Mont-Fort Hut, hike in Switzerland

Hiking in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut


From high green pastures and across precipitous slopes with dramatic views of Mont-Blanc and Grand Combin glaciers to the turquoise Lac de Louvie and its charming hut and down to the village of Fionnay, the hike to Mont-Fort hut is impressive.


 

From Verbier to the Mont-Fort hut

Lesson learned: my socks don’t dry overnight. Lesson number two: check before you go.

Our hike starts in Verbier, a village perched at 1,500m on a steep hill. With countless wooden chalets, luxury hotels, fancy bars and restaurants, and sports stores, it’s no longer a quiet alpine village but a world-famous ski resort. It’s now summer, and hikers are wandering around its bustling streets, geared up for an adventure.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

We start from Les Ruinettes, one of the main ski areas of Verbier. But in summer, this cable car and restaurant are full as well. As we approach Les Ruinettes, mountain bikers are flying down the dirt road, and paragliders are launching and soaring above the valley.

The trail leads through lush pastures with panoramic views of Verbier below the valley, where we started earlier this morning. The trail is easy, wide, and mainly flat, but the heat starts to make its presence felt. Bright alpine flowers are in full bloom on the gentle slopes and bell-ringing cows grazing on the meadows. Do you look at them or avoid eye contact? I wonder.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

In the distance, the mountains appear dark and rocky. The blue sky is now out, fog is in. The mist rolls up from the valley, which looks beautifully mysterious, and it thickens as we wind our way around. High in the clouds, trapped by fog, we see almost nothing. According to our calculations, the Mont-Fort hut must be nearby. Walking almost blindly through the thick fog, we finally spot the hidden-away hut built nearly a century earlier by people who understood our needs.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

 

Mont-Fort hut

As we approach the hut, some strange sounds and noises come from nowhere. At first, we think it’s the wind. We climb up to see … weird, eerie heads mounted on stone blocks. The heads are strange, but the sounds are even stranger. Later we find out that there is a motion sensor that triggers the heads to start singing when someone approaches.

Mist has now turned to light rain and made everything slippery. We arrive just in time when the rain starts to pour down. Tonight, there will be no sundowner on the hut’s enormous terrace with a view.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

The hut made of stone sits high up on the slopes of Mont Fort. Located at a mighty 2,457m on the top of a rock overlooking the Alps, it lies on the Haute Route connecting Chamonix to Zermatt. For almost 100 years, the Mont-Fort hut has been a refuge for weary hikers offering warm beds and creamy fondue. Climbing up and staying at a secluded mountain hut became a popular trend, and the hut was renovated in 2001 to accommodate more people.

Mont-Fort Hut, hike in Switzerland

The Mont-Fort hut offers a little more luxury than traditional mountain huts. There are showers and private rooms. We decided to go for a “luxury” and booked a room just for the four of us. But it still remains a rustic experience – the accommodation is simple, and the views are gorgeous. We hurry to change our clothes and put the socks outside to dry before heading to the dining hall’s warm interior.

We share a table with other hikers who traded in the luxury hotel to fall asleep at quite possibly the best spot in the world to see the splendour of the Alps through the window. The dinner is hearty traditional Swiss dishes and a bottle of wine to boot. All with the views of Mont Blanc. An old couple plays cards at the next table, and at another, a family of four reviews a hiking map.

Mont-Fort Hut, hike in Switzerland

Mont-Fort Hut, hike in Switzerland

 

Chamois Trail (Sentier des Chamois)

We wake up to a sunrise that makes mountain peaks glow pink. The ghostly mist and rain are long gone, replaced by a bright blue sky. But my carefully researched hi-tech socks didn’t dry in a prolonged fog, and today I hike with socks hanging off of my backpack.

We take the “Chamois Trail”, known as “Sentier des Chamois” in French, which goes through the Lac de Louvie and down to the village of Fionnay. Starting as an easy hike, the trail becomes narrow and scary, with an extremely steep drop-off. I can’t help but think it’s only for chamois, not hikers.

