A Treatise on the Planet’s Finest Mountain Shelters
Mountain huts, known variably as refuges, refugios, cabins, or lodges depending on region, are one of the finest elements of the mountain experience today. The story of the mountain hut is the story of humankind’s basic needs. For all of our strengths and faults, humans are hardy, innovative, and clever and require only four basic needs: food, water, air, and shelter.
That last need is the subject of this article: shelter. In the mountains, the elements are relentless. Rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, heat, and cold are just a few we experience daily. More recently, technology and popularity have allowed mountain huts to expand into the realm of food and water, as many are equipped with excellent restaurants as well as beds.
Braving the elements and coming out alive was the most acute challenge for the earliest mountaineers. Many did, and still do, pay with their life. These pioneers would drag “mountains” of food and gear during expeditions. It’s only natural that the construction of refuges closely followed the rise of mountaineering for sport.
Experiencing a hut or refuge can mean stopping for a hearty, well-deserved meal after a rewarding hike or spending a night before a big climb. Many adventures simply would not be possible without huts. Huts can be linked up for overnight adventures of any length, especially in the European Alps. The most popular seasons are summer and winter, but some refuges also operate in spring and fall.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of mountain huts, discuss their history, and highlight some of the world’s most famous alpine getaways.
History of Mountain Huts
The history of mountain huts is as deep as humans first travel into the mountains.
For eons, perhaps millions of years, humans avoided the perils of the high peaks. They were inaccessible and devoid of resources. These early hominids did not waste energy on unnecessary travel in a world of scarcity and competition. However, many ranges' forested, lower flanks are rich in game and edible plant resources, which human populations would harvest seasonally during favorable conditions.
Early humans likely interacted with the high mountains during migrations out of Africa. However, it wasn’t until recent history that we began to see societies thrive at altitude. By 12,000 years ago, humans had successfully dispersed globally, and nearly all mountain ranges were home to people. Regional cultures began to form, and this was the beginning of the mountain huts we know today.
Eventually, human societies accumulated enough wealth that a combination of leisure time, money, and insatiable human curiosity ushered in Mountaineering’s Golden Age, starting with the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786.
Within a few decades, there were dozens of bivouac-style shelters designed to sleep a few people, mainly around the Mont Blanc Massif.
The earliest refuge is likely the Refuge du Goûter located on the Aiguille du Goûter in the Mont Blanc Massif of the French Alps. It was constructed in 1854 as a rudimentary stone structure for those hoping to summit Mont Blanc. An actual hut was erected in 1858; many huts have come and gone in this location since then, with the latest iteration completed in 2013. Within a decade, huts were springing up throughout the Alps. Europe, specifically the European Alps, remains the world capital of alpine huts and restaurants.
While Europe led the proliferation of mountain huts beginning in the mid-19th century, the trend didn’t catch on elsewhere for some time. Various catalysts have jumpstarted mountain huts throughout the world. In the U.S., the Great Depression resulted in dozens of Civilian Conservation Corps projects to build huts. Nepal’s famous trekking routes have seen an abundance of privately owned tea houses in the villages but little to no public infrastructure. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Dept. of Conservation operates over 950 mountain huts.
The vast majority of the Alps’ 1,300 mountain huts are public, being owned and operated by Alpine Clubs, such as the Austrian Alpine Club, Swiss Alpine Club, etc. Many other countries, such as Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S., have largely followed the tradition of keeping huts public, whether through alpine clubs or the government.
Clubs and subsidies kept costs down quite a bit; spending time in a mountain hut remains affordable. In Europe, huts are often much cheaper than a hotel. New Zealand’s huts are a fairly-priced adventure in an otherwise expensive country. In Nepal, private tea houses are inexpensive by Western standards due to the country’s status as a developing nation.
Nowadays, more huts are being used, and old huts are being renovated or replaced. In Europe, helicopters allow restaurants to serve excellent cuisine, even at the highest altitudes, and make repairs and renovations easier than ever.
Mountain Huts on the PeakVisor App
PeakVisor is based in the Alps, and it’s no coincidence that we are obsessed with mountain huts. We’ve made it our mission to make our mobile app the best one-stop shop for hiking and skiing hut trips.
First of all, we’ve compiled a list of many of the world’s mountain huts: World Mountain Huts. In Europe and North America, the list is essentially complete. However, it’s a work in progress in other places like Asia. Stay tuned!
