Capanna Cristallina

We have already come across a number of new or bravely renovated huts in the Swiss Alps. The architecture of the new Capanna Cristallina building from 2002 is one of the radically modern concepts. A wooden cuboid on a massive natural stone base occupies the top of the pass as a barrier. The Ticino architects Baserga and Mozzetti won the competition organized by the section. Thanks to the prefabricated wooden elements of the structure, the construction time was only a few months. With the construction they have created a real landmark and a haven of peace in a rugged mountain environment.

Swept away by an avalanche a few years ago, the mountain hut was finally relocated to a safe and sunny location at 2575 m above sea level in 2004. rebuilt.

The hut is open from June 28th to October 1st. An overnight stay for non-members costs 73 CHF for adults (as of 2016).

The Cristallina Hut belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club – Section Ticino – Lugano. It is newly built, in the immediate vicinity of Passo Cristallina, at 2575 m, and is located on a saddle that naturally separates Valle Maggia (Valle Bavona) and Valle Bedretto. From the south-facing panorama terrace you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Basodino Glacier and the nearby mountain peaks.
The new hut replaces the old structure of 1939. Standing at 2349 m, it was completely destroyed in 1999 by avalanches that thundered down from Pizzo Gararesc to the Bassa di Folcra. For safety reasons, the pass was chosen as the location for the new building. It was built during 8 months, summer 2001 and 2002 and in December 2002 the hut was accessible again. The official inauguration took place in July 2003.