Chamanna d'Es-cha mountain hut

The Chamanna d'Es-Cha is located at 2594 m on a panoramic ridge high above the Upper Engadine between Zuoz and the Albula Pass, at the southern foot of Piz Kesch. The hut belongs to the Bernina section of the Swiss Alpine Club and offers around 50 beds as well as a winter room with additional storage space. Depending on the year, it is open from around mid-June to mid-October and from the end of February to mid-April; in 2026, the seasonal periods are from February 14 to April 18 and from June 13 to October 18. During this time, the hut is an important base on the Kesch Trek and the Haute Route Graubünden, but also the starting point for tours on Piz Kesch, Piz Blaisun, Piz Belvair or Piz Pischa as well as for classic ski and snowshoe tours. Catering is provided in the form of half-board with a multi-course dinner, breakfast and tea; during the day there are simple dishes and typical specialties such as barley soup or Engadine nut cake, packed lunches and adapted menus for guests with intolerances can also be ordered in advance. In summer, the hut can be reached from the Albula Pass road at the Punt Granda parking lot in around 1.5 to 2 hours over an altitude difference of around 350 meters, from Madulain or Zuoz via Alp Es-cha Dadour in around 3 hours and an altitude difference of around 900 meters. In winter, the marked ascent from Madulain takes a good 2.5 to 3 hours through forest, valleys and the Val Müra. Thanks to its location above the Engadin, a visit is suitable for long hikes lasting several days as well as for enjoyable day and family tours. However, the current weather conditions, avalanche and route information and any closures should be checked before each tour. The hut was built in 1934 by the SAC Bernina section and extensively renovated and modernized in 1989 and 2019-2020, while retaining the character of the cosy parlour with its striking stucco ceiling.