We have thousands of mountain huts on our 3D Maps. Most are complete with an information panel showing a picture, a description, restaurant info, seasonal schedules and opening hours, contact information (email + phone), a weather forecast, and GPS coordinates. You can also search for any hut using our search feature and scope out the surrounding trails and terrain.
We’ve worked hard to make PeakVisor the world’s best resource for planning a hut trip. Check out the app to explore all of our 3D Maps’ features!
When to Visit Mountain Huts
In most regions, huts are only open in the summer and winter. This is especially true in the European Alps, the world’s hut capital. Don’t expect to be able to eat at an alpine restaurant or stay the night in a guarded refuge outside of the high season in winter and summer.
There are exceptions, however. In the Himalaya, the best trekking is in the spring and fall, avoiding the summer monsoon and winter. Similarly, some huts in the U.S. cater to “leaf-peepers” during fall and spring.
Unguarded huts, or those which do not require staff, are often open year-round. These huts are generally simple and require you to bring most of your own gear. They’re occasionally equipped with cooking materials and games, but it’s mostly like backpacking without the tent; you must bring your own gear.
In Europe, huts often have an unguarded section that remains open during the off-season when everything else is closed. However, once again, it’s the bare minimum. You’ll likely get shelter from a storm but not much else. You’ll have to call or check the hut’s website to see their unguarded policy.
What to Do at Mountain Huts
Mountain huts offer plenty to do, from the mild to the extreme.
The easiest way to experience the magic of a hut is to take a hike and have lunch. Many huts, especially in the Alps, are close to civilization and the perfect place to stop for a delicious meal.
Here are just a few of the most epic ways to experience the incomparable majesty of mountain huts.
Hut-to-hut Hiking, Skiing, and Alpine Climbing in Europe:
In the summer, hut-to-hut hiking trips are easy to find. It’s like backpacking but without having to carry your gear.
In winter, hut-to-hut ski trips are just as popular as hikes. You can appreciate a warm, cozy hut much more in winter's freezing cold than in summer's warm sunshine. Many folks opt to just camp in the summer, but few choose to winter camp on ski trips.
In the Alps, plenty of huts are perched up on glaciated ridgelines. These are reserved for the heartiest of athletes, the mountaineer. The highest of these refuges require technical glacier skills or climbing to reach. The Capanna Regina Margherita sits at 4,554 meters (14,941 ft), making it the tallest building in Europe and one of the tallest refuges in the world. The ascent is strenuous, requiring thousands of meters of climbing (even from nearby lifts) and glacier travel techniques.
Many of the most famous huts, like the Refuge du Goûter and the Margherita, are mid-stations for alpine climbers. The Goûter is the main stop of the modern normal route of the Mont Blanc, while the Margherita is just below the summit of the Alps’ second highest summit, the Monte Rosa (Dufour). Incredibly, you can still expect a fantastic meal here, thanks to helicopters and the ingenuity of the guardians.
Trekking in the Himalaya:
The world’s most famous treks are concentrated in the Himalayas. These mountains are home to the highest peaks and a beautiful foreign culture; for many Westerners, it simply does not get better.
The treks are endless. The most classic adventures include Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and the Annapurna Base Camp. Lesser traveled treks include the Manaslu Circuit and the Langtang Valley. The famous routes are busy during the short high season (spring and fall, between winter and the monsoon).
Mountain huts, also known as guest houses or tea houses, are one of the best parts of trekking in Nepal—all major trails are full of them. These cozy accommodations typically have comfortable, inexpensive beds with warm blankets. It’s usually two beds per room, a much better ratio than European huts, and you are expected to eat dinner at the lodge. You can expect to pay somewhere around 10-15 USD per night.
It’s important to note that any trek in Nepal or the Himalaya will require serious planning and the acquisition of permits. Some treks require you to hire a mountain guide. Do plenty of research to ensure you have your ducks in a row.
Mountain Biking in New Zealand:
Gravel and mountain biking hut trips are becoming increasingly common, though you’ll likely have to ride with a backpack or pannier to fit the gear.
New Zealand, one of the world’s most mountainous countries and a hub for mountain biking, has spearheaded the movement. There are dozens of iterations incorporating the thousands of mountain huts throughout the Southern Alps.
