The Building
The Franz-Senn-Hütte was opened on August 23, 1885 and came into the possession of the Innsbruck Section in 1889/90. Over many stages, the original shelter house developed into a large alpine base.
Already in 1907/08, it was expanded: at that time, the hut offered space for 80 people, plus two guest rooms and a guides' room. In the years 1931/32, a significant modernization took place with electric lighting, new sanitary facilities, a ski room, common rooms, and a self-catering room.
Later, further renovations, technical installations, energy supply, a sewage treatment plant, fire protection, and modern operational rooms were added. Therefore, the hut is not a finished single project but a house that has adapted to new requirements over many decades.
The Management
From 1893 to 1915, the Franz-Senn-Hütte was managed in summer by mountain guide Michael Egger. Afterwards, Vitus Falbesoner shaped the hut for many decades.
Since 1965, the management has been closely connected with one family. At that time, Heinrich and Theresia Hofer took over the hut. Their daughter Klara Hofer later married the mountain guide and expedition mountaineer Horst Fankhauser. Together, Horst and Klara Fankhauser continued to run the hut from 1974 onward.
Since 2006, the management has been in the hands of the next generation: Thomas Fankhauser and his wife Beate.
Thus, a special continuity has developed over three generations. Each generation has further developed the hut: from improving infrastructure such as kitchen, sanitary facilities, cable car, and energy supply to today's organization of a large two-season operation.
The Franz-Senn-Hütte has thus been shaped step by step not only structurally but also in everyday life.