Hanspeter Mair, leader of the EUMA Expert Group on Huts, organized a memorable study trip that left a lasting impression on all participants. Raising the environmental quality in daily mountain hut management has been a priority for the Club Alpin français Nice Mercantour, and thanks to the support of Erasmus+ and its “Mobility of Sport Coaches and Staff” project, this goal became achievable. The Erasmus+ program enables nonprofit sports organizations to arrange short trips (2–14 days) for small groups of up to 10 participants to neighboring European countries, providing them with valuable opportunities to learn from best practices. EUMA also contributed by providing financial support to make this study trip a reality, reinforcing its commitment to improving the management and sustainability of mountain huts across Europe.
The trip focused on the economic management of mountain huts, waste management, energy provision, and sustainable hut management. The Club Alpin français Nice Mercantour, a member of the French FFCAM, manages 10 huts in the Southern Alps. Their aim is to empower hut keepers and volunteers with the knowledge and practical skills needed for sustainable hut management, focusing on efficient operations and the conservation of resources.
A Journey of Learning
From October 13 to 18, the Club Alpin français Nice Mercantour participated in an Erasmus+ program in Tyrol. Over five days, participants visited exemplary mountain huts, including the Tölzer Hütte, Tegernseer Hütte, and Tutzinger Hütte, to observe sustainable practices and explore strategies for improvement.
Highlights of the Visit
Tölzer Hütte:
Hanspeter Mair provided a detailed overview of the hut’s technical infrastructure, covering water supply, wastewater management, energy systems, material transport via cable car, and logistics. In the evening, hosts Andrea and Benno shared their unique approach to managing guests. For example, guests are asked to choose their breakfast in advance, eliminating the need for a buffet and reducing food waste.Tegernseer Hütte:
Ludwig Micht, the hut landlord, showcased how the hut conserves its limited water supply, which relies solely on rainwater harvested from the roof. This constraint necessitates the use of dry toilets and the absence of showers for guests, emphasizing resource conservation.Tutzinger Hütte:
Former Tutzing section secretary Konrad Kürzinger led the group through the hut’s wastewater disposal system, which features a drying bed and infiltration system. He also detailed its water supply and energy setup. Later, hosts Sabine and Thomas introduced their sustainable farming practices and their integration into hut operations.Bad Tölz Presentations:
Participants attended presentations from three experienced managers of high-altitude mountain huts. These discussions provided a platform for exchanging practical tips, sharing challenges, and exploring creative solutions to common issues.
A Collaborative Success
Hanspeter Mair reflected on the trip’s impact:
"The visit was very valuable because it promotes dialogue, and you can learn from each other. On the one hand, it is interesting to experience the different forms of management of the huts, including the technical equipment, and on the other hand to be shown the different systems. The differences between the huts in the south of France and the south of Bavaria could be worked out. The exchange between the hut keepers was very fruitful. It was a very eventful week during which everyone learnt something from each other. This exchange should be continued in the future."
Moving Forward
This exchange of knowledge and best practices proved invaluable for all involved. By comparing strategies used in France and Bavaria, participants gained fresh perspectives and practical solutions for sustainable hut management. The EUMA Expert Group on Huts looks forward to fostering further exchanges like this, ensuring continued collaboration and innovation in mountain hut operations across Europe.