The Old Ghost Road is one of the newest and most epic, with 85 km (53 miles) of singletrack services by six mountain huts. The huts are rudimentary; some have cooking equipment, while others are just bunks. You must book in advance and pay a flat rate of 160 NZD for up to four days on the trail. Check out the government website for all the necessary details.
Tips for Staying at Mountain Huts
Before a hut trip, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are my suggestions based on experience.
What to Bring
One capacity that mountain huts will never have is washing. You must bring your own sheet, or a sleeping bag—this depends on the hut. Most European refuges will have plenty of warm comforters, requiring you to bring a sheet. More primitive backcountry huts will require a sleeping bag to stay warm.
In Europe, you can opt for a meal or just a bed. In my experience, most people are more than willing to cough up 20 bucks for a delectable dinner after a big day. Otherwise, you’ll have to pack supplies.
Bring cash to pay for your stay. In Europe, they rarely take anything besides cash.
Occasionally, you’ll see a coin-operated shower in the summertime (bring coins).
Making Reservations
In Europe, it’s important to always call the mountain hut ahead of time to ensure everything is in order. Sometimes, a hut can be randomly closed due to damage from a storm or other circumstances. I saw it happen this last winter at the Refuge des Écrins in the French Hautes-Alpes. The refuge suddenly closed for a week due to a technical problem. You would have been out of luck without checking in ahead of time. Not having a place to stay is dangerous if you’re unprepared, especially in the winter.
More commonly, refuges simply fill up during the high season. Make your reservation early for the most popular times. Many alpine clubs in Europe now have everything set up online, so you can reserve with a few clicks.
Once you make your reservation, ensure that you arrive on time. Dinner will be served at a set time, and the guardians will likely not make you another if you’re late. You also must be up for breakfast on time.
Sleeping in Huts
Sleeping in huts can be tricky. It’s hard to sleep in a room that sometimes houses more than 30 other people. One is subject to a cacophony of snores, farts, grunts, and whistles. There’s those shuffling to go pee, and there’s you shuffling to go pee after having too much wine at dinner.
Earplugs are a must. They should be with you on every hut trip.
Stretch before going to bed to compensate for the likelihood of an uncomfortable mattress or pad.
Try to work very hard approaching the hut so that you will be exhausted enough to sleep through anything.
And that’s all the advice I can give. Honestly, sleeping in the huts is the hardest part. That said, it can be done. I’ve had some great nights of sleep despite the adversarial conditions.
World’s Highest Mountain Hut
Chacaltaya Ski Lodge, Bolivia
Welcome to the saga of the Chacaltaya Ski Lodge, which sits high above the city of La Paz, Bolivia, at just 16°S from the equator. At 5,420 m (17,785 ft), it was once cold enough for a ski resort despite the region's proximity to the equator.
That was then. Over the past 100 years, a changing climate incinerated the remains of a once-great glacier upon which the ski lift sat. Chacaltaya opened for business in 1939, the same year as Alta Ski Resort in Utah and well before resorts like Aspen and Courchevel. You could ski most of the year: big powder days in the winter followed by summer glacier laps.
They say it once snowed quite a bit. It’s unclear, but the glacier appears to have melted so quickly due to a change in precipitation patterns—it’s become drastically drier—rather than warming temperatures (although temperatures have also warmed significantly).
The resort closed its doors years ago, but the lodge remains, as do the two brothers who run it, Adolfo and Samuel Mendoza. They’ve been there for many decades and still take pride in the fact that the Chacaltaya Ski Lodge is officially the world’s highest restaurant, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. I don’t think there is an option to sleep up there, but you wouldn’t want to anyhow with the elevation.
Incredibly, there’s a road going nearly to the top of the mountain, requiring just 200 meters (600 ft) or so of hiking from the parking lot.
The Capanna Regina Margherita
The Capanna Regina Margherita is a famous mountain hut perched on Signalkuppe peak, just below the summit of the Monte Rosa, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland. The hut was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy (Queen of Italy), who visited in 1893. The queen was an avid mountaineer and was the first woman to summit Monte Rosa / Dufourspitze.
At an elevation of 4,554 meters (14,941 ft) above sea level, it’s the highest mountain refuge in Europe. As far as I can tell, it’s the highest full-service hut in the world. There are plenty higher, but they won’t serve you dinner.
The Margherita is often used as a base for climbers aiming to summit nearby peaks such as Monte Rosa / Dufourspitze, the highest peak in Switzerland and Italy, and others in the Monte Rosa massif. Typically, the ascent begins from the Gnifetti Hut. The hut is open during the summer, typically from late June to early September, when conditions are most favorable for climbing.
