ALTIHUT

General Approach

AltiHut – is a high standard energy-efficient Swiss mountaineering hut, equipped with solar batteries, constructed with the highest quality ecological materials and offering comfortable accommodation for up to 45 individuals at the elevation of 3,014 meters. AltiHut has comfortable beds, a kitchen, a library and a post box. It is possible for extreme sport lovers to spend their vacation here in summer and winter. Besides, there is also a small (six persons) fully equipped hut – a shelter that can provide housing to travelers free of charge. To date over 20 foreign tourists have already used the shelter.

During the 2018-2019 winter season, up to 300 European high-income tourists were hosted and many more are expected to visit in the following season.

Environmental Responsibility:  The area adjacent to AltiHut is very popular among tourists. However, due to absence of an elementary infrastructure, a large amount of domestic (paper, cans, various personal hygienic items, etc.) and biological waste get accumulated annually. In 2016-2019, the company, at its own cost, collected and brought over four tons of such waste down to the valley. At the same time, the company installed four public bio-toilets.

Employee Responsibility:  People employed at Altitude are offered special terms. Their average salaries significantly exceed the average salaries paid in the Georgian private sector. The employees are continuously trained by Swiss and Italian experts who pay visits for this specific purpose. The company provides full funding of insurance packages and participation in a pension plan.

Responsibility in the Marketplace: The company primarily cooperates with local farmers and entrepreneurs. Food is made with local high-quality raw materials. The stable revenues of the local population, as well as their civil awareness, have significantly increased since the company explained to them the need of paying taxes. The company also provides assistance to the local community in book-keeping and receiving legal income.

Support to the Population/Separate Communities: The company continuously provides consulting to the local population and involves them in various professional training (organized for carpenters, building engineers, tourism, etc.). Local entrepreneurs became employed – in transportation, supply, laundry services (washing/ironing). The introduction of mobile communication assisted local entrepreneurs in their activities. During 2018-2019, over 1,000 high-spending tourists were received, having created new, steady income for the local community.

No safety norms were previously observed in the alpine zone. The Altitude team installed a bridge to cross the Chkhere River as well as a platform for a helicopter as both are very important for rescue operations. The company also funded the installation of Magti aerials and covered the entire alpine zone, including Mount Kazbeg, with a high-quality mobile signal which significantly improves research and rescue possibilities. In 2018, eight accidents were prevented through telephone communication which would otherwise have been followed by a fatal outcome.