I am posting this for a US friend who is thinking of skiing the Haute Route in 2017. He has heard that the huts are usually full, need booking etc. He’s thinking of a personal non-guided group.
Can anyone clarify how the hut booking stuff works in France and Switzerland?
Are there spaces available at the huts that are not booked in advance [ie first come first served?]
What happens if you have bad weather - can you rebook on the fly, assuming space is available?
when are the huts most likely to have space/not be crowded?
Any other advice re huts?
Thanks
Simon
The huts get pretty busy in late March/April and its best to book ahead. Nearly all huts have a web site now and details can be found there. However many huts are shut right now and it may be difficult to get response.
My best tip is to start mid week (tuesday) as this avoids the weekend crowds. (you meet the same people each night.)
Most huts we went to had a few unbooked spaces but the Dix was solid as was the Vignette because these two are accessed from other points such as Arolla.
People are bound to change plans for weather and other reasons and hut guardians do take account of this but you may find you are last in the line to eat if you just turn up.
Good Luck.
yes, as Simon, book online. If you just turn up you may find the winter room is also full, and have to sleep in the boot room and eat standing up. If the weather forces people to stay in a hut, then everyone in the same boat, but call the next huts to confirm changed plan, or guardian may do a group call. Really sociable tour as you make some friends for life from among the other groups who you see again each eve at the next hut.