The hut can fit up to 70 climbers, and you’ll receive a four-course meal at the top. It serves as both a refuge for climbers tackling the Monte Rosa and a scientific research station (mainly on high-altitude physiology and climatology). The website claims there is free WIFI, in case you want to bust out some work in the evenings (this must be the product of the hut’s role as a research base).
Due to its high altitude and geographic location at 46°N, the Margherita Hut is a completely glaciated environment accessible only to somewhat experienced climbers. I say “somewhat” because, although technical, the route is not overly complex. Coming from the Gnifetti Hut (3,647 m / 11,965 ft), it involves a long but mellow climb along a filled-in glacier. Ropes should used on the glacier as the crevasses, although well-covered, are very deep at this altitude. However, accidents do happen regularly, often due to sudden weather reducing visibility on the glacier.
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World’s Largest Mountain Hut
When it comes to massive mountain huts, nobody does it bigger—or more efficient—than Japan. After all, Japan is simultaneously one of the world's most mountainous and densely populated countries. While these “huts” more closely resemble military bases, they do effectively house over 600 people.
Kamikochi Lemaire Lodge
The Kamikochi Lemaire Lodge, also known as Kamikochi Sanso, is located in the Kamikochi Valley of the Northern Japanese Alps. The hut can accommodate over 600 guests. However, the lodge is around 1,500 meters (4,921 ft), comparatively lower elevation than most other Japanese mountain huts. Nevertheless, it’s a major gateway for those exploring the higher peaks of the Northern Alps, such as Mount Yari and Mount Hotaka.
The lodge offers a range of accommodations, from dormitory-style rooms to private rooms, and caters to climbers and tourists. In addition to the restaurants, guests can receive hot showers. Peak seasons are summer and autumn, the latter of which is known for its world-class foliage.
Enzanso
The Enzanso Hut is also in the Northern Japanese Alps, specifically on Mount Tsubakuro in the Nagano Prefecture. Located on a ridgeline at 2,700 meters (8,858 ft), Enzanso is one of Japan's most famous and historic mountain refuges.
The refuge was founded in 1921 and has gradually expanded to its current footprint, which holds 600 guests. Despite its size, the structure is quite tastefully designed. The traditional architecture features wooden interiors that create a warm and cozy environment.
Access to Enzanso is typically from the Nakabusa Onsen trailhead. The trail is well-marked and passes through beautiful alpine meadows and rocky ridges. The hut’s location amidst some of Japan’s highest peaks makes it a great jumping-off point for some of the best alpine hiking in Asia. It’s also a cornerstone of Japanese mountaineering.
Check out this guide for beta on numerous hikes in the region. Notably, Enzanso is proximate to the summit of Mount Tsubakuro, an excellent spot for catching sunrise or sunset over the Japanese Alps.
Runner Up: Massive Huts in Europe
The Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl (2,454 m / 8,051 ft) is a hotel and restaurant in the Engadin Valley in Switzerland, near the town of Pontresina in the canton of Graubünden. The Muragl is not a traditional mountain hut in the sense of a basic alpine refuge for climbers but rather a historic and luxurious mountain retreat. In other words, it’s quintessentially Swiss!
The hotel is accessible via the Muottas Muragl funicular, which has been operating since its opening in 1907 and provides an easy way for visitors to reach the hotel from the valley floor. The funicular ride itself is a popular attraction.
It may look like a resource-guzzling monstrosity, but thanks to geothermal and solar systems, the hotel claims to be the first in the Alps to operate entirely on renewable energy. At peak capacity, the hotel can accommodate over 300 guests.
World’s Oldest Mountain Hut
The world's oldest mountain refuge built specifically for recreational mountaineering is the "Refuge du Goûter," located on the Aiguille du Goûter in the Mont Blanc Massif of the French Alps. The original refuge was established in 1854 as a rudimentary shelter for climbers attempting to summit Mont Blanc but expanded in 1858 to become an actual mountain hut.
Over the years, the refuge has been rebuilt and modernized, with the current space-age iteration opening in 2013. The Refuge du Goûter is situated at an elevation of 3,835 meters (12,582 ft) and remains one of the highest and most famous mountain refuges in the world. Its 120-person capacity is often reached, and reservations are mandatory.
