Winter hiking

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Winter hiking

Britannia hut in winter hiking trail closed

A short, but intense winter hike, set amidst glorious glacial scenery, which leads from the upper Felskinn mountain station to Britannia Hut.

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The path leads to the Egginer Pass via the Chessjen glacier. After reaching the top of the pass, take the righthand fork to the south and head for Britannia Hut. Located at 3,030m above sea level, the cabin features an unforgettable view over the Allalin glacier and the Mattmark region and its eponymous dam. First built in 1912, Britannia Hut was completely renovated in 1997 and transformed into a modern hut. It is the most-visited Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut in the Alps and the starting point for the famous Haute Route.  This trail is also recomanded as a snowshoe tour.

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Turn-by-turn directions

The trail starts at the Felskinn mountain station and leads to the Egginer Pass via the Chessjen glacier. After reaching the top of the pass, take the righthand fork to the south and head over the plateau for Britannia Hut.

Start: Saas-Fee, Mountain station Felskinn (2988 m) (2988 m)
Destination: Britannia hut (3028 m)

Author's recommendation

Ask at the tourist office or the cableway stations for information on the condition and opening times of this mountain path.

The trail will be prepared at the end of February.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    3030 m 2862 m

  • Ascent

    201 m

  • Descent

    160 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Circular route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Groomed snow

Public transport

Take the train to Visp, followed by the post bus to Saas-Fee. From the bus terminal, catch the shuttle or walk to the Alpin Express. The trail starts at Felskinn Station.

Approach

Take the cantonal road to Visp, and at the roundabout near the Landbrücke continue south towards Saas-Fee and Zermatt. At the ‘Killerhof’ roundabout after Stalden, take the second exit towards Saas-Fee. At Saas-Grund, turn right towards Saas-Fee at the intersection after the church.

Parking

The covered public parking area is located immediately as you drive into Saas-Fee village.

Equipment

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leaveanywaste in nature.
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertainweather, turn back in good time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. 

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leaveanywaste in nature.
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertainweather, turn back in good time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Literature

The Saas-Fee tourist office offers brochures and information material on hikingin the region.

Maps

SwissTopoMaps 1:25'000: 2526 Saas-Fee