A mountain shelter or mountain hostel or mountain cabin is a building intended to house and protect mountaineers or hikers from inclement weather, which is located in mountain areas, generally difficult to access, or in rural areas. Most of these facilities are managed by an alpine club.

The characteristics of mountain shelters are very variable: there are very basic shelters, of the type called bivouac, which only consist of a roof with walls, intended only to protect climbers in high mountain areas.[1]​ They are always open and anyone who needs them can use them.[2]​.

Organized shelters are run by one or more employees, and offer basic accommodation services and the sale of some drinks and meals.[3] They are divided into several independent rooms, and are made of wood or local stone, although occasionally they may be made of bricks, or prefabricated structures. They usually have rustic-type toilets, a community kitchen and accommodation, sharing the room with the rest of the mountaineers.[2]​ Currently, the majority have some type of electric generator or solar panels, and they have a radio station in case of problems. Most refuges are only accessible on foot or on horseback, although there are some that can be accessed by car along precarious roads.[4]​.

Towards the end of the century, shelters were developed that offer hotel services, for example offering meals, although their comfort remains rustic.

Most are owned by an alpine club or Andean club, which offers discounts to its members. The guards or shelterers, appointed by the club, are in charge of its management. These guards can live in the shelter permanently or, due to its difficult access or during the winter season, periodically take care of its maintenance.