Like most refuges above 3,500 meters, getting to the Goûter is no small feat. Climbers typically start from the Tête Rousse Hut (3,167 m / 10,390 ft, and ascend the notorious Goûter Couloir, also known as the "Grand Couloir." This section is infamous for its rockfall danger and requires careful timing to navigate safely. In recent years, the rockfall situation in Chamonix has reached situation-critical due to the melting permafrost bonding the layers of alpine granite.
Once past the couloir, climbers must tackle a steep and exposed ridge to reach the refuge. The challenging approach and altitude make it a critical point of acclimatization and rest before the final push to the summit of Mont Blanc. About 80% of Mont Blanc ascents from the French side pass by the Goûter.
Don’t be fooled by the crowds and popularity of the Refuge du Goûter. Mont Blanc is the most dangerous mountain in the world, with well north of 8,000 deaths recorded in the last 250 years. Crowding along the route only makes it more hazardous. It’s a serious mission, far more severe than the higher-altitude Margherita Hut.
The Best Mountain Huts
With tens of thousands of mountain huts worldwide, quantifying the very best is an impossible task. Some huts are great for access to climbing, while others serve delicious regional cuisine. Others exist in their original historic state, while refuges like the Tracuit Hut in Zermatt look genuinely extraterrestrial.
Personally, I prefer small, historic, and remote refuges, so that’s what we’ll focus on in this article.
Note that I’ve almost exclusively included not-for-profit lodges (the Opus Hut and the Japanese huts may be an exception, but the Japanese ones are also incredibly affordable). The only hut that will cost more than 100 USD per night is the Opus Hut. Many of the huts are free.
Let it be known: there are hundreds of helicopter-access, luxury mountain lodges out there, if that’s your style. But without mentioning “authenticity,” that is simply not the original spirit of the mountain hut.
Best Mountain Huts in the Alps
Refuge de l'Aigle, France
The Aigle is the promised land of European mountain huts. The name means “The Eagle Hut” in French. Here, in the heart of the Écrins National Park, the culture of refuges and mountaineering reaches its zenith. Ask any French mountain guide, and they’ll tell you: it doesn’t get better than the Aigle.
High above the legendary town of La Grave, the refuge straddles a knife-edge ridge at 3,450 meters (11,319 ft) along the boundary of the Glaciers de L’Homme and Tabuchet. During the winter, ski descents of either of these glaciers are absolute classics, among the world’s finest descents. During the summer, climbers stay in the Aigle after tackling La Meije and Meije Oriental, as well as other objectives.
Though originally constructed in 1910, the hut was rebuilt to modern standards in 2014. A wrap-around deck offers one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of mountain vistas.
The approach involves nearly 2,000 meters of climbing, but the challenge of getting the right conditions is as much part of the Aigle experience as the actual difficulty of the route. The refuge opens for merely a few weeks each winter. In the summer, however, there is more time. You can discover more about the Aigle and my adventures there in this PeakVisor feature article.
Rifugio Becherhaus, Italy
Rifugio Becherhaus is a jewel of northern Italy's culturally distinct South Tyrol region, just south of the Austrian border. At 3,195 meters (10,482 ft) on the south side of the Stubai Alps, it is one of the higher mountain huts in the Eastern Alps.
The hut, built in 1894 by the German-Austrian Alpine Club, was named after Emperor Franz Joseph I. After the First World War, the region became part of Italy, and the hut was renamed Rifugio Gino Biasi, though it’s still commonly known as the Becherhaus.
Like the Refuge de l'Aigle, and many of the best huts in the Alps, it’s challenging to reach the Becherhaus. One of the main access points is from the village of Maiern in the Ridnauntal Valley. The hike can take around 6-8 hours, depending on conditions and fitness. Like the Aigle, the approach requires easy glacier travel. Speaking of glaciers, this part of the Stubai Alps bears a thick coat of ice. There are plenty to explore from the hut, like the Übeltalferner Glacier, which extends several square kilometers.
The hut is enormous, considering its location, and can fit up to 100 people. Somehow, they have showers (10€ for 3 minutes).
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Refuge du Goléon, France
The Refuge du Goléon is truly a sight for sore eyes, located just north of the commune of La Grave. It’s not the highest refuge, at an elevation of 2,464 meters (8,083 ft), but it’s the perfect base for backcountry skiing. With aspects in every direction, you’ll always find soft snow here. One of the world’s best couloirs, the Trois Evêchès, is within spitting distance of the refuge. Moreover, in my opinion, the views of La Meije are unparalleled anywhere else in the valley.
