Footwear

Do I need proper hiking shoes?

Yes. Proper footwear is one of the most important parts of safe hiking in the mountains. Erjavčeva koča mountain hut is located at Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps, surrounded by mountain trails, rocky paths, forest paths, gravel, mud, snow, wet stones, steep terrain, and fast-changing weather conditions.

Please do not underestimate the mountains. Even a short walk near Vršič Pass can become difficult if the weather changes, the trail is wet, or you are wearing unsuitable footwear.

Hiking shoes or hiking boots with a good sole, good grip, and ankle support are strongly recommended for walking in the mountains. Flip-flops, slippers, open sandals, fashion shoes, smooth soles, and other unsuitable footwear are dangerous on mountain trails and can increase the risk of slipping, falling, ankle injuries, or rescue situations.

Before starting a hike, choose a route that matches your physical condition, experience, equipment, weather, and available time. Being prepared for a hike also means being honest about your own abilities. The mountains are beautiful, but they should always be treated with respect.

Why flip-flops and slippers are dangerous outside

Flip-flops, beach sandals, and casual slippers are not suitable for hiking around Vršič Pass, Triglav National Park, or the Julian Alps. They do not protect your feet, do not support your ankles, and do not provide enough grip on rocks, roots, mud, snow, gravel, or wet surfaces.

Many mountain accidents happen because visitors think that a trail is short, easy, or close to the hut. In the mountains, even a short path can become slippery, steep, exposed, or dangerous. Good footwear can prevent many unnecessary injuries.

Footwear inside the mountain hut

Inside Erjavčeva koča, all guests should change into slippers between floors and in the sleeping area. Hiking shoes can be dirty, wet, heavy, and damaging to the floors in the sleeping area.

Walking with hiking shoes in the sleeping area of the hut can be fined up to €150, and guests may also be politely asked to leave the mountain hut if they do not respect the rules.

We want to offer our guests the best possible mountain hut experience, so we kindly ask everyone to change from outdoor footwear into slippers inside the hut. This helps keep the mountain hut cleaner, safer, quieter, and more comfortable for all guests.

Slippers are complimentary, or you can use your own clean indoor slippers in the sleeping area and restaurant area.

We appreciate your cooperation.