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Winter Hikes recommended route

Britannia hut in winter hiking trail

Winter Hikes · Saas-Fee
Logo Saastal Tourismus AG
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 Saastal Tourismus AG Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Überblick auf den Weg zur Britanniahütte
    / Überblick auf den Weg zur Britanniahütte
    Photo: Saastal Tourismus AG
  • / Auf der Winterwanderung im Chessjengebiet
    Photo: Saastal Tourismus AG
  • / Britanniahütte im Winter
    Photo: Saastal Tourismus AG
  • / Die Britanniahütte im Winter
    Photo: Saastal Tourismus AG
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m 3100 3050 3000 2950 2900 2850 3,0 2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 km Britanniahütte SAC Felskinn Egginerjoch
A short, but intense winter hike, set amidst glorious glacial scenery, which leads from the upper Felskinn mountain station to Britannia Hut.
moderate
Distance 3 km
1:15 h
201 m
160 m
3,030 m
2,862 m
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.

 

The hut will be open from 3 March 2022.

 

This trail is also recomanded as a snowshoe tour.

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.

Profile picture of Saastal Tourismus AG
Author
Saastal Tourismus AG
Update: April 25, 2022
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
3,030 m
Lowest point
2,862 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Rest Stop

Felskinn
Britannia hut SAC

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.

Tips and hints

Saastal Tourismus AG
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee
Phone: +41 (0)27 958 18 58
E-Mail: info@saas-fee.ch
www.saas-fee.ch

Saastal Bergbahnen AG
Panoramastrasse 5
3906 Saas-Fee
Phone: +41 (0)27 958 11 00
E-Mail: bergbahnen@saas-fee.ch
www.saas-fee.ch/bergbahnen

Britanniahütte SAC
3906 Saas-Fee
Phone: +41 (0)27 957 22 88
E-Mail: cabane.britannia@saas-fee.ch
www.britannia.ch

 

Start

Saas-Fee, Mountain station Felskinn (2988 m) (2,988 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'636'906E 1'102'010N
DD
46.068605, 7.915606
DMS
46°04'07.0"N 7°54'56.2"E
UTM
32T 416136 5102241
w3w 
///patriot.sideline.earache

Destination

Britannia hut

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.

Note


all notes on protected areas

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.

Getting there

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.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'636'906E 1'102'010N
DD
46.068605, 7.915606
DMS
46°04'07.0"N 7°54'56.2"E
UTM
32T 416136 5102241
w3w 
///patriot.sideline.earache
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

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

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopoMaps 1:25'000: 2526 Saas-Fee

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.

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Rating

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Photos from others

Difficulty
moderate
Distance
3 km
Duration
1:15 h
Ascent
201 m
Descent
160 m
Highest point
3,030 m
Lowest point
2,862 m
Circular route Scenic Refreshment stops available Insider tip Groomed snow
1600 m 1800 m
Morning
1600 m 1800 m
Afternoon

Avalanche conditions

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