The refuge is perched above the beautiful Lac du Goléon, a glacial lake where the Lombard Glacier once terminated. It’s a typical European-style alpine hut with bunk beds, accommodating up to 38 guests. Visitors should bring their own sleeping bags or sheets, as is the norm with European refuges. The food is top-notch; it’s relatively easy access from the valley, so they get plenty of fresh ingredients.
The skiing is endless, especially on warm, sunny days when the south and west-facing slopes soften and offer 1,000-meter faces in perfect corn snow. In the summer, you can hike up the valley to the Lombard Glacier, which now terminates several kilometers from the lake.
Neue Prager Hütte, Austria
The Neue Prager Hütte (2,796 m / 9,173 ft) is a historic refuge in the Eastern Alps in Austria's High Tauern National Park. It is nestled in the heart of the Venediger Group, a prominent mountain range that includes Austria's second-highest peak, the Großvenediger. The historic lodge is as beautiful as the surrounding mountains, with its perfectly preserved alpine architecture harkening back to the Golden Age of European Mountaineering.
The Prager Hütte was so popular by the late 19th century that a new refuge needed to be built. The (Neue) Prager Hütte was built in 1903 by the Austrian Alpine Club to accommodate the increasing number of mountaineers drawn to the Venediger Group. The hut is named "Neue Prager" to distinguish it from the older Prager Hütte. Over the years, the Neue Prager Hütte has undergone several renovations and expansions to improve its capacity, allowing it to host up to 150 people.
The hut is a popular starting point for ascents of the Großvenediger, a classic and relatively accessible glacier climb that attracts many climbers during the summer season. The route from the Neue Prager to the summit involves navigating crevassed glaciers and snowfields. Additionally, the hut is a stop on the Venediger Höhenweg, a famous high-altitude trekking route.
Best Mountain Huts in the U.S.
Opus Hut, Ophir, Colorado
The Opus Hut is between Silverton and Telluride in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, near the Ophir Pass Road. Situated at approximately 11,700 ft (3,566 meters), it is particularly popular among backcountry skiers and snowboarders.
The surrounding terrain is legendary in the winter when a deep snowpack graces the central Juans. The hut is open all season, but I recommend the spring. The snowpack here is notoriously sketchy; many people have died in avalanches.
The hut is full service, with dinner and a bed running at about 150 USD—it’s a lot cheaper than staying in nearby Telluride, that’s for sure!
I find the hut less attractive in the summer because the Ophir Pass Road is just down the hill, giving it less of a backcountry feel. The road is unnavigable in the winter but is a conga line all summer.
Sneffles Traverse Huts, Colorado
These are like a bonus to the Opus Hut. It’s the same region of Colorado. It’s one of the premier hut-to-huts in the state, although I much prefer the area in the summer. While skiing around the Opus Hut is magic during the snowy season, the Sneffels hut-to-hut is a bit boring. There’s lots of skinning and traversing and less focus on the descent.
The summer here is where it’s at. The traverse typically spans several days and covers high alpine meadows, dense pine and aspen forests, and dramatic ridgelines, all with stunning views of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area. Hiking and mountain biking are both popular.
Madison Spring Hut, Gorham, New Hampshire
The Madison Spring Hut is the original mountain hut in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA. It’s perched at 4,800 ft (1,463 meters) between Mount Madison and Mount Adams in the Presidential Range, the East Coast’s most storied range. The hut was first established in 1888 and has been recently renovated.
The Madison Spring Hut is strategically positioned along the Appalachian Trail (AT). It is often a target for those seeking to summit Mount Madison or Mount Adams, the second-highest peak in New England. The hut is traditionally open from early June through mid-September and can accommodate up to 52 guests in shared bunkrooms. Dinner is included in classic alpine style.
I’ve never stayed at this hut, but I’ve walked by it many times; it’s a staple of the Presidential Range.
The runner-up is the Greenleaf Hut, near Franconia Notch. It’s directly on the Franconia Ridge Trail, which tops out at Mount Lafayette and is also one of the great hikes of the White Mountains (of which the Presidential Range is a part).
