Styrian mountain huts plan cancellation fees from 2027

Mountain huts in Styria plan to introduce binding cancellation rules from 1 January 2027 to deter unfair double bookings and protect hut operators, ORF reported. Despite water shortages, the summer season is continuing without restrictions, according to the Styrian Alpine Club and Naturfreunde.

Styria has around 90 mountain huts, including 24 operated by Naturfreunde and more than 50 run by the Alpine Club. The huts have been particularly popular with holidaymakers during this hot summer, but the Alpine Club says guests frequently make multiple bookings and fail to cancel them.

“Demand is good, but the fact that people book several times and then do not cancel naturally causes disadvantages for the operator and for other guests,” said Norbert Hafner of the Alpine Club.

The new cancellation system is being developed with the German Alpine Club and the South Tyrol Alpine Club. It is intended to provide binding and fair cancellation rules from 1 January 2027.

Naturfreunde will not introduce cancellation fees for the time being, said Rene Stix. Operations remain secure despite the dry conditions. At Hochanger Hut, for example, the fire service is delivering water.

Hafner said the heat and limited water availability had caused some restrictions, but not to the extent that any hut would have to close. Showers are being restricted and water is being conserved. In the long term, dry toilets may have to be considered at some locations.