Winter Sports · Bern
Swiss Alpine Club approves CHF 10 reservation fee and solidarity contribution for hut stays
The SAC delegates' meeting in Bern voted to charge a non-refundable booking fee from November and a new overnight levy from 2027 to save endangered alpine huts.
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In brief
From 1 November 2026, every booking for a serviced SAC hut costs CHF 10 per person per night, non-refundable even in bad weather, but deducted from the overnight charge if the guest shows up.
The fee targets a cancellation rate of around 40 percent caused by multiple weather-flexible bookings that frequently leave huts half-empty.
An overnight levy of CHF 5 for non-members, CHF 3 for members, and CHF 20 for mountain guides will fund hut renovations endangered by climate change.
SAC huts logged 409,000 overnight stays in 2025, the best year in their history.
- 13 JunSAC delegates approve reservation fee and solidarity contribution
- 1 NovReservation fee of CHF 10 per night takes effect
- 1 JanSolidarity contribution introduced (CHF 3/5/20 per night)
Reservation fee to curb no-shows
The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) delegates' meeting in Bern decided on Saturday to introduce a uniform reservation fee of CHF 10 per person and night for all serviced huts. The fee takes effect on 1 November 2026. It will be deducted from the overnight cost if the guest arrives, but it is non-refundable for cancellations or no-shows, regardless of weather or how far in advance the cancellation is made. The move follows an average cancellation rate of 40 percent, often driven by multiple bookings that let hikers stay flexible on weather, leaving huts half-empty on many nights. A two-thirds majority approved the measure; motions for a refundable fee, a 48-hour cancellation window, or a flexible rate were all rejected.
“The possibility of reserving a hut place obligatorily has value and may therefore cost a price.”
The club expects additional annual revenue of up to CHF 2.5 million from the fee, or at least CHF 1 million even if multiple bookings decline significantly.
Solidarity contribution for hut preservation
From 2027, a separate overnight solidarity contribution will be levied to finance renovations and stabilisation works. Non-members will pay CHF 5, members CHF 3, and mountain guides, who previously stayed free, will pay CHF 20 per night. The SAC cites climate change: one in three huts is at risk, and operators cannot shoulder the necessary investments alone. Revenues flow into a dedicated fund for structural maintenance of the alpine building heritage.
“The solidarity contributions flow directly into the hut fund and help preserve this architectural heritage.”
- SAC Members
- 3 CHF
- Non-members
- 5 CHF
- Mountain guides
- 20 CHF
Data from the article text
Implementation timeline
Huts that still lack an online reservation system must implement one by the 1 November 2026 deadline. Technical details, such as payments via Twint, are still pending. The solidarity contribution is scheduled to take effect at the start of 2027.
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- Bern
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