Mountain refuge Ehemaliges Mittelaletschbiwak SAC

Above Bettmeralp, already high mountain, this old vivac moves in a clearly glacial and alpine scenario. At 3013 meters, the Ehemaliges Mittelaletschbiwak SAC it fits better as a step support than as a shelter linked to comfortable access: the altitude, relief and proximity of large summits mark a serious ground, exposed to rapid changes of time and to a reserved approach to hikers used to move in height.

Its position is related to the Aletsch sector, within the great Jungfrauz-Aletschhorn group, where the glacier and the edges dominate the direction of the route. In this context, it can make sense within a journey or as an intermediate point for linking mountain itineraries that connect with the Oberaletschhütten environment, the glacial edge or the Fusshornbiwak. More than an isolated destination, it works as a piece of continuity in long days.

It also remains close to tops that well define the character of the place, such as Dreieckhorn And, something further, Aletschhorn . This proximity does not automatically turn the shelter into a basis of simple ascension; on the contrary, it suggests an environment of alpinism and demanding terrain, where orientation, the state of snow or ice and previous experience weigh more than the distance in a straight line.

It is appropriate to plan with autonomy. The registered sources are far away, more than 6 kilometres away, so it is not wise to have water near the shelter. In such an area, logistics matters as much as the route: water secured before the rise, margin to the weather and prior verification of the itinerary are basic aspects to use this point with mountain criteria.