Mont-Fort Hut, hike in Switzerland

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

We go along a balcony path high above the valley, with groups of chamois scattered throughout the slopes. These nimble-footed animals feel perfectly at home on this steep terrain, judging by the ease with which they negotiate the steepest rocks. But for me, the aerial passes bordered on one side by certain death, some with falling rocks, feel too precarious underfoot. I am seriously jealous of chamois.

The slopes are steep and narrow, the views are dramatic, and the chances to roll down hundreds of meters are real. “Be careful”, “be careful”, I tell myself as if I was reading a mantra. At places, the path is maybe thirty or forty centimetres wide and completely exposed on one side. “Don’t look down” I keep talking to myself, peering down. There are panoramic views of the villages dotted over the Val de Bagnes, which is to say we have a clear view of that stomach-churning drop.

I learned my second lesson today – plan carefully before you go.

The blue and white markers painted on rocks guide us through the terrain. At places, we are hanging onto chains as we go along vertiginous slopes. For someone who considers herself a decent hiker, I am struggling. Forget the photos. I focus on my steps. “Is this rock stable? Will it hold?” I place my foot on some loose rocks testing each step. Slowly, I make a step, watch, and take another step. There is no margin for missteps.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

 

Lac de Louvie

The scenery becomes rockier and wilder, and the views more dramatic as we approach the giddy section around the Col Termin. At 2,648m, it’s the highest point of the hike opening the spectacular views of the Val de Bagnes, the shimmering Lac de Louvie, with a backdrop of the sparkling Grand Combin glaciers.

On top of the jagged ridgeline, we are met by a stream of hikers of all ages, nationalities, shapes, and sizes. As the Swiss mountain etiquette dictates that the downward hiker gives way to the upward hiker, we say “Bonjour”, step aside to let them pass and keep going.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

The descent twisting down to the Lac de Louvie runs along the valley side in tight, very steep switchbacks. After a while, we contour the turquoise lake to reach the Louvie hut, located at 2,250 m. The hut seems like heaven-sent salvation. Nestled amid green meadows, the charming Louvie hut with its idyllic lake is a perfect stop. The smell of fondue and cheese crust, or “croûte au fromage” in French is to awaken the kundalini. We order both plus some wine. The fellow hikers have exactly the same idea – the sunny terrace overlooking the emerald-coloured lake is full.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Louvie Lake, hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Louvie Hut, hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

From the Louvie hut, we follow the path that zigzags down the steep slopes to the village of Fionnay. All of a sudden, we realize that we left our car on the other side of the valley. The Swiss transport system is highly efficient, but at these late hours, it fails. The last PostBus has just left. Errol decides to hitchhike. We are sceptical, but a car stops and takes us on board.

While the picture-perfect scenery is unfolding before our eyes, we notice that the young man behind the wheel …. has no legs. Are we hallucinating? After all, I won’t be surprised. It turns out the young man lost his legs in an avalanche while skiing, and now his car is equipped with a special system allowing him to drive. Most amazingly, he remains a bon vivant. Thank you very much again for the lift and for the lesson on optimism! The third lesson for today.

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Hike in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

 

Practical information

Access: The Mont-Fort hut is located at 2,457m in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, in the Val de Bagnes region. It’s accessible from Verbier by a well-marked trail. You can shorten the hike by taking the gondola from Verbier to Les Ruinettes or you might even prefer the shorter 45mins walk from La Chaux.

To avoid the Chamois Trail for the return, you can descend to La Chaux and hike to Les Ruinettes via the Bisse du Levron. An alternative is to descend from La Chaux to Les Tsexaux and return to Verbier via Clambin.

Hiking Time: The hike from Verbier to the Mont-Fort hut takes 3h, and from Les Ruinettes it takes 1h45. The return from the Mont-Fort hut to Fionnay using the Chamois Trail is 5h45.

Difficulty: The hike from Verbier to the Mont-Fort hut is easy: T2 (medium difficulty, mountain hiking), 6km, 320m of elevation. The Chamois Trail (from the Mont-Fort hut via Col Termin to Fionnay is difficult: T4 (alpine route), 9km, 1’565m of elevation.

