FAQ Series: Staying in Huts
The European Alps hut system is a fantastic network and resource to support journeys and ascents, but can seem a little daunting when first approached!
We asked our community their top tips for staying in huts and how to avoid Hut Guardian scorn!
Always book a place - this is now often done via the hut website rather than over the phone, so check before phoning or emailing
If you do have to phone, avoid doing this over lunch or evening meal service - you will not get an answer or if you do, it is likely to be rather brief!
Check what time evening meal service and arrive with plenty of time before it. I like to arrive in the late afternoon in order to sort my kit, check out the approach to the route for the morning and start hydrating!
Take a spare top, leggings and socks to be in the hut. Change into this when you arrive and hang your sweaty walk-in top to dry in the sun (don’t let it blow away - awkward).
Make sure you wear hut slippers that are provided. Do not wear your boots into the bedrooms
Take a sleeping bag liner - lots of huts make this compulsory
Check on arrival whether the water is drinkable and if not, if there is a way of filling bottles in the kitchen. Make sure you take extra cash for buying bottled water, you do not want to get dehydrated.
When asking the Hut Guardian questions keep it specific and brief. Ask about certain parts of the route to check condition, this shows you have done your research. If you ask a vague question you will get a vague answer!
Confirm breakfast time with the Hut Guardian. This will depend on the route you are doing.
Check where the toilets are and remember the way in case they are in a separate hut, don’t go falling off a cliff in the middle of the night!
Take a small flannel and soap so you can have a quick sink wash if you are on a hut to hut trip
In the morning there will be a mad rush in the dark - ensure your hut faff is kept to a minimum and keep track of your kit in the bedrooms and gear room.
Show your AAC card or BMC hut scheme card to get a discount.
Dinner is a sociable affair - get stuck in and help serve others. Stack up plates and bowls before after each course and pass to the end of the table. This is expected to help the waiting staff. There will often be damp clothes on the counter after the meal - help out and clean your table. You will often be sat with others doing the same route as you, it’s nice to compare notes and build rapport.
Don’t expect a gourmet dinner - supplies have to either be helicoptered in (pricey) or hiked in (tiring!). If you have a dietary requirement you may find that your meal is basic. Eat up!
Breakfast is often bread and jam, or sugary cereals. I struggle with this at 3AM so make sure I have cereal bars in my pocket for the walk in.
