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39° 25' 47.712'' N 106° 19' 6.4776'' W

Aaron McHugh| 2 minute read

Trip Report: Backcountry Ski Hut to Hut

Description: The saying about backcountry skiing goes, “free the heel, and you’ll free your mind.” After a handful of Colorado winter backcountry ski adventures, I’m hooked. Last winter, we linked these two 10th Mountain Division Colorado Huts together. Ski into Jackal Hut from Camp Hale (4.7 miles) and then onto Fowler/Hillard Hut (via 7.8 mile Pearl Creek), back to Camp Hale. Skiing hut-to-hut deepens the backcountry experience of breaking trail and navigating between huts. For a smaller one night adventure, start with skiing or snowshoeing directly into Jackal Hut. Reservations required. 

Length: One to four days

The rewards: Hut trips, with the right group, can be extraordinary experiences. Our groups are always carefully selected with a match of great people and the appropriate experience level. NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) claims for everyone to have a good, safe time, you must display “Expedition behavior.” 

Season: Late Winter to early Spring

Keep going-

Aaron

Onward Camp Hale style approaching the winter storm. With a big group it’s important to use the buddy system. No one left behind.
When the sun is shinning, bluebird Colorado winter skies, a positive mental attitude is easy to find.
Fresh tracks, sunshine, close friends, miles away are the rewards of backcountry hut skiing.
Navigating between huts requires additional know-how using map, compass, GPS and breaking trail. Advanced level skills required.
Like a postcard, these rare moments, living fully alive.
Unlike the ski resorts, there are no groomed trails. Deep powder, mixed terrain makes for a playground of joy. Sometimes you might need a buddy to help you up 🙂
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About the Author Aaron McHugh

Aaron McHugh is an executive transformation coach, enterprise agility consultant, writer, podcaster, adventurer, and author of Fire Your Boss: Discover Work You Love Without Quitting Your Job.

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