Accommodation: The Mont-Fort hut website is guarded only in summer (from end of June to mid-September). Accommodation is in dormitories with mattresses, pillows and blankets provided. For hygienic reasons, all visitors are required to bring a light sleeping bag. The hut offers half-board (dinner, overnight stay, breakfast). In both winter and summer, the Mont-Fort hut is very popular, reservations are required. The Mont-Fort hut belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club (CAS), offering a discount to its members.

LOVED IT? PLEASE SHARE

Written by
Errol & Olga

Written by ANYWAYINAWAY

Olga and Errol are the Swiss-Russian couple behind ANYWAYINAWAY. Passionate about unique culture and traditions, they decided to take career breaks and explore the world with the intention to expand awareness and provide new perspectives to the understanding of ethnic minority people, customs, traditions and culture. They also show the beauty of our planet and try to find something interesting in the ordinary.

ALL PHOTOS
ALL PHOTOS
ALL HIKES IN SWITZERLAND
ALL HIKES IN SWITZERLAND
ALL HIKES IN SWITZERLAND

Marcel Brunet Hut in Switzerland: a Hut Unlike the Others

Situated amid green pastures with a small mountain lake and splendid views over the Val de Bagnes, the Marcel Brunet hut is one of the rare mountain huts in Switzerland that can be accessed by car. Th...

Hiking to the Chanrion Hut in Switzerland

Long, beautiful and easy hike to the furthermost point of the Val de Bagnes. From the Mauvoisin Dam, one of the highest dams in the world, the trail goes along Mauvoisin Lake with its turquoise waters...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Orny Hut

Hike to the Orny hut is a good introduction to the real alpine world. Located 2,811m past gaping crevasses of the Orny Glacier and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the hut is built in a magnificent lo...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Schönbiel Hut in Zermatt

Hike to the Schönbielhütte is one of the easiest among many long hikes in Zermatt. Walk in the glacier basin, with a view of a lesser-known side of the Matterhorn. Meet the famous Black-Nose sheep, ...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Panoramic views on the way to the Mont-Fort Hut, one of the most beautiful huts in Switzerland, fauna and flora typical of the Alps, it’s an easy and pleasant hike in the Verbier region....

Hiking in Switzerland to the Sassal Mason Hut in Graubünden

Going through green valleys, rocky landscape, high alpine passes and two beautiful yet very different lakes, milky blue Lago Bianco and the dark coloured Lago Nero, the trail leads up to the fantastic...

Hiking in Switzerland in Grindelwald – Bernese Oberland

Magnificent scenery and the mythical Berghotel Faulhorn with its 360° panoramic view of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland - the hike in Grindelwald is spectacular!...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Aiguilles Rouges hut

Panoramic loop from the charming Swiss village of Arolla up to a beautiful high mountain refuge through spectacular alpine scenery and down to the piercing blue waters of Lac Bleu and back via a geolo...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Aletsch Glacier

The majestic Aletsch Glacier is a great reward for this easy hike offering a first-class view of this edge of the Alps, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site....

Hiking in Switzerland to the Arpitettaz Hut

A beautiful hike in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, with the trail passing through alpine meadows with famous Herens cows, forests and a mountain lake. The charming Arpitettaz hut offers a magnif...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Louvie hut

Steep but rather short climb above the Val de Bagnes through lush green alpine meadows covered in colourful wildflowers will bring you to the postcard-perfect emerald green Lac de Louvie and its charm...

Hiking in Switzerland to the Dix hut

With its imposing Grande Dixence dam and the lake of milky turquoise colour, curious marmots, splendid mountains, and a charming stone-made hut facing the glacier, it’s one of the most scenic hikes ...

Hiking in Switzerland in Ticino to the Basodino hut

Easy hike in the beautiful Val Bavona, narrow, rocky and wild, located in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. Roam through Val Lavizzara with its famous church by Mario Botta. Discover charming and p...

