Back

Plan a route here Copy route

recommended route

Britannia hut in winter hiking trail

Winter Hikes · Saas-Fee · closed

Responsible for this content
Saastal Tourismus AG

/ 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

Add comment

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

closed

easy

Distance 3 km

1:15 h

201 m

160 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 4 March 2021 and will offer daily take-aways.

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.

Author

Saastal Tourismus AG

Update: May 03, 2021

Difficulty

easy

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

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

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.

Basic Equipment for Winter Hiking

Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots appropriate for winter use (B1+ recommended)
Layered, moisture wicking clothing
Long, warm technical socks plus liners and spares
Rucksack (with rain cover)
Water- and windproof mountaineering jacket and trousers with ankle adjustment or separate gaiters
Lip protection (SPF 30+)
Water- and windproof gloves plus thin fleece inner gloves
Neckwear
moisture wicking skull / knit cap
Sunglasses
Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
First aid kit
Blister kit
Bivy / survival bag
Survival blanket
Headlamp
Pocket knife
Whistle
Cell phone
Cash
Navigation equipment / map and compass
Emergency contact details
ID

Technical Equipment for Winter Hiking

Hiking poles fitted with snow baskets
Trail ‘spike’ crampons at minimum and a basic ice axe are recommended when covering steeper terrain

The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.

Similar routes nearby

These suggestions were created automatically.

Questions and answers

Ask the first question

Would you like to the ask the author a question?

Rating

Write your first review

Help others by being the first to add a review.

Photos from others

Status

closed

Difficulty

easy

Distance

3 km

Duration

1:15 h

Ascent

201 m

Descent

160 m

Refreshment stops available Circular route Scenic Groomed snow Insider tip

Morning

Afternoon

Avalanche conditions

Statistics

Content
Show images Hide images

Features

2D 3D

Maps and trails

Duration : h

Distance km

Ascent m

Descent m

Highest point m

Lowest point m

Push the arrows to change the view