Humble sleeping quarters known as mountain huts, lodges, chalets, cabins, or refuges have lured and sheltered adventurers in the high alpine since the 18th century. Backcountry hut trips promise remoteness, terrain access and exposure to winter weather, which can be both alluring and dangerous. But with the comforts of a blazing woodstove and a cozy bunkhouse, the seasonal pilgrimage to a backcountry hut has quickly become a coveted, if not quintessential, must-do winter adventure for the avy savvy backcountry splitboarder or skier.
Professional adventurer (George Mallory Award recipient in 2022) and renowned big mountain skier, Julian Carr, shares our love of high mountain huts as much as he does planning for the perfect trip. In fact, every season Julian prioritizes planning a hut trip with his closest pals. #squadgoals Here are some of his top tips for how to plan the season highlight hut trip – everything from choosing the right hut, to the essentials pack list, and what safety measures to consider that might just make or break your tour! Take note, it’s sure to be worth all the planning!
Julian, you’ve heli-skied, cat-skied, and ridden some of the most steep and deep lines around the world, what’s so great about a hut trip?
JULIAN: Hut trips are all about good friends and good old-fashioned fun! Cozy quarters, big dinners and silly game nights are what make it memorable. Of course the skiing is great too, but no matter the conditions, the experience is always top-notch! I also love that each hut has a unique story to tell. To see the craftsmanship and care that goes into making these huts possible is truly incredible. It’s such a gift to the mountain community to have access to these alpine accommodations with five-star vibes and views!
Absolutely, we will get to meals and games shortly, but what are the key things to consider when planning a hut trip?
JULIAN: Planning is crucial. Choosing your hut is the first step. Consider the terrain, weather conditions, and current avalanche risk for your zone. Next, assess your group’s skill level and experience. Choose a hut and route that aligns with your crew's abilities and objectives. Check out resources like your local avalanche center and local trail organizations to find out what conditions and options are available in your region. I live in central Colorado and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and the 10th Mountain Division huts are great resources for Colorado backcountry trip planning.
When it comes to packing, what essentials do you recommend bringing?
JULIAN: I start with the basics: lots of warm and waterproof layers, extra Gordini gloves, Gordini socks, and of course, snacks - lots of snacks. I also always bring my avalanche safety equipment—beacon, shovel, and probe—and ensure everyone in my group is also packing and knows how to use them. We practice group beacon drills before departing from the parking lot. Other essentials include a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, an emergency communication device, navigation tools, lots of food for group meals, slippers, a sleeping bag, radios, and some whiskey for a hard-earned nightcap.
Even the most undesirable hut chores become a game or wager amongst friends.”
Thank you for highlighting the importance of safety, Julian. Now, let’s switch gears and talk about the highlights of some of your favorite hut trips. What are some of the most memorable moments you’ve experienced during your own hut adventures?
JULIAN: Some of my favorite memories aren’t even skiing! They are celebrating an après ski beverage in the alpenglow or divvying up sous chef responsibilities for an elaborate meal. Even the most undesirable hut chores become a game or wager amongst friends. We came up with a slipper yogi challenge that continues to be a hit! You lie face down on the floor with one socked or slippered foot holding a shoe rightside up sole to sole. Then you roll over from your belly to your back without dropping the top slipper. Truly one hell of a feat of flexibility. Also –the morning is magic too. Waking up with the sun truly reminds me of why we love this sport and how connected we feel to these mountains.
That’s a solid list of goodies, Julian. What’s your favorite hut meal?
JULIAN: There’s some steep competition among hut chefs. I think my favorite go-to is a homemade Ramen soup and smoked salmon nori handrolls. For breakfast, I love a loaded veggie, bacon, & egg burrito to get me moving in the morning!
Now let’s talk safety. What precautions do you take to mitigate risk and ensure a safe trip?
JULIAN: Safety is top priority in the backcountry. Before setting out, I check the avalanche forecast and get familiar with the local terrain with my mapping and trip planning tools. In the Rockies, that means, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center is a great place to start. Our local avalanche center archives recent field observations and provides insights into snow conditions and weather forecasts for your area. I stay on top of weather forecasts too and I am always willing to adjust plans accordingly. As a group, it’s important to communicate openly about your objectives and expectations and then be sure everyone has radio comms dialed before we head out. Lastly, trust your group’s instincts—if something feels unsafe or beyond your group’s skill level, always err on the side of caution.
Thank you for highlighting the importance of safety, Julian. Now, let’s switch gears and talk about the highlights of some of your favorite hut trips. What are some of the most memorable moments you’ve experienced during your own hut adventures?
JULIAN: Some of my favorite memories aren’t even skiing! They are celebrating an après ski beverage in the alpenglow or divvying up sous chef responsibilities for an elaborate meal. Even the most undesirable hut chores become a game or wager amongst friends. We came up with a slipper yogi challenge that continues to be a hit! You lie face down on the floor with one socked or slippered foot holding a shoe rightside up sole to sole. Then you roll over from your belly to your back without dropping the top slipper. Truly one hell of a feat of flexibility. Also –the morning is magic too. Waking up with the sun truly reminds me of why we love this sport and how connected we feel to these mountains.
Sign me up. Any final words of wisdom for aspiring hut trip adventurers?
JULIAN: Put simply - embrace the adventure and respect the mountains. Hut trips don’t always go as planned, but if you have the right attitude and the right crew, it will still be worth every step! Remember to pack in what you pack out and follow leave no trace ethics. Keep our playground as pristine as the way we found it so future generations can appreciate the backcountry just as we do!
Thanks for all the advice, Julian!
JULIAN: Absolutely! Happy trails to all the winter adventurers out there!
Thank you for highlighting the importance of safety, Julian. Now, let’s switch gears and talk about the highlights of some of your favorite hut trips. What are some of the most memorable moments you’ve experienced during your own hut adventures?
JULIAN: Some of my favorite memories aren’t even skiing! They are celebrating an après ski beverage in the alpenglow or divvying up sous chef responsibilities for an elaborate meal. Even the most undesirable hut chores become a game or wager amongst friends. We came up with a slipper yogi challenge that continues to be a hit! You lie face down on the floor with one socked or slippered foot holding a shoe rightside up sole to sole. Then you roll over from your belly to your back without dropping the top slipper. Truly one hell of a feat of flexibility. Also –the morning is magic too. Waking up with the sun truly reminds me of why we love this sport and how connected we feel to these mountains.
With careful planning, a deep respect for the mountains, and a spirit of adventure, the best of what the backcountry can offer awaits. So, pack your bags, gather your friends, and check the local conditions for your next big adventure!
Colorado Avalanche Information Center – The CAIC provides daily avalanche forecasting, educational resources, and local snow and weather information that can help users make informed decisions while traveling in the backcountry.
Not in Colorado? Check out www.Avalanche.org to find a local Avalanche Center near you. These centers offer daily snow and avalanche forecasts, mountain weather information, and backcountry travel advisories for mountain ranges across the country.
10th Mountain Division Hut System manages 38 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, connected by 350 miles of backcountry skiing, mountain biking or hiking routes.
Leave No Trace Principles provide a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone traveling in the backcountry. They provide education and resources on how best to preserve everything from our wild spaces to our backyard trails for generations to come.