Overview: A century-old sentinel in the Alps
Perched on a rocky spur at 2,735 meters, the cabane de l’A Neuve has watched over the Val Ferret since 1926. After nearly a hundred years, essential renovations are underway to secure the hut’s future without altering its authentic character. The project, described as a high-altitude undertaking, blends skilled craftsmanship with the realities of living and working in a harsh, remote environment.
In the words of a carpenter involved in the project, the operation is a nod to those who built the cabin a century ago: “We owe thanks to the helicopters and we think of the workers who carried everything to this roof a hundred years ago.” The team acknowledges that today’s conditions are different, but the mission remains the same: preserve the hut’s charm while ensuring safety for decades to come.
How crews reach the site: air-than-road logistics
With the hut three and a half hours away from the nearest village on foot, access by air is a defining feature of these renovations. Helicopters bring in supplies and, crucially, the talent required for a project of this scale. The logistics center on the mountain is complemented by the artisans’ commitment—living on site in complete autonomy for the duration of the works.
“We have had to bring cold-weather gear, sleeping bags, and other equipment that we wouldn’t normally carry,” says a joiner involved in the project. The plan prioritizes safety, efficiency, and the ability to maintain a calm, focused work environment amid alpine conditions.
What’s being renovated: safety and authenticity in balance
To address avalanche risks and overall wear, the project targets several core areas:
- Reinforcing carpentry and the structural frame to improve stability against snow loads.
- Strengthening the floor to better withstand movement and climate stress.
- Repairing the original roof to prevent leaks and protect the interior.
The renovation respects the hut’s original design. The roof’s repairs and the careful restoration of timber elements aim to maintain the cabin’s authentic look and feel. “The hut will stay authentic,” promises the keeper of the site, who has tended the cabane for more than two decades. “There aren’t many authentic huts left. Visitors arrive and say, ‘This is a real hut!’”
Budget and timeline: a measured, respectful update
The project budget totals CHF 400,000, underscoring the scale of this specialized restoration. Importantly, the work is not a modernization drive; it’s a preservation effort designed to extend the hut’s life while preserving its character. Renovations began on August 18 and are slated to conclude on October 3, with the A Neuve hut ready to greet its 99th winter.
Lifestyle on the mountain: autarkic living for an autumn campaign
The crew will inhabit the hut throughout the project, maintaining complete autonomy in a remote setting. The living arrangements reflect the realities of high-altitude construction: minimal comforts, essential shelter, and careful attention to safety and warmth as winter approaches. The team’s emphasis on staying authentic extends beyond the wood and nails to the way life unfolds in this demanding environment.
Why this matters: a beacon of alpine heritage
In a region where many structures are gradually modernized or retired, the cabane de l’A Neuve stands as a living piece of alpine heritage. By reinforcing the cabin’s framework and roof while preserving its historic silhouette, the project honors the tradition of mountain shelters that have sustained travelers and mountaineers for generations. The work is a reminder that some traditions—especially those tied to the rugged beauty of the Alps—are worth preserving in place, with care, craftsmanship, and respect for the past.
Notes on sources
This report draws on statements from the project carpenter and joiners, as well as the hut’s longtime keeper. Additional context was provided by media adaptations covering the renovation.
