Carinthia’s alpine groups struggle to find hut operators

Alpine organisations in Carinthia are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit operators for mountain huts, ORF reported. The problem is leaving some huts closed even as cooler high-altitude destinations attract visitors during hot weather.

Alpine clubs operate 80 staffed huts in Carinthia, including almost 40 shelters in high-alpine areas. They have faced difficulties finding suitable operators for years.

The Wolfsberg Hut was vacant until recently, according to Helmut Sumper, head of the Wolfsberg branch of the Austrian Alpine Club. Its previous tenants resigned because of the requirement to keep the hut open.

“For category one mountain shelters, there is an obligation to remain open for at least three months, and someone should be there during that period,” Sumper said. “There were complaints that people had reached the hut and found it locked.”

The Ertl family took over the Wolfsberg Hut in May after it had stood empty for one season. Roland Ertl, the new operator, is an experienced hut manager and said the property was well equipped.

“The hut is exceptionally well set up. The technology and size work very well together, and we can use the resources very effectively,” he said.

Gottfried Hiebler began operating the Klagenfurt Hut in July. He said many people were unaware of the work involved.

“Of course, there are also days when fewer guests come. You can sit outside in the evening and look at the starry sky, which is beautiful. But the reality is that it is an extremely tough job,” Hiebler said.

Operators need a wide range of skills

“A hut operator has to be an all-rounder,” said Leopold Fuchs, head of the Carinthia branch of the Austrian Alpine Club. Operators must provide food and drink appropriate to the region, run the huts and keep them clean.

They also face difficulties finding staff, Fuchs said. Although most huts have operators, the organisations want to avoid closures wherever possible.

Search continues for Eisenkappler Hut operator

The Eisenkappler Hut, a starting point for hikes to the Hochobir summit, is currently empty. Its former operators took over another inn in the valley.

The Austrian Tourist Club said the search for new operators was proving difficult. It said the hut needed committed people who understood the mountains and hikers, and who would run it primarily as a shelter rather than as an inn so that the important junction in the hiking trail network could continue operating.