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Most alpine ranges have a system of hut, refuges and cabins that allow the ski tourer a convenient base or rest point en-route. Each hut is individual and likely to have its own quirky ways, but there are a few basic ‘rules’ that should be generally adhered to.  

The first thing to remember is that it is not a hotel. There is a certain element of cleaning up after yourself required and as with any communal space, the expectation is, leave it as you would wish to find it. One of the first points is your boots. It is the norm to remove them before entering the hut and usually you can exchange your sweaty boots for a pair of hut slippers at the entrance. This means the hut stays dry and clean, a benefit for everyone.

On arrival, check with the Guardian the specifics about where you are sleeping, where should skis/axes etc be kept, what time dinner is, when you would like breakfast and what the toilet arrangements are. Normally they will give you a quick run through of these bits of information when you first arrive. You will have to sign in as well, so it’s useful to have your passport as ID.  Payments are usually made later in the evening or before you leave in the morning.

Hut Guardians are often experienced mountaineers and will be able to offer specific information about other huts, your planned route and the coming weather. If there is no guardian, then instructions will have been left about what to turn on and off when you arrive and depart. If the main hut is locked, a winter room, containing basic facilities will remain open. An honesty box system is usually in place with regards to any payments.

Near the entrance to the hut, there should be a box, shelf space or area where you can store your equipment so that the bedrooms stay free of snow covered gear and wet clothes. The sleeping arrangements usually consist of a unisex dormitory with a large ‘alpine bunks’ laid out with blankets to mark the number of spaces. It is encouraged and sometimes required to have a sleeping bag liner. The mattresses have no sheets and there is no laundry service for the blankets. The top tip for staying in huts has to be earplugs, it is almost a guarantee that someone will snore!

Meals are usually a set menu, served at a set time, when the guardian is sure that everyone has arrived.  It is usually a long, drawn out process, consisting of many courses.  It often becomes a sociable affair as you may be seated to eat with other teams. A typical menu from the European Alps, would be a soup starter, a salad course, a main dish, a cheese course and small desert.  Drinks other than water are often available but come as an optional extra.  

For those on more of a budget, there is usually an area where you can prepare your own food.  You should point this out when booking the hut so that food is not prepared (and charged) to you.  You will also need to check if you need to bring your own stove/pans etc...

Be energy efficient!!  Depending on where the hut is, water and electricity can be a very scarce resource, so remember to turn off lights and not leave taps running.  The toilet facilities at huts range from indoors and flushable to outside ‘long drops’. There may be a separate bin for toilet paper so make sure you ask or read the notices.

Huts are wonderful places that provide rest and respite after a long day touring. They are often part of the fun of touring and they certainly make it a lighter weight excursion, no tents, food or cooking utensils needed!