Weather Safety Tips for Your Hut-to-Hut Hike

On a hut-to-hut hike, the weather can decide more than just whether you put on a jacket. Sudden storms can force you to change your route, thick fog can make finding the trail tricky, and strong winds can slow you to a crawl. In summer, heat can be just as dangerous as cold, especially on long climbs with little shade. Snow is not only a winter thing in the mountains, and crossing a white slope in July is not unusual in places like France or Switzerland.

The higher you go, the more unpredictable the weather becomes. A sunny valley morning can turn into a wet and windy ridge by midday. Temperatures can drop fast once clouds move in, and rain at lower altitudes might mean sleet or snow higher up. The mountains do not care if you have a booking at the next hut. That is why every hut-to-hut hiker needs to understand how quickly things can change and plan accordingly.

Preparation for a hut-to-hut hike starts before you even lace up your boots. Check more than one weather forecast and make sure it is specific to the mountains. General city forecasts are useless once you climb above the treeline. Good sources include the Alpenverein Bergwetter for the Alps, yr.no for detailed and reliable local forecasts, and national meteorological services for each country. Talk to hut wardens before you set off. They know the trails and can tell you about local conditions that a weather app will miss. Build in extra time so you are not racing the weather to reach your next stop.

While on the trail, keep an eye out for signs that things are changing. Dark clouds building behind a ridge, a sudden drop in temperature, or a shift in wind direction all mean you should be thinking about your options. Carry gear that can handle those changes: layers to stay warm, a waterproof jacket, sturdy boots with good grip, a map and compass or GPS, and an emergency kit. For a full breakdown of what to pack, check our hut-to-hut hiking packing list. These basics make the difference between an uncomfortable day and a dangerous one, whether you are in Austria or Slovenia.

Once you are on the trail, the weather calls the shots. If clouds start building or the wind picks up, slow down and think about your options. Sometimes the safest choice is to take a longer but less exposed route, or to wait in a hut until conditions improve. On a ridgeline in the Dolomites, for example, there is no point in pushing on if lightning is in the forecast. Use huts as safe shelters, not just places to sleep. They can give you a warm meal, a roof over your head, and a chance to reset your plans for the next stage.

Good decision-making on a hut-to-hut hike means listening to your body as well as watching the weather. If you are tired, hungry, or wet, your judgment will suffer. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on your hiking partners. Mountains reward patience. There is always another day to finish the stage, but you only get one chance to stay out of trouble.

Each season brings its own challenges for a hut-to-hut hike. In spring, snow can linger on north-facing slopes well into June, making crossings icy and dangerous. This is why some hut-to-hut hikes, such as the Adlerweg, Stubaier Höhenweg, or the Kesch Trek, only start later in June or even early July. Streams can swell with meltwater, turning easy crossings into tricky ones. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, especially in places like Switzerland, and high temperatures can make exposed climbs exhausting. In autumn, storms become less predictable and the first snow can arrive suddenly, sometimes making a safe descent more difficult. Knowing what is typical for the season you are hiking in will help you pack, plan, and make better decisions on the trail.

Thunder and lightning are no joke in the mountains. If you hear thunder, it means lightning can reach you, even if the sky above still looks clear. A good way to judge the danger is to use the 30/30 rule: count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, you are within about 10 kilometres of the strike and should seek shelter immediately. After the last rumble of thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before moving on. This rule is simple, easy to remember, and it works.

The safest choice in a storm is to get to lower ground or into a hut as quickly as possible. On exposed sections, like ridgelines or open plateaus, you are far more vulnerable. Avoid peaks, open meadows, and isolated trees, which can act as lightning rods. If there is no shelter nearby, spread your group out so you are not all in one spot, crouch low with your feet close together, and stay away from metal objects like poles, fences, or via ferrata cables. In places like the Dolomites, where afternoon storms are common in summer, many hikers start their day early to be off high ground before the first distant rumbles.

Even with the best preparation, things can still go wrong on a hut-to-hut hike. If you or someone in your group is injured or in danger, stay calm and take stock of the situation. If possible, get to a safe place out of the wind and rain before making any decisions. In most European mountain regions, the emergency number is 112. Be ready to give your location, the nature of the problem, and any details about the condition of the person who needs help. If you have no phone signal, try moving to higher ground or an open area, but only if it is safe to do so. The Alpenverein recommends carrying a fully charged phone, a small backup power bank, and a whistle so rescuers can locate you even if you cannot call.

Knowing basic first aid can make a big difference while waiting for help. Treat hypothermia by getting the person dry, warm, and sheltered. For heat exhaustion, move them to shade, cool them down, and give them water. The Alpenverein also advises always telling someone your planned route and estimated arrival time before you set off, so help can be sent if you do not check in. If you cannot continue safely, do not push on to the next hut — let the hut warden or other hikers know your situation. The mountains will be there tomorrow, and turning back is always better than risking more serious trouble.

Mountain weather is part of what makes a hut-to-hut hike so memorable. It can give you golden sunrises, crisp mornings, and the thrill of watching clouds drift over a pass. It can also test your patience, change your plans, and remind you that you are only a guest here. Respect the conditions, prepare well, and make decisions with safety first. That way you finish your hike with good stories, tired legs, and maybe a sunburned nose — and you will want to come back for more.

At Bookatrekking.com you can book self-guided hut tours. We arrange the mountain huts and other accommodation for you and make sure you receive all relevant information well in advance. If you have any questions about our hut tours or tours in general, contact our trekking experts. They will be happy to help you!

Want to read more about hut-to-hut-hiking? Then check out one of our next blog posts: 

Austria

• Peter Habeler Runde
• Salzburger Almenweg
• Adlerweg

Switzerland

• Via Alpina 1
• Kesch Trek

Slovenia

• Julian Alps with Triglav

Italy

• Alta Via 1
• Alta Via 2

France

• Walker's Haute Route
• Tour du Mont Blanc
• Tour du Mont Thabor
• GR20
• Mercantour

Spain

• Carros de Foc
• La Porta del Cel