Cabane de l'A Neuva

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Length: 3.4 miles / 5.5 km

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Overview: L'A Neuva is a mountain hut in the Swiss Alps located at 2,735 metres above sea level and open for visitors. A permanent guardian keep the hut clean and warm and cook delightful mountain specialities such as the "fondue" (melted cheese with potatoes or bread). Since 1926, thousands of Alpinists have enjoyed a rest or a night on their way to the surrounding summits such as the Mont Dolent, the Tour noire and the Aiguilles de l'Amône.

The hut can be reached from the small ski resort La Fouly, located in the Val Ferret. The hut lies on the south side of the Mont Blanc Massif and offers breathtaking scenic views. It is one of the rare mountain hut that has conserved its original architecture so that you'll enter a sort of mountain sanctuary.

Nowadays, supplies (beverages and food) and wood (to heat the hut) are transported by helicopter and fresh vegetables and fruits by "Swiss Sherpas".

Tips: Tradition among locals is to take their children as soon as they can to make them discover these huts so that you will meet 2-3 yo children on the way. Note that the lane is steep, long and exhausting however so that you should exercise a bit before going there if you want to be sure to reach the hut.

Have at least 1 litre water per hiker and some high energy food.

Jogging shoes are sufficient but semi-mountain shoes are recommended if you are not used to walk on mountain lane.

Binoculars to enjoy the view.

Some Swiss francs or Euro if you plan to have something to eat or even to enjoy a night in the hut (credit card are not accepted).

Points of Interest

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La Fouly

This small village is a familial ski resort during the winter. During the summer, La Fouly is an ideal start point for numerous beautiful hikes in the Massif du Mont Blanc, one of the most famous one being the steep ascent to the Cabane de l'A Neuva.

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Market

For your pic nic you'll find a market in front of the parking. As 2-4 hours of efforts are required to reach the Cabane, make sure to have enough water with you (1L/person at least) and some high energy food.

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Ancient cheese diary

This small hut is a traditional cheese diary where "Alpage" (mountain pasture) cheeses are produced according to traditional methods with the milk of the famous black cows named Hérens during the transhumance period. Those cheeses are highly famous among gastronomes. The market sells some Alpage cheese.

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In 1999, avalanches have destroyed these chalets

The chalets located on both side of the road are under special authorization since this zone is now a protected area where construction are forbidden following the avalanches during the year 1999 which destroyed several chalets in the neighborhood without making victims by chance.

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The camping

This all-accomodation camping is a good starting point to hike in the region.

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The lane

Pay attention, immediately after the bridge the lane start on your left. There are several lanes but the majority of them will finally converge on the lane to the cabane.

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wild strawberries

Delicious wild strawberries grow in the forest.

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The desert

This part of the hike is probably the most difficult part. The region is called the desert... It is hot and steep.

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Les Chaînes

Funny part, the lane crosses a big rock, permanent chains are installed in order to help you. You may have a small rope with you to secure children or walk immediately behind the children to control them. Risk of fall!!!

An alternative lane exists on the left of the big rock.

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The silver gate

This small bridge is reconstructed every year as the snow broke it every winter.

Spring 1927, the bridge broke for the first time. Photo

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The Javel stone

In the big stone on your left, an engraving made by the constructors of the hut can be seen. The material to built the hut was transported by men and mules tens of years ago.

Mules and men delivering the material for the construction.png Photo

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Can you see the hut?

Perched on the top of a big wall, you might see a small red roof.

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The final climbing part

This short wall is about 20 meters high. Chains are fixed to help you.

With very small children, it may be better to walk up in the scree (20 meters), then you should cross the winter lane which leads to the hut without wall-climbing.

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L'A Neuva

One of the most impressive Swiss hut, is perched on the top of a big wall. Stunning view...

There you can have a tea, some cake or typical swiss food (a delight) made according to traditional recipes by Martine, the "guardian", who stays 5-6 months a year in the hut.