Related Posts
More Stories

Bushwalking in PNG: Taurama Barracks to Malaoro market

Bushwalking in PNG: Mt Diamond waterfall

Mekong crossing on slowboat: from Thailand to Laos

Black and White: White Temple In Chiang Rai

Enga Traditional Salt Making

Hiking in Switzerland to the Mont-Fort Hut

Bay of Fires in Tasmania

Bicheno blowhole in Tasmania

Hiking in Switzerland to the Orny Hut

Traditional Coffee Roaster in Penang

Overland Track Day 2: Waterfall Valley Hut to Windermere Hut

Papua New Guinea: National Mask Festival in East New Britain

Bushwalking in PNG: Koitaki Country Club

Overland Track Day 4: Frog Flats to Kia Ora Hut through New Pelion Hut

Overland Track Day 5: Kia Ora Hut to Bert Nichols Hut at Windy Ridge

Hand-Made Nyonya Beaded Shoemaker in Penang

Ten kilos of roses please: Pak Khlong Talat Flower market in Bangkok

Hiking in Switzerland to the Schönbiel Hut in Zermatt

Overland Track, A Journey Into Tasmania’s Wilderness

Hiking in Switzerland in Grindelwald – Bernese Oberland

Laos without elephants ?

Papua New Guinea Festivals: Enga Show

Marcel Brunet Hut in Switzerland: a Hut Unlike the Others

Keeper of the art of Rattan Weaving in Penang

Papua New Guinea: Gulf Mask Festival

Hiking in Switzerland in Ticino to the Basodino hut

Papua New Guinea Culture & Traditions: Baining Fire Dance

Hiking in Switzerland to the Arpitettaz Hut

Can Cau Market, or where to sell your buffalo

Bushwalking in PNG: Mt Erima lookout

Hiking in Switzerland to the Dix hut

Papua New Guinea: Bougainville Reeds Festival

Dumpling syndrome, or Baba Nyonya food culture

Overland Track Day 8: Narcissus Hut to Lake St Clair visitor centre at Cynthia Bay

Traditional Signboard Engraver in Penang

The last Songkok maker in Penang

Co-working spaces and cafes for digital nomads in Chiang Mai

Travel to the afterlife, or Hmong funerals in Vietnam

Living an Illusion: Art in Paradise gallery in Chiang Mai

Hiking to the Chanrion Hut in Switzerland

Overland Track Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley Hut

Bushwalking in PNG: Bisianamu Rubber Plantation

Bushwalking in PNG: Hombrum Bluff Lookout

Chinese New Year celebration in Chiang Mai

Overland Track Day 7: Pine Valley Hut to Narcissus Hut

Bushwalking in PNG: Burns Peak

Behind the satin curtains of a Chinese opera

The last hand-made Joss Stick Maker in Penang

Bushwalking in PNG: Taurama Barracks to Sero Beach and Pyramid Point

Hiking in Switzerland to the Aletsch Glacier

Hiking in Switzerland to the Aiguilles Rouges hut

Hiking in Switzerland to the Sassal Mason Hut in Graubünden

Papua New Guinea Sepik River Crocodile Festival

Oysters, cheese and pinguins. Bruny Island in Tasmania

Hiking in Switzerland to the Louvie hut

Popiah skin maker at Chowrasta market in Penang

Overland Track Day 6: Bert Nichols Hut to Pine Valley Hut

Tofu making in Vietnam

Bushwalking in PNG: Varirata National Park

West Side Story. West Coast of Tasmania

Walk on the wild side. Maria Island in Tasmania

Bushwalking in PNG: surroundings of March Girls resort

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit: Hiking in Freycinet National Park

Water buffalo or “iron buffalo”? Sanpatong market in Chiang Mai

Chingay ritual, a special ending of the Chinese New Year

Beginining of our project

Overland Track Day 3: Windermere Hut to Frog Flats towards New Pelion Hut

Heaven and Hell: Black House in Chiang Rai

No Comments

Post A Comment


close-link

    close-link

      close-link