DShowalter wrote:My wife and I are traveling to Italy's Dolomites and will start a trek the first of September. This is our first time doing a hut to hut in Europe. We're both pretty much vegetarian (we eat cheese/eggs/fish) and are wondering about food options. It would be great to get an idea of the types of food available in the huts (traveling from Bolzano area, east to Cortina), in order to decide how much food of our own we should carry.

Also is hot water always available for drinks, oatmeal, etc.? Is there a breakfast option, or are we on our own?

Last, would it be a good idea to carry a stove and pot in order to make some one pot meals?

One more: Should we carry lightweight sleeping bags?

Any and all suggestions/feedback are welcome. Thanks!

I'm not a hut trekker myself so let me answer the questions I can answer, only:

Sleeping bags - definitely - huts aren't hotels, not even youth hostels. In the peak season you'll have trouble getting a bunk and have to rely on a metress on the floor instead, sharing the room with whoever else is there.

Food - count with hearty food - almost certainly involving meat, most likely ham or bacon. Most huts are located remotely and it takkes quite some logistical effort to get the stuff up there. Cheese/Eggs should be possible. Fish certainly not.

One pot meals - probably not necessary but some of the huts already close in the beginning or end of September. It's not likely for the Alte Vie delle Dolomiti because of their popularity but you should check beforehand. Here is a link with a list of huts worldwide: Jo's List. It used to have an English version but they changed the layout
Mark "Suche in Regionen und Gebirgen" and type in "Dolomiten" and you'll get a list. The sites which have English pages don't offer huts in the Dolomites

Anyway - even if the hut is closed there often is a "winter room" in which you can find shelter -> one pot meals.

The hut system in Italy is similiar to the system found throughout Europe. If there is a hut warden, then he/she will provide a variety of meals and beverages. If you call ahead and make reservations, you can tell them you are vegetarian and they can come up with something. If you just show up, then the selection might be really limited. Major meals are usually served family style and include soup, salad, main course and dessert. Our daughter is vegetarian, but the wardens always managed to come up with something for her. Those huts which offer full meals will also provide breakfast. If it is a hut from which alpine climbs are done, there will be one breakfast served at "O-dark-early" for the climbers and a second breakfast served a bit later for hikers - you will have to ask at what times meals are served. The wardens will also fill your water bottles with clean water.

If you want to save money, then you can bring a stove and cook or bring food that only requires boiling water, which you buy from the warden. You also get a basket in which to keep small items and food during your hut stay. The basket is kept downstairs, usually in the main gathering/eating room. You are expected to help keep tables clean, etc.

The bunks are sometimes mass bunks, sometimes there are semi-private rooms. Your spot will be assigned to you by the warden. Each person gets 2 blankets (usually wool) and a pillow. Many people bring a liner, as the blankets are usually cleaned only once a year. You are expected to leave the bunk as you found it with the blankets folded and the pillow back in its place. Mass bunk in a Swiss hut Ear plugs are a good idea - seems there is always one snorer in the bunch.

Bathroom facilities vary widely - from an outhouse and an outside spigot running cold water all the way to flush toilets and sinks with hot water. Generally this water is not certified for drinking but that too varies.

Shoes are to be left near the hut entrance and slippers are provided. Walking sticks and ice axes are left there as well - only your pack may be in the sleeping quarters.

Upon arrival you sign into the hut book. The warden uses this to record payment, etc. It also lets him/her know if you planning to climb or just hike etc.

Huts that have no warden provide the basics in terms of heating, cooking and bunks. The users of the hut are expected to keep it clean. Payment there is usually done via an envelope. Some huts have wardens only on weekends. Bivouac huts will be the most primitive with little or no supplies.

Depending on where you are hiking and what huts you wish to use, it's a good idea to call ahead for reservations - or you may end up sleeping on the floor. Weekends are the busiest time.

If you just observe what people around you are doing, you'll get the hang of hut etiquette quickly.

I hope you have the great trip. The Dolomites are just a great place. The food, the wine, the grappa, the scenery, the really nice people!!! Looking forward to that promised trip report.

This topic is an example of how good the Summit Post forum can be. It is great to see experts come forward to share their knowledge that is not available elsewhere.