Park Butte Lookout, Washington
The Park Butte Lookout is a 1932 structure used as a fire tower on the southwestern slopes of Mount Baker. The hut itself is just within the boundary of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. It’s one of the more unique huts in Washington State and receives steady traffic during the summer, although most people do a day hike for the view. While I haven’t visited this hut myself, the region is one of my favorite places in the US.
The hike to the lookout is about 12 km / 7.5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 650 meters (2,200 ft). It’s a first-come, first-served, pack-in, pack-out establishment with no toilet facilities. It’s also free, but you’ll need a recreation pass to park at the trailhead.
Best Mountain Huts in South America
Huascarán Hut, Peru
The Huascarán Hut is one of the highest refuges in the world. It is located on the slopes of Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru, reaching 6,768 meters (22,205 ft). The hut is a base for climbers attempting to summit the Huascarán’s twin peaks: Huascarán Norte (North) at 6,654 meters (21,831 ft) and Huascarán Sur (South) at 6,768 meters (22,205 ft).
The hut is typically accessed from the town of Musho, which serves as the trailhead for most climbers. From Musho, the approach to the hut involves a long trek through Andean villages, forests, and rocky moraines.
Huascarán Hut offers basic shelter and amenities for climbers as they acclimatize and prepare for their ascent. The refuge can accommodate around 40 people in shared dormitory-style rooms. It’s equipped with bunks, a communal kitchen, and a dining area.
Given its altitude and remote location, the hut is usually unstaffed, so climbers bring their own food and supplies. The thin air at this elevation makes acclimatization a concern, and climbers often spend several days at the hut to adjust to the altitude before attempting to summit.
In addition to the hut, the slopes of Huascarán are home to some of Earth’s most profound landscapes and alpine lakes. The peak is the world’s highest in the tropics, and high precipitation rates have painted the summit a permanent, effervescent white.
However, this region has also been marred by tragedy. Famously, a 1970 earthquake triggered an ice and snow avalanche that charged dozens of kilometers down the surrounding valleys, killing nearly 70,000 people. Decades earlier, two other large avalanches killed an additional 25,000 people.
Refugio Frey, Argentina
The Refugio Frey is a legendary mountain refuge in the Nahuel Huapi National Park near San Carlos de Bariloche in the Argentine Patagonia.
The refuge is situated at about 1,700 meters (5,577 ft), near the shores of the Laguna Toncek and beneath the jagged spires of Cerro Catedral. The most common approach starts from the base of Cerro Catedral, a well-known ski resort (and also a place worth visiting).
While it’s popular in both the summer and winter, the backcountry skiing access is genuinely world-class, and that’s how I first heard of this place. You’re surrounded by an amphitheater of striking peaks and couloirs, a skier’s dream if conditions are right. It’s also quite famous for access to alpine rock climbing, with some of the excellent granite crack-climbing that Patagonia is known for.
The refuge is relatively basic, offering communal sleeping quarters and a kitchen where visitors can prepare meals. It's essential to bring your own sleeping bag and food if you plan to cook. The refuge also sells some basic provisions, but it's better to come prepared.
One issue is the weather, which is notoriously difficult to predict. In the winter, it can be windy and socked in for weeks on end, effectively ruining your entire stay at the refuge. I wish you luck!
Best Mountain Huts in Canada
I’ve described the Sunshine Coast Trail, but for more info on over 80 huts in British Columbia and Alberta, check out Taryn Eyton’s blog (she even uses the SCT’s Tin Hat Hut for the cover photo).
The Sunshine Coast Hut-to-Hut Trail
The Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) is a through-hike on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Canada. Spanning approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles), it is the longest hut-to-hut hiking trail in Canada. There’s a bit of a bias here; it’s the one hut-to-hut I’ve done in the country, but I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
The trail is incredibly diverse. It begins at the shoreline and reaches snow-covered peaks in a matter of days. The terrain varies from coastal rainforests and manzanita groves to alpine ridges.
The series of free, first-come, first-served huts is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. There are 14 huts spaced along the trail. They’re rustic but comfortable, usually equipped with wooden bunks, tables, and sometimes wood stoves. Often, there will be cut firewood already stacked. Watch out for mice.
I can’t quite remember, but we may have carried a tent just in case one of the huts was full. On the contrary, we hardly saw another soul (it was early May, and there was lots of snow up high still). It’s essential to carry sleeping pads and bags.
