A Swiss Shoe Brand Treads New Terrain With a Tiny Alpine Hut

Nestled high above Switzerland’s breathtaking Engadin Valley, the On Mountain Hut is a nod to the brand's origins and a celebration of their latest collection. Over the course of a year—in a certain departure from their usual purview—the company's in-house design team conceived a sustainable hut to be installed 8,200 feet above sea level.

The elemental structure measures just 204 square feet, and it features a living area with a wood-burning stove, a communal table, and a wet room supplied by a rainwater filtration system. Additional creature comforts include a solar-powered lamp and a dry toilet. A mini deck overlooks a glacial lake, while the lofted sleeping area serves up some of the most awe-inspiring vistas. 

The temporary mountain dwelling stands in the very place where it all began. While hiking in the region in 2010, co-founders Olivier Bernhard, Caspar Coppetti, and David Allemann pieced together a business plan that would become the cult-favorite athletic brand. 

The startup has experienced a spectacular rise since then, transforming the running shoe with CloudTec, their innovative, cloud-like cushioning. Now available in more than 6,000 specialty running stores across 50 countries, On has expanded to apparel, accessories, and now a three-piece outdoor collection dropping today.