How does the lottery process work?

The winter reservation lottery is completely chance-based. Once the entry window closes, all submitted entries are randomized through a certified random number generator. From there, our team manually runs through every single entry, based on the order that was determined through the randomization process. 

As we review each entry, we assign hut space as available, based on the trip requests listed on each respective entry, in order of designated preference. So, if the first requested trip itinerary on an entry form is not available, we move to the next one to see if it is available, and so on and so forth… continuing on through the entire list of requests on each form until we are either able to get a trip booked, or determine that none of the requested trips are available. 

Through this process, our team diligently takes every step we can to assign as many trips as possible, but in some cases there is still not enough availability – especially on popular dates like holidays and weekends! – for all requested trips to be fulfilled. In that case, groups receive a notice via email that they were not awarded a trip through the lottery.