CUSTOM BACKCOUNTRY SKIING HUT TRIP

IRIS will work with you to craft a custom backcountry ski hut trip near Ouray, CO. Looking for a more rustic, remote adventure? We can utilize the San Juan Hut System to travel through and explore some of our favorite terrain on the north side of the Sneffels Range. You fancy and interested in enjoying a more “Euro style” lodge experience?! We have access to huts like the Thelma and Opus Hut on Red Mountain Pass. Contact IRIS so we can help design your adventure!

 

Skiers and Snowboarders are welcome. Participants must be solid resort skiers, able to link turns in a variety of snow conditions, and feel comfortable in the trees. Participants should have some familiarity with backcountry ski equipment.

Please contact IRIS so we can help craft an experience tailored to you and your goals.

Travel Recommendations:

Closest Airports: Montrose (MTJ) & Grand Junction (GJT)

Most hut trips will depart from Ridgway or Ouray, Colorado. It is a good idea to arrive in the area 24-48 hours before your trip departure in order to adjust to altitude and complete a gear check with your guide(s).

 

Hotel Recommendation: 

Ouray Inn

(970) 325-4445

West, 120 6th Ave. Ouray, CO 81427

IRIS guests receive a 10% discount at the Ouray Inn. After IRIS registration, guests will receive a booking code to utilize on the Ouray Inn website or while booking over the phone. A to-go breakfast will be provided if you alert the Ouray Inn a week in advance of your program start date.

 

Preparation:

Participants must be solid resort skiers and able to link turns in a variety of snow conditions. Some familiarity with backcountry skiing and equipment is recommended.

**This list is a guideline. You do not need the exact layers but will need something of similar warmth. If you have questions please ask us.**

TOURING CLOTHING

Lightweight Baselayer Top (polyester, wool or silk top)

Mid-Weight Top (lightweight fleece or lightweight puffy jacket)

Lightweight Wind Shirt (or very lightweight soft-shell jacket)

Waterproof Shell Jacket (Gore Tex, Pertex or similar, not insulated)

Big Puffy Coat (down or synthetic jacket to fit on top of all other layers)

Lightweight Base Layer Bottom (polyester, wool or silk long underwear bottom)

Ski Pants (non-insulated hard shell or soft shell pants).

Gloves (at least 2 pairs: a pair of heavy, waterproof, warm gloves and a pair of lighter gloves. If your hands get cold easily, bring extra gloves, mittens and/or handwarmers)

Hats (one sun hat, one warm cap)

Buff or Neck Gaiter

Sunglasses

Socks (wool/synthetic ski socks)

 

TOURING EQUIPMENT

*Touring Skis or Splitboard (make sure it is tuned/freshly waxed)

*Alpine Touring Ski Boots or Snowboard Boots (check that the boot works with your ski binding)

*Ski Poles (adjustable poles with powder baskets)

*Climbing Skins (they must be cut to fit your skis)

Big Day-Tour Backpack or Airbag Pack (at least 45+ liters capacity)

Goggles

Ski Helmet (recommended, optional)

BCA Link Radio (optional)

**Avalanche Transceiver (must be a 3-Antenna Transceiver with fresh batteries)

Your Beacon’s User Manual (hard copy or PDF saved to your phone)

**Avalanche Probe (must be at least 240cm long)

**Avalanche Rescue Shovel (must have a metal blade)

 

Overnight/Personal Needs

Water Bottle(s) (either 1 Nalgene, or 1 Nalgene and 1 small Thermos. No Camelbacks).

Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Headlamp (fresh batteries)

Lunch Food & Snacks (about 1lb/day: sandwich, Twinkies, jerky, cheese, trail mix, candy bars, nuts, salami)

Cotton T-Shirt and Bra (to wear in the hut)

Hut Slippers/Booties (small/lightweight)

30 Degree Sleeping Bag (small/packable-ask about suggestions)

Toiletries (toothbrush, tiny toothpaste, personal medications, comb, glasses/contact kit)

Small Personal First Aid Kit (personal meds/needs: ibuprofen, blister kit, bandaids…etc)

Earplugs

Magazine, Kindle, or Small Paperback (optional)

Personal Alcohol (optional)

 

*Indicates items available to rent through Ridgway Adventure Sports in Ridgway, CO: (970) 626-8500. They do not carry snowboard boots.*

**Beacon/Shovel/Probe rentals are included in course fees.**