Europe hut skiing advise

Heading out for a three-day ski hut tour in Switzerland, starting in Arolla with the first night at the Cabane de Dix hut, then heading to the Vignettes hut for night two, and wrapping it all up by skiing into Zermatt on day three.

We’ve got the essentials for skiing covered thanks to our guide’s packing list, but we’re a bit unsure about what’s needed for staying in the huts—this will be our first experience with the European hut system. Once we arrive at the huts, do most people stay in their ski gear, or is it typical to change into base layers or other clothing?

We’re trying to keep our packs as light as possible and avoid carrying anything unnecessary. Also, we’ve heard that some huts provide slippers—are these usually sufficient, or should we bring our own shoes or lightweight slippers? If so, any specific recommendations?

Appreciate any tips or advice for first-timers navigating the Euro hut scene!

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Originally Posted by bmtroublemaker

Heading out for a three-day ski hut tour in Switzerland, starting in Arolla with the first night at the Cabane de Dix hut, then heading to the Vignettes hut for night two, and wrapping it all up by skiing into Zermatt on day three.

We’ve got the essentials for skiing covered thanks to our guide’s packing list, but we’re a bit unsure about what’s needed for staying in the huts—this will be our first experience with the European hut system. Once we arrive at the huts, do most people stay in their ski gear, or is it typical to change into base layers or other clothing?

We’re trying to keep our packs as light as possible and avoid carrying anything unnecessary. Also, we’ve heard that some huts provide slippers—are these usually sufficient, or should we bring our own shoes or lightweight slippers? If so, any specific recommendations?

Appreciate any tips or advice for first-timers navigating the Euro hut scene!

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Haven't been on the HR, but have been to a variety of other Euro huts. I would bring a light pair of pants, a tee shirt/LS shirt and a clean pair of socks for your hut habitation. Bring a light liner (Sea to Summit silk is the ideal for hut trips) and pillow case (if you care). Email the hut keepers and confirm re: slippers, but usually slippers are plentiful from all the euro huts I've been to.

I did a few huts in Switzerland. The food was always super good. Each hut had a little different setup. All were first come first serve on beds. Usually slept with anywhere from 10 to 15 per bunk room. Wore my ski clothes the entire time, slept in my long underwear. Really wasn't any privacy. Communal pit toilet, etc. Bring ear plugs/headphones and a headlamp, lots of snoring and noise to keep you up all night. If I was going with buddies for a specific objective that required a hut I would do it, otherwise stay in town, it's better on all fronts.

Can't speak for specifically Swiss huts, but in Austria I would:
1. Definitely take a liner with me like alpinevibes said. Actually I'd do a change of clothes like he mentioned as well.
2. I take a pair of fleece slippers with me, I have big feet and it's more comfortable that way. Huts will have enough to go round unless you have big feet.
3. Check for Alpine club membership and partnerships with international clubs. In Austria, an alpine club membership will give you a cheaper overnight stay and food. Membership costs will already be covered by the 2nd to 3rd night. It doesn't have to be the Austrian Alpine club. And membership will give you accident insurance etc. like cover the cost of heli rescue etc.
I'd check how that works in Switzerland, as that could save a lot of money.

In Austria a lot of the winter rooms will be communal sleeping. But the more popular huts with higher visitor nr. have started to become a little less basic and have been modernised. More like b&bs with bunk rooms for 2 to 4 people if you book early enough. I take it the guide has organised all that.

If your guide has not already advised you, then make sure to purchase a Rega membership.