Hüfihütte SAC - Maderanertal Tour Part 2

NOTE: We did this trip as part of a planned 4-day tour (see the map). Check it out. We Started at Camona da Cavardiras CAS, continued to Hüfihütte for the second night (DAY 2), and Windgällenhütte for the third night.

Overview:

Day 1 of this tour can be found here.

You often hear that it is not the destination, it is the journey (Emerson). I would argue that for this hike, Day 2 of our tour, it is both. Throughout this journey from Camona da Cavardiras CAS to Hüfihütte SAC it is certainly a wonderful experience and perhaps a metaphor for life at times, but the destination is also amazing when you arrive. Throughout the day, there are countless views that get better and better the further you go. Once you crest the T4 Blue path and begin the descent, the views across the Maderanertal valley, expand, becoming epic. You can see from down to the valley floor all the way up to highest surrounding peaks, a panorama for the senses. This part of the journey fills you, but reminds you to dig deep to climb to the small hut in the distance straddling a ridge line above and in front of the Hüfi glacier.

Directions:

From the Cna da Cavardiras CAS walk toward the Brunnifirn (glacier) heading west and turn right down into the Brunnital (valley) in the direction of Hinterbalmhütte. This is the way you came up to arrive at Cavardiras Hut if following our part 1 of this tour. This trail toward Hinterbalmhütte is the only marked trail in this valley. Once at Hinterbalmhütte the trail continues on in two directions, the first is shorter but a harder White-Blue-White (T4) trail. The second is an easier but longer White-Red-White (T3) trail. On this tour we opted for the shorter/harder route, and did not have children with us. The Blue marked trail starts behind the Hinterbalmhütte. (It felt odd to lurk behind the hut on a small trail, but it is the correct way). The Blue trail starts out with a moderate slow climb that begins to level out near a series of buildings. About halfway you will see a small dark lake with the trail leading to it; don’t follow this path as it is a dead end to the lake. Continue up hill to the right, away from the lake. After this section levels out, the trail will slowly descend. Careful! This section will become steeper and steeper until the trail zigzags with quite a few chain/rope holds and via-ferrata style metal foot holds. It wasn’t so much the steep descent that made this section a challenge, rather the perception of slipping as the trail was also wet with sections near streams from the prior days of rain. There is also a few places near waterfalls where the trail is narrow(er) with steep edges. These sections require a lot of focus and is not recommended for people with vertigo. At the bottom of this Blue trail section, the trail will connect (with the aforementioned easier but longer) Red marked trail and begin the slow steady climb up to Hüfihütte SAC. Though this section is relatively short given the distance already covered, it is a bit defeatist as Hüfihütte appears to be hiding until nearly the end. Enjoy this section, the views are amazing, but again use caution and stop walking when looking around or taking pictures.

Trail Markers:

Cavardirashütte SAC - Hinterbalm - Hüfihütte SAC

Tip: A slice of cake and a cup of coffee at Hinterbalm-Hütte is the perfect place to recharge before the second half of the hike. (Of course…)

Bonus Tip: after arriving at Hüfihütte (or before leaving the next day) hike out past the back of the hut toward the Hüfiglacier. This is on a short Blue marked trail, very easy, to a moraine with stacked rocks. The views are calming and worth the walk. This adds about 1-1.5km to your total journey.

Bonus Audio Feature - Enjoy the Story!

Special Features:

• This route (part of our Maderanertal Tour) is a day for all senses, especially for the views!!

• Taking the Blue route (T4) is rather challenging, but it perhaps provides the best view placing you across the valley from amazing peaks at approximately mid elevation between the valley floor and the peaks. To take the easier route White-Red-White trail, it is 11.5 km with 1,551m elev. gain, instead of 11.1 km with 820m elev. gain.

Be Aware:

• It is recommended to refill your water at Hinterbalmhütte as this is the only location on this route to do so.

• Camoma da Cavardiras CAS / Cna da Cavardiras CAS/SAC, and Cavardirashütte SAC, are synonymous and appears is these forms on the trail signage. Camona is Romansh for the German word Hütte.

• This is a lot of descending and climbing in one day. If not used to these elevation changes or if the distance is too long for younger hikers, consider staying at the Hinterbalm-Hütte.

• The cellular service in this area is remarkably nonexistent. Some locations require a Swisscom Abo to link to their connection.

• It is possible to start from the Bristen-Golzern Lift station, this is a 11.5 km hike with a 1,551 m ascent.

• On the way down from Cavardiras Hut SAC there are two steep sections (approx. 5m climb each) near the start of the hike which requires climbing with chains secured to the rocks. There is additional extensive descent on the Blue route after Hinterbalmhütte. These sections required focus. Use caution if you are not used to this type of trail section. Snug fitting gloves were good to have in our experience.

• Hiking to higher elevations, and near glaciers, it is strongly recommended to wear the proper gear. Check your boots for good tread, bring layers (check the weather of course), and bring the essentials for an overnight in the hut (e.g. sleep sac, toiletries, cash, earplugs, etc.)

• We recommend hiking poles on this route. Although on the steep sections with chains/ropes it is easier without them.

Information provided for this route was part of a planned 4-day tour (see the map). Check it out. We continued to Windgällenhütte for the third night. Day 1 can be found here.

Contact Details:

Hufihütte SAC

Voltastrasse 34
6005 Luzern

+41 41 885 14 75 (during the season)
E-Mail: info@huefihuette.ch

www.huefihuette.ch