For Americans this is a once in a lifetime experience, as there is nothing like this in North America. This is a genuine Swiss Alpine Club 'refuge' or touring hut. That means skiers trekking from Zermatt to Chamonix for one week across the high alps stop here to sleep and eat. So it has real cred.
On the other hand, the real refuges are very remote and can only be accessed by climbing. This one is right on the ski pistes and so has become a tourist paradise. Indeed, the stone building, the views, the setting...it is magnificent.
The cooking facilities are primitive and the menu is very limited. But it works great for lunch on the sunny terrace. You cannot go inside, out of respect for the true function of the building, for real ski tourers. But they have renovated and expanded toilet facilities to accommodate tourists.
Compared to the rip off cafeterias in the ski lift buildings, this place rules. Luckily the weather is almost always sunny in Verbier, and in February the terrace is drowning in sun. If drinking, remember that you do have to ski home!
After a taste of this cabane, consider summer or winter touring across the Haute Route and discovering the network of high altitude sleeping huts, many more than a hundred years old, a few modern marvels of engineering. It is another world. read more