Aku expands its shelter network to 13 facilities

Aku expands its shelter network to 13 facilities

21 June 2023

With the arrival of the summer season, the mountains are preparing to welcome hikers and climbers eager for adventure. Among the many facilities in the Alps, 13 of them are part of the Aku Refuge Network.

This project is the result of a collaboration between a group of partner managers motivated by a common goal: to promote a conscious approach to the mountains. Responsibility, safety and environmental impact are extremely important issues for those who frequent mountain huts. These are busy managing the growing influx of new enthusiasts who seek in the mountains a place to escape and rediscover their relationship with nature, perhaps with a touch of adventure.

Aku_Rif Bruno Boz_foto De Pellegrin Roberto_01

Aku_Rif Giorgio Dal Piaz_foto Roberto De Pellegrin_01

Times have changed greatly from the relatively recent past, when refuges, especially high mountain refuges, were frequented only by a limited audience. At times, low attendance made the economic operation of such facilities unsustainable. Today, despite the traditional organizational difficulties and costs associated with maintaining an alpine hut, many facilities in the Alps and Apennines have experienced a significant increase in hikers. This has led to the need to address new demands from a wider and more diverse audience, often composed of people who are inexperienced or unaware of the real function of a shelter.

Based on these considerations, Aku is committed to promoting, together with the managers of partner shelters, initiatives aimed at raising awareness of behaviors that allow the public to fully enjoy the mountain experience, both for those approaching for the first time and for those who have already established their experience.

The projects of the Aku Shelter Network are multifaceted. Started in 2021 with 4 facilities, the network currently includes 13 refuges spread across the Alps and the Apennines. In addition to providing managers and staff with appropriate footwear for working inside and outside the shelters, the collaboration with AKU includes shared communication actions and support for initiatives to promote a responsible, safe and environmentally friendly approach to the mountains. Projects include the subsidized supply of metal water bottles to reduce the use of plastic bottles, hiking training days in collaboration with mountain and hiking guides, and concrete support for activities useful to the life of the refuge or cultural initiatives, such as the concert series scheduled for the summer at the Vederna Refuge in Primiero.

More details can be found at
www.aku.it/rete_rifugi_aku
.