalons Blancs glacier. It is a refuge for experienced mountaineers.