Plan your route

Where do you sleep on the mountain

Every shelter on this list has been used on the route. Conditions, altitude, and what to bring — written from the inside, not from a rating system.

Interior of a Balkan mountain hut, wooden bunks stacked two high, a single gas lamp on a rough-hewn table, overcast light through a small square window, boots lined on the floor, no people visible
Interior of a Balkan mountain hut, wooden bunks stacked two high, a single gas lamp on a rough-hewn table, overcast light through a small square window, boots lined on the floor, no people visible
Exterior of a low stone refuge shelter on a bare alpine ridge, grey scree foreground, heavy cloud cover rolling in from the right, no figures, raw and exposed atmosphere, documentary framing
Exterior of a low stone refuge shelter on a bare alpine ridge, grey scree foreground, heavy cloud cover rolling in from the right, no figures, raw and exposed atmosphere, documentary framing
Close view of a bivouac tent pitched on flat rock just below a ridgeline, early morning mist filling the valley below, hiking poles stacked against the outer shell, no faces visible, wide environmental framing
Close view of a bivouac tent pitched on flat rock just below a ridgeline, early morning mist filling the valley below, hiking poles stacked against the outer shell, no faces visible, wide environmental framing

Three shelter types for multi-day hiking

Mountain huts

Staffed huts on established routes provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for travellers. Expect shared dormitory bunks, a cosy common room for relaxing and socialising, and a knowledgeable warden who knows the local weather better than any forecast. Additionally, the huts are equipped with essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay, while the scenery surrounding them offers breathtaking views that travellers can enjoy during their downtime.

Altitude range: 1,400–2,100 m. Hot food is available at most; bring a sleeping bag liner regardless.

High-altitude refuges

Unstaffed stone shelters above the tree line — no running water, no heat source beyond what the group carries. These shelters, often constructed from local materials, serve as temporary refuges during long treks through rugged terrain. They are essential for offering some protection from the elements and can be crucial when the route demands it, not by default. When choosing to rest in these shelters, one must be prepared for the challenges of limited resources and the need to be self-sufficient.

Altitude range: 2,100–2,700 m. Capacity 4–8 people. Conditions vary sharply by season.

Bivouacs

Lightweight tent camps at wild sites — chosen the day before based on group pace and weather. The most flexible option; also the one that asks the most of the group. In these camps, participants will enjoy a unique experience as they connect with nature, breathing in the fresh air and witnessing breathtaking views. Every night becomes a chance to bond with fellow adventurers around a warm fire, sharing stories and making memories under the starlit sky.

Used on technical multi-day routes where hut spacing doesn't match the terrain. Full kit list provided on booking.