Backcountry Hut Skiing
A ski holiday in the San Juan backcountry
The San Juan Mountains are host to some of the finest backcountry terrain in Colorado. Coal Bank, Molas, and Red Mountain passes allow us to access the best ski tours at, and above, 10,000 feet where pristine powder skiing is just waiting to be had. Our hut trips afford us the ability to stay in a warm comfortable hut that is convenient to many of the best ski tours in the San Juans, and eliminates the need to drive to the start of our ski tours. Just put on your boots, strap on your skins, shoulder your backpack, and we’re ready to go. A hut trip is quite possibly the most enjoyable way to spend a few days in the mountains with a group of friends.
Our 2013 – 2014 hut trips are offered on a private basis only. We can arrange hut trips for both private individuals (1:1 guiding) or groups of 10 and everything in between. We include all the bells and whistles such as gourmet food and meals, to lessen the amount of pre-trip preparation that’s required by you. Give us a call to set up your own custom hut skiing trip!
JB and I now feel like we can go into the backcountry and safely plan our trip, pick our travel routes and travel techniques and most importantly work together to have a great time out their while being safe……we will be highly recommending that our friends take this course too! – Erin B.
Hut options
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The Aladdin’s Lamp |
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The Mountain Belle |
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The Addie S Hut |
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The Artist Cabin |
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The St. Paul’s Lodge
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The St. Paul’s Hut |
Backcountry Skiing Equipment List
- Day-tour backpack: Internal frame, 25-40 liters. Guides’ pick: BCA Float 32
- Touring skis or splitboard and boots: Skis with alpine-touring or telemark bindings (or splitboard). Guides’ pick: Black Diamond Revert w/ Dynafit bindings
- Skins: for aforementioned skis
- Avalanche Transceiver: Guides’ pick: BCA Tracker 2
- Probe
- Avy shovel: metal blade is a must
Clothing
- Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
- Base layers: Polyester or silk bottom and top
- Mid-weight top : Synthetic t-shirt and synthetic underwear
- Shell pants: hard shell or soft shell. A pair with side vents are best. Guides’ pick: OR TrailBreaker
- Insulated vest: down or synthetic. Guides’ pick: OR Transcendent
- Hard shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no insulation. Guides’ Pick: OR Furio
- Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
- Down jacket: optional, but nice to have
- Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
Other Stuff
- Sleeping bag: for use on beds at hut
- Small thermos: Optional, but nice to have
- Water bottles: 2 liters combined capacity; with bottle insulators. Guides’ pick: Nalgene
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs; guide will have a large one as well
- Stuff sacks: for convenient packing
- Camera
- Lunch food: Everything you eat between breakfast and dinner. May include: bagels, dried meats, cheese, trail mix, candy bars, peanut butter, etc…
- Hut Booties/ Slippers
- Duffel or additional backpack: if your hut necessities will not fit in your touring backpack
Prerequisites
Participants should feel competent and comfortable on “Blue” rated runs at ski resorts. Participants should also be in excellent physical condition. We recommend that participants arrive in Durango at least 1 full day prior to traveling with us in the San Juan high country.
1Before Your Trip
In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. pack up to 7 miles a day, endurance is key. Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming, and cycling are great to build heart and lung endurance. Taking day hikes with your loaded backpack at a local park will help train your legs for the mileage you will do in the mountains.
2Follow Up Programs
The backcountry was beautiful beyond belief. The route was a good one, well laid-out and appropriately challenging for us. – Joel M.
Durango, Colorado: Getting Here
Durango is located in the SW corner of Colorado, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip.
Flights: The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango – La Plata County Airport. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well.
Driving: Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Durango. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive.
- Denver, CO: 6 hours
- Albuquerque, NM: 3 hours
Hotels: Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
Additional Information
- Cost Includes:
Our 2013 – 2014 hut trips are offered on a private basis only. We can arrange hut trips for both private individuals (1:1 guiding) or groups of 10 and everything in between. We include all the bells and whistles such as gourmet food and meals, to lessen the amount of pre-trip preparation that’s required by you. Give us a call to set up your own custom hut skiing trip!
- Registration and Cancellation:
- You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit as early as possible prior to the course date. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.
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