The luxury of simplicity

It is early in the morning, and the guests of the Cabane de Prarochet are still asleep. Every now and then, rustling can be heard from the bunk beds, or a soft creak from the floorboards – but otherwise, the stillness here is absolute. Only Arnaud is already up. In the mountain hut’s small kitchen, he prepares breakfast: bread, jam, cheese and a hearty Bircher muesli. The Hüttentee is bubbling away, and the aroma of fresh coffee wafts through the rooms. Arnaud sneaks outside onto the terrace, mug in hand.

On the horizon, the first silhouettes of the imposing 4,000m peaks that the Valais mountains are known for can already be seen. The day slowly comes to life, as the break of dawn gradually unveils the surrounding landscape.

Where the Tsanfleuron Glacier once covered the ground with a thick layer of ice, today a polished grey rocky landscape emerges. The bizarre shapes seem surreal – just like a lunar landscape, both strange and fascinating at the same time. In between these, small lakes of meltwater and rainwater glisten in the morning light. And yet, despite this environment’s barren appearance, there is life here. Yellow flowers sprouting in the crevices, and the shores lined with fluffy white cottongrass. Making it seem almost as though the rocks have given them a stage on which to showcase the life that prevails in this otherwise barren world.

The golden morning light heralds a new day, and the hut too begins to come to life. The first guests slowly awaken, starting their day with a few sleepy stretches and a whispered “good morning”. Arnaud returns the greeting as he adjusts the benches on the terrace. One last look back – and everything is as it should be for a new summer’s day at the Cabane de Prarochet.

Many guests begin their hike to the Cabane de Prarochet at the Sanetsch Pass. While the hut may seem remote, it can be reached from this starting point, following a series of well-marked trails, in just 1 hour and 45 minutes – making this an attractive hike for guests of all ages.

The route is around 4.5 kilometres long, and guides visitors to the area through an impressive landscape that has been shaped by time. It starts out with blooming mountain meadows, interspersed with karstic rocks. Little by little, the scenery changes with every step: The alpine flora gives way to a barren, lunar landscape. The rock formations created by glaciers and the folding of mountains, also known as the “Lapis de Tsanfleuron”, are proof of the raw power of nature. Ancient moraines, also known as glacial till, mark the course of the Tsanfleuron Glacier, which dominated the terrain here not even 200 years ago. The surroundings convey a feeling of solitude and a deep connection with nature.

And in the midst of it all, the Cabane de Prarochet appears almost like a silent observer, blending seamlessly into the surrounding karst landscape. Though barely visible at first glance, it reveals itself as a small oasis between the rocks as you get closer. From the terrace, a wonderful panoramic view will open up of the 4,000m peaks of the Valais, from the Weisshorn to the Grand Combin. The vastness of the Alps brings with it a sense of peace and quiet unlike almost anywhere else, while the hut’s interior welcomes visitors to a warm and homely atmosphere furnished with plenty of wood.

The overnight guests have moved on. For a moment, the mountains exude that sense of stillness once again. Yet inside the Cabane de Prarochet, there is plenty of work still to be done: Arnaud and Mégane put fresh sheets on the beds, stack wood for the stove and light the fire. In the kitchen, they start preparing the next meals, cut fresh vegetables and check whether there are enough supplies on hand for the coming guests.

Even Arnaud himself says he is a bit of a whirlwind, and he appreciates the clear structure of the tasks in the hut. “This is a place I can channel my energy,” he explains, as he carefully wipes down the tables. Every move has been perfected over time, with everything he does ensuring his guests’ well-being – while also bringing a sense of calm to his otherwise chaotic nature.

All of a sudden, there is movement outside, heralding the arrival of a new group of guests. Laden down with backpacks, smiling, laughing and happy to have reached their goal. Arnaud opens the door, greets his guests warmly and helps them to stow their luggage away. Mégane is on hand to serve drinks. A little chat, a smile and a friendly “Salut!” is all it takes to make guests feel welcome in this straightforward, honest place.

“People appreciate the simplicity here,” Arnaud explains, as he adds wood to the stove. “It’s not little luxuries that make the moment special. It’s a friendly welcome, a smile – and the opportunity to be entirely present in the here and now.”

It is in this way that another day passes at the Cabane de Prarochet, characterised by practised simplicity and the constant presence of the rocky landscape. It remains here, immovable – for a sense of stillness and a focus on the present moment.

Source: myswitzerland.com

Publication: June 2026