Gasenried – Bordierhütte mountain refuge

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First day of the ascent of the Gross Bigerhorn to reach the Bordierhütte mountain refuge. This day is more physically demanding than you might think.
Grade T3: a demanding mountain hike.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Le Gross Bigerhorn en deux jours

Details

n°62575104
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.51 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,436 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 348 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9,498 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,367 ft
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Description of the walk

From the village of St. Niklaus (Saint-Nicolas), turn right towards Grächenstrasse. After 5 km, turn right onto Riederstrasse and continue towards Hublen. Finally, turn left onto Chäschermatten and park in the large village car park. Paid parking.
Follow the signs and white-red-white markings to the mountain hut.

(S) From the car park, head right onto the main road – which follows the Monte Rosa Tour route – heading south.

(1) At the junction by Chalet Stefing (No. 15), stay on the road, continuing southwards.

(2) At the junction by No. 91 Chalet Stefing, turn left, still heading south. The road begins to run alongside the forest. Continue to the bridge crossing the Riedbach.

(3) Cross the bridge and follow the path on the left as it climbs into the forest. At this junction, leave the Monte Rosa Tour route and stay solely on the Matterhorn Tour route. After an initial bend heading west, the path veers south.

(4) At the junction (alt. 2010 m), leave the Tour du Cervin route and continue straight on towards the south. From here, you’ll emerge from the forest and continue across a plain called Alpja, where you’ll catch sight of the Riedgletscher glacier. Continue along the path overlooking the Reidbach stream, still heading south.

(5) At a junction (alt. 2,400 m), turn left to descend towards the stream. Do not follow the path heading south; this is the old access route to the refuge, which crosses the Riedgletscher Glacier and requires specialist equipment. The slope through the boulders is steep but equipped with handrails.

(6) Cross the footbridge situated just in front of the bergschrund of the Riedgletscher Glacier and climb up the other side, also over rocky boulders equipped with handrails. The path then winds its way through a mixture of grass and scree to the refuge. This is situated just past two nearby metal staircases that allow you to cross small rock faces.

Arrive at the Bordierhütte mountain hut to enjoy a good night’s sleep before the major ascent of the Gross Bigerhorn (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 5,367 ft - Gasenried car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 5,420 ft - 15 Chalet Stefing
  3. 2 : mi 0.3 - alt. 5,433 ft - 91 Chalet Stefing
  4. 3 : mi 0.89 - alt. 5,502 ft - Bridge
  5. 4 : mi 1.65 - alt. 6,598 ft - Cancellation of the Tour du Cervin
  6. 5 : mi 2.91 - alt. 7,894 ft - Junction at 2,400 m
  7. 6 : mi 3.19 - alt. 7,920 ft - Footbridge
  8. E : mi 4.51 - alt. 9,455 ft - Bordierhütte mountain refuge

Notes

Handrails have been installed on some sections of the route, particularly to reach the second footbridge and the refuge.

With this brand-new, highest-altitude hike requiring no special equipment, the mountain hut is sure to be in high demand. Remember to book early!

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
philippe coutier
philippe coutier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike – quite steep at the start through the woods – but the view at the top is well worth the effort

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