With the skins attached to her Alpine Touring (AT) skis and carrying approximately 35 pounds on her back, Ann Kampf, a resident of Silverthorne, Colorado, set off from the resorts in Summit County, Colorado. Sporting a speckled tutu tied around her waist, Kampf expressed her whimsical choice by stating, “why not! It’s fun and festive!”
At the age of 73, she embarked on a journey into the White River National Forest, destined for a stay at a hut with 16 companions aged between 55 and 78. As she ascended Bald Mountain on clearly marked trails, the removable skins on her skis provided traction on the snow-covered terrain; she planned to remove them later for some exhilarating backcountry skiing on pristine powder. The group bid farewell to traffic congestion, parking challenges, and the ever-growing lift queues, making their way to Sisters Cabin, one of the 38 huts maintained by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, which includes the latest addition, Emmelyn Hut, established in 2023. The trek to Sisters Cabin, situated at 11,473 feet on Bald Mountain, spanned 3.7 miles from the trailhead and typically took two to three hours to complete, offering panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
Sam Demas highlights the presence of 27 distinct hut systems across the United States, providing opportunities for extended traverses with over 2,200 beds in more than 170 huts, with more being added continually. These huts, scattered from Maine to Alaska, initially served as shelters for backcountry travelers exploring on skis and on foot. With the surge in backcountry pursuits, these huts now often serve as pivotal hubs for outdoor enthusiasts. Demas, co-author of Hut-to-Hut USA: The Complete Guide for Hikers, Bikers, and Skiers, explains that the hut systems, managed by both for-profit and nonprofit entities, required a minimum of three structures meant to be visited sequentially and inaccessible by road. Emphasizing human-powered travel, where individuals trek to the next hut, settle in, and mingle with fellow hut occupants, Demas describes the communal living experience of spending nights with strangers.
For Demas, venturing into the wilderness exudes a sense of romance and liberation.
It presents an opportunity “to discover one’s true self when breaking away from the usual routine,” reflects the 75-year-old adventurer. Having explored various hut systems globally, including in Europe, where the concept originated, and in New Zealand, renowned for hosting the world’s largest hut system.
Embark on a thrilling adventure by exploring these four distinctive hut systems.
The McNamara Hut stands as a testament to the original huts within the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association.
10th Mountain Division Hut Association, Colorado
In contrast to the comprehensive European model offering bedding and hot meals, most U.S. hut systems provide basic amenities such as shelter, mattresses, and kitchen facilities. These kitchens enable visitors to prepare their meals. With no access to running water, many huts rely on rainwater collection systems; during winter visits, guests melt fresh snow using portable filters and purifiers to ensure water safety. Composting outhouses are common, while showers are a rare luxury.
“The founders’ choice to steer clear of the full-service European hut model was driven by a desire to foster self-reliance,” explains Ben Dodge, the executive director of the 10th Mountain Division, which unveiled its inaugural hut in 1983.