The Slovak mountaineering club JAMES has once again commented on the changes at the high-altitude mountain huts in the Tatra Mountains, which have sparked a range of reactions among climbers and tourists in recent months. In an open letter, the association announced that it will begin investigating the situation at Téry’s Hut in the High Tatras, of which it is a minority co-owner.

Starting July 1, the association will set up an email address for visitor feedback, and by the end of November, it plans to evaluate how the mountain hut is operating under its new management. It notes that, more than seven months after the change in operator, it has received various comments, including regarding the hut management’s communication and other aspects of operations. It also intends to monitor the financial results.

In its letter, JAMES emphasizes that it supports the necessary investments in the modernization and environmentally friendly operation of the Tatra high-altitude mountain huts. At the same time, however, it advocates that these huts be managed by people with many years of experience in the mountain environment, who will preserve the traditional mission of high-altitude mountain huts as a base for climbers, ski mountaineers, and hikers.

At the same time, the association has come to the defense of Igor Fabricius, the long-time manager of the M. R. Štefánik Mountain Hut below Ďumbier. It described the reason for his dismissal as a pretext, deemed the manner in which the lease was terminated inappropriate, and expressed its moral support for him.

The open letter follows a long-running debate over the replacement of tenants at several Slovak high-mountain huts, which began after the Slovak Tourist Club announced a series of competitive selection procedures last year.

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Tatranské vysokohorské chaty a súvislosti