Some approaches will involve the use of a telepherique or mountain railway to ease the problem. The style of huts varies from simple shelters to multiple storied buildings with private rooms. The majority are characterised by bunk beds or one very large bed. Guests being provided with a blankets and a pillow. The use of sheet sleeping bags is on the increase to ease the laundry burden.
Most huts have basic appointments such as dining room, wash room, drying facilities, etc.
It is best to either phone the guardian direct or contact the nearest tourist information office in the valley. How far you do this in advance is up to you and will depend on the reliability of weather conditions. It is worth bearing in mind that some people book the Gouter Hut on Mont Blanc up to a year in advance, generally speaking for very busy huts a month in advance would suffice. If large scale hut touring is planned a more organised approach may be necessary. Huts tend to be open from early July to the middle of September though this figure changes according to country and the current seasonal conditions.