UPDATE September 2021
We headed up that way this weekend just passed (25-26th September 2021). Expected snowfalls weren't quite as epic as forecast but still enough to give the skis and Hilleberg a final winter outing for the season. Had planned to stay near the Gingerbread Hut but a late start meant we stayed at Joe Slatters instead, and I headed up the following day for a play over the summit before walking out.
Both the Gingerbread and Joe Slatter's Huts are in good condition currently. The Gingerbread Hut - based on older photos here and elsewhere - appears to have seen a lot of love in the past few years and seems to be quite well insulated and otherwise very clean. Would be happy to spend a night in there (though the sign on the door says COVID social distancing is still in effect?) - maybe next winter.
Joe Slatter's Hut isn't quite as airtight. As with Gingerbread, reflective foil insulation lines the walls but there are noticeable gaps under the roofing iron and snow does make its way in depending on the wind. Still warmer than the vestibule of the Nammatj for cooking/organising gear etc. but only just. The garbage bin "water tank" still exists but given the heavy sediment sitting in the bottom, I just walked clear of the hut surrounds and grabbed snow to melt.
When we got there we found a poor lad attempting to light the stove to try and dry out his sleeping bag and other gear, wetted through from the walk in (waterproof bag wasn't, clearly). Badly smoked the place out, so gave up and walked out - only after I found the sign on the back of the other door saying not to use the fireplace, hehe.
A few ski tracks on the clear area SE of the summit from a day or two earlier. Saw another couple with skis passing the Gingerbread Hut while I headed back down, other than that we had the place to ourselves. Our third trip to Mt Rufus in snow in the past couple of years, and the place never disappoints.
Cheers, Ben.