Inspiration
Have you wondered why "hut to hut" hiking is all over Europe but not here in the US?
Historical culture:
In Europe, the more prominent mountain hut routes such as in the Alps, Dolomites, and Pyrenees have deep rooted history as they started as shelters for shepherds or former trade routes. Over time, alpine clubs formalized and maintained these routes, and ultimately they've become part of the national outdoor culture — everyone locally grew up generally knowing about the famous routes Mont Blanc, Camino de Santiago, Alta Via, etc. Here in the US, our outdoor culture evolved differently as our wilderness "ethos" has generally romanticized self-reliance, solitude, and camping. So instead of huts, our culture leaned toward backpacking.
Land density and ownership:
Europe is more densely settled, and trails tend to cross private lands with negotiated public access. Huts can be built close together because the infrastructure of the small villages, ski lodge or old shepherd cabins already exist. Also because of the older history, European villages are generally a lot closer and walkable (5-10 miles). Whereas in the US, much of our awesome hiking are in protected wilderness areas (National Parks, National Forests, etc.) where permanent structures aren’t allowed by law. Building a structured network of huts, which requires accessible roads, would often violate wilderness preservation rules.
Economics
European hut systems have high trail traffic, especially in the summer (you'll need to book them early!), and sometimes government agencies subsidize or co-manage huts. The huts often double as ski lodges or summer accommodations. Here in the US, because of the lower density and fewer local villages tied to trails, it’s harder to financially sustain a regularly staffed hut system. What we see instead through our prominent trails, such as the Appalachian Trail, are basic “shelters" that are unmanned and primitive where you'd need to bring your sleeping and cooking equipment.
Perception of wilderness
This is probably more subjective and subtle but very impactful! Us
Americans tend to idealize wilderness as something untouched and pure, separate from civilization. Building huts feel like disturbing nature. On the other hand, Europeans view nature as coexisting with culture — you hike through pastures, vineyards, villages, and peaks, and lots of trails intertwine — and hut-to-hut hiking feels like enjoying nature.
I truly believe that us as human beings are meant to co-exist with nature. I also truly believe that this style of hiking is a great way to introduce multi-day hiking to people relatively new to the outdoors who don't want to commit to purchasing equipment or longer treks. With that being said, it has not been easy to design "inn-to-inn" (aka hut to hut) routes here 😆!