The only qualm I had with this trail was the logging. There wasn’t much in the way of true old-growth forests (the same everywhere in Canada). Every forest was in some state of harvest, whether it had been logged 30 years ago or five years ago, and this made our group a bit sad. Still, it was extraordinarily beautiful regardless.
Best Mountain Huts in Australia
The “Red Huts”: Cootapatamba and Valentine’s, Jagungal Wilderness, Kosciuszko National Park
The Australian hut scene is defined by quirky, basic backcountry huts dating back to the frontier. The “Red Huts” are part of this historic network, which is scattered throughout the Australian Alps. Like the other huts, they were originally constructed for stockmen and miners and later for recreational use by skiers and hikers.
Cootapatamba Hut is near Lake Cootapatamba, one of Australia’s highest lakes, close to Mount Kosciuszko. The hut sits at around 2,050 meters (6,726 ft), making it one of the highest in Australia. Valentine’s Hut is located further north within the Jagungal Wilderness, along Valentine Creek. It’s located at 1,680 meters (5,512 ft) in a more remote part of Kosciuszko National Park.
Both huts are accessible via hiking or skiing. Cootapatamba Hut is more accessible during the summer via the Main Range Track, while Valentine’s Hut is typically reached through longer, multi-day trips. Endemic snow gum trees, kangaroos, wombats, and a unique climate featuring cold, Antarctic air in the winter have molded a backcountry environment here unlike anywhere else.
Seaman’s Hut, Kosciuszko National Park
The Seaman's Hut is situated at 2,030 meters (6,660 ft) along the Main Range walking track, roughly 6 km (3.7 miles) from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. It’s accessible from the Charlotte Pass trailhead, the starting point for one of the most popular routes to the summit.
The hut was built in 1929 as a memorial to Laurie Seaman and his ski partner Evan Hayes, two young skiers who perished in a blizzard near Mount Kosciuszko in 1928. Seaman's parents financed the hut's construction in his memory, intending to provide shelter to others who might find themselves in similar dangerous situations. The hut was constructed by local stonemasons using granite from the surrounding area; it’s certainly more durable than the Red Huts.
Like the Red Huts and the rest of Kosciuszko National Park, the hut is ideal in both summer and winter, mainly for hiking and ski touring.
Best Mountain Huts in New Zealand
Mt. Brown Hut
In a nation with over 1000 huts, the Mt. Brown Hut is still a standout gem located in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. The hut sits at 1,200 meters (3,937 ft) on the grassy slopes of Mount Brown, with unobstructed views stretching from Lake Kaniere to the Tasman Sea. It’s a short but strenuous hike from the lake, with about 1000 meters (3,300 ft) of elevation gain.
Originally built in 1957 by the New Zealand Forest Service, Mt. Brown Hut was one of many simple shelters constructed for deer cullers—government-employed hunters tasked with controlling the population of introduced deer, which were damaging native vegetation. In 2010, a group of volunteers undertook a major restoration project, and it reopened for public use that same year.
Like many huts on this list, it’s small and basic, offering just four bunks with mattresses. It has a wood-burning stove for heating and a water tank outside the hut for drinking water, although it should be treated before consumption.
Also, like many huts on this list, Mt. Brown Hut operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require bookings. There is no fee to stay at the hut, but you’ll want to get there early to ensure a spot. You can also try one of the hundreds of other shelters like this throughout the island.
Anchorage Hut
The Anchorage Hut is a relatively large and popular backcountry refuge (compared to the Mt. Brown Hut) in the Abel Tasman National Park on the northern coast of New Zealand's South Island. Situated along the Abel Tasman Coast Track (60 km / 37 miles), one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the hut is legendary for beaches featuring turquoise waters, as well as verdant forests. The Abel Tasman Park exhibits fabulous biodiversity for its latitude, at about 41°S, well outside the tropics.
The large and relatively modern hut accommodates up to 34 people in bunk beds with mattresses. It has a communal kitchen with a gas stove and indoor and outdoor dining areas. It’s equipped with solar-powered lighting and has toilets and cold water from a nearby stream.
There’s also a campsite which can accommodate up to 50 people and has toilets and picnic tables.
You can also explore the coast by kayak rather than hiking. If you choose to hike, be aware that certain sections are unpassable depending on the tide.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the country’s most popular, and therefore, this hut must be booked in advance, especially during the peak season (October to April). Bookings can be made through the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. They’re not free, although the fees are very reasonable.
