Ski huts began showing up in Colorado in the 1940's.
In Summit County alone, there are four backcountry huts that are open to the public on a reservation-only basis. Summit's huts are operated by the Summit Huts Association (SHA), a non-profit organization which was founded in 1987. SHA works loosely with the Aspen-based 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, which handles marketing and reservations for SHA.
Tenth Mountain operates 14 huts in the Aspen, Leadville and Vail areas. Both organizations operate under special use permits from the U.S. Forest Service.
Although most of the huts are open during the summer, they are much more popular during the winter months. In fact, reservations for this winter are going fast - as usual. According to Letti Alvarez of 10th Mountain, most of the prime winter weekends sell out a year in advance. If you still want to visit a hut this winter and you haven't booked one yet, don't worry, midweek reservations are still available.
Taking a hut trip is a great way to experience nature first hand. All one needs to bring on a hut expedition is personal gear and food. The huts are equipped with pots, pans, silverware, a propane-burning stove and a wood-burning stove. The average cost for one night's stay is $28 per person.
Most of the region's huts can accommodate up to 16 people. Groups tend to have four of five people, but individuals are also welcomed. Most of the 10th Mountain Division huts are seven to 11 miles apart and can be linked together with the use of a detailed map. For people that lack backcountry experience and safety knowledge, several guide services are also available. To book reservations, get directions and learn more about the hut system, go to www.summithuts.org or www.huts.org.
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