Mountain huts: a lab to observe mountain transitions

Climate and societal changes are leading to profound transformations in mountain areas. In this context, mountain huts are key observatories of the cross effects of environmental and socio-cultural changes. As a focal point of “human-mountain” interaction, they can be studied e.g. in terms of environmental implications generated by specific processes (energy production, water management, etc.) as well as interrelations with touristic practices. In this perspective, new technologies can help collect environmental or human data, monitor processes and foster smart operations management. Recently, transdisciplinary projects on mountain huts have been set up in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Their overall aim is to identify and measure the trends driving the transformation of professional and touristic practices while interacting with the natural environment and contributing to the strengthening of new professional skills. In this context, this workshop invites all people working about, inside and with mountain huts to present their scientific and societal studies or experiences.