In the high mountains above Kamniška Bistrica, temperatures have soared past 37°C, leaving even seasoned climbers struggling with the heat. At Kokrskem Sedlo, situated nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, the once-reliable snowmelt has dwindled, forcing operators of mountain huts to rely on water trucked in via cable cars. “We’ve had to bring in water for basic needs,” says Domen Obilčnik, one of the volunteers helping manage Cojzova hut this summer. The situation is dire enough that some fear they might soon need helicopters to deliver supplies, should the drought persist. The crisis extends beyond just the alpine regions. In the lower valleys, communities are facing their own water shortages, with fire departments stepping in to supply households through their tankers. In Polhograjce, firefighters from PGD Sora have been delivering five cubic meters of water per trip, multiple times a day, for several days each week. Their efforts have become a lifeline for residents who otherwise would face severe water cuts. Yet, these temporary solutions highlight a growing concern: long-term water infrastructure is failing to keep pace with climate change. Water scarcity is becoming more frequent and severe, according to experts. Meteorological observer Jože Senica at Kredarica, which sits at 2,515 meters, reports that while recent rains brought some relief, the long-term outlook remains bleak. “If things continue this way, we’ll run out of water quickly,” he warns. “We’re no longer relying on glaciers, and we’re dependent solely on rainfall.” This dependency is proving dangerous, especially during prolonged dry spells. Last year’s extreme heat and lack of precipitation left many mountain huts with little to no water reserves, forcing them to ration supplies. The impact of the drought is felt both locally and globally. While domestic visitors remain a steady presence, international tourists, who make up two-thirds of all guests, are increasingly drawn to Slovenia’s alpine landscapes. In the Triglav National Park, some huts report over 80% of overnight stays being booked by foreign visitors, primarily from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Croatia, and other European countries. These travelers often come seeking adventure, but they are also contributing to the strain on resources, particularly water. For the owners and managers of these huts, the challenge is twofold: maintaining operations under increasingly harsh conditions and securing sustainable funding for necessary repairs and upgrades. Many of the huts are managed by local mountain clubs, municipalities, or private organizations. However, financial constraints limit their ability to invest in long-term improvements. Dušan Prašnikar, a specialist at the Planinska zveza Slovenije (PZS), estimates that Slovenia will need around €22 million in the coming years to fully address the structural issues affecting its mountain huts. This includes energy efficiency upgrades, which have already begun in some huts with support from the Eco Fund. But even with such measures, the costs of maintenance and renovation remain high. “Revenue from hut operations covers only part of the expenses, leaving little room for major investments,” Prašnikar explains. He notes that while the state has previously allocated funds for hut restoration, future aid is expected through programs aimed at developing remote and problematic areas. As the summer progresses, the pressure on water resources continues to mount. Some municipalities, like Medvode, are exploring new options, including drilling test wells in the Ločnice valley. Others are implementing restrictions on non-essential water use, such as lawn irrigation and car washing, to conserve supply. Meanwhile, the role of fire services in providing emergency water delivery underscores how vulnerable rural communities can be in times of crisis. The broader implications of this crisis extend beyond immediate resource management. Water access is a fundamental human right, yet in some cases, it is becoming contingent on external assistance. As climate patterns shift, the need for resilient infrastructure and adaptive policies becomes ever more urgent. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that water reaches those who need it most, but the question lingers: how long can these temporary fixes hold?
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