Colorado Hut Based Ski Tours

A group of skiers arrives at a backcountry lodge with deep snow in the surrounding mountains.

San Juan Mountains

While there is an abundance of ski huts in the Red Mountain Pass area, there is one that is truly special, the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge. Situated in Richmond Basin far from the crowds of the Highway 550 corridor it also has some of the best ski terrain in the region with an abundance of shaded, cold snow aspect with plenty of alpine terrain as well as sheltered, well spaced glades. We prefer this hut above all others in the area and feel it is still somewhat of a hidden gem. Beyond the amazing terrain the facilites are top notch, fully stocked and a welcome relief from the several hour approach into the hidden valley high above Ouray.

We recommend a minimum of three days (two nights) to get the most out of this hut based skiing experience. Our itineraries are open-ended and with many available options, conditions will dictate our best plan of action, see example itinerary below. Actual itinerary will vary depending on conditions and preferences.

  • Begin with a gear check and then drop off a vehicle for our return via a different route. We then head up Red Mountain Pass to start our tour up to the summit of a 13,000' peak requiring a small bit of scrambling at the end. From here, we have a few options to ski down: a relatively mild and open bowl into Richmond Basin or a steep and narrow couloir. Either way, the path leads to the warm comforts of the Hayden Backcountry Lodge where we can stop for snacks, drop off some gear and then head out for a few more turns in the glades behind the hut. In the evening we can enjoy a warm cooked meal by the culinary wizard and hut guardian, Eric Johnson. There is a small, but wonderful wood-fired hot tub to relax in after dinner!

  • After a leisurely morning breakfast and reviewing new conditions, we will make appropriate plans for exploring and skiing more of the terrain accessed from the hut. A popular tour is to head up to Imogene Pass (13,00') and take a peek down towards Telluride, then enjoy the hard earned turns back down into the old mining area called Camp Bird. We then climb up the East face of US Peak and ski its rolling and open lower flanks. A short skin up the opposite side of the valley returns us to the hut where we can again relax and enjoy the civilized peacefulness of the winter mountain wilderness setting.

  • After another leisurely morning breakfast we will take stock of our energy reserves and make plans for our best exit route down to where we deposited the vehicle on the first day. One good option is to tour up just a little bit from the hut to gain the entrance to a fun, but not too steep, gully that takes us down over 1,000 feet into the main valley. From here some easy traversing puts us onto an easily skied road which we can follow a few miles to the vehicle.

Reliable ski touring in the San Juan mountains starts in December and can last through May. February and March often bring the largest snowfalls and early spring is a great time for steeper lines and ski mountaineering objectives.

For beginner-intermediate to advanced skiers/riders, no previous backcountry touring experience is required.

Montrose Regional Airport is 45 minutes from Ouray. There is NO rideshare service in town, you may book a shuttle service or rent a vehicle with AWD/4WD (for winter driving). If basing out of Silverton, it is possible to fly into Durango Regional Airport, 1 hour from Silverton.

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Ouray, though Silverton is another possible option. Hotels in either location are conveniently located walking distance to restaurants/breweries and the Ouray hot springs make a great aprés-ski relaxation.

Skiers/riders are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and touring equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may provide avalanche rescue equipment with advanced notice. See recommended equipment list below:

    • Long Underwear: Should be comfortable for a full day of activity, synthetic or merino wool will wick moisture away from the body

    • Ski socks: Over-the-calf winter weight for superior warmth. Layering two pairs of socks is not recommended as it may impede blood flow and make your toes colder

    • Warm hat

    • Sun hat

    • Buff: Lightweight neck gaiter for adding warmth around ears or covering your face in windy or sunny conditions

    • Softshell gloves: Waterproof with high dexterity. 2 pairs recommended, one midweight and one heavyweight.

    • Mittens: mid-weight leather are great for colder conditions. Can be used with heat packs.

    • Midweight top baselayer: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away.

    • Heavyweight bottom baselayer: Optional for those that run cooler.

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Active insulation jacket: Ideal balance of breathability and warmth for winter aerobic activity

    • Midweight vest: Optional, adds warmth to your core without restricting movement

    • Softshell jacket: Midweight with a helmet compatible hood. Should have Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating

    • Ski pants: Can be hard or soft shell depending on the conditions (hardshell are best for colder, stormy or winter conditions).  Side vents are nice to extend the comfort range for warmth on ascents. Must fit over boot cuffs.

    • Insulated parka: Only necessary for mid-winter and very cold days. Down is lighter/more compressible and a hydrophobic treated down will insulate even when wet. Should have at least 200 grams of 800 fill insulation

    • Skis with touring bindings: between 90mm and 115mm underfoot depending on snow type

    • Ski touring boots

    • Climbing skins fitted to skis; mohair or mohair mix is great, though full synthetic is fine.

    • Ski crampons compatible with bindings and skis

    • Adjustable poles (plus an extra basket)

    • Avalanche transceiver

    • Shovel

    • Avalanche probe

    • Ski helmet or climbing helmet

    • Day pack (30-40 liters) to carry extra clothes, helmet, water and food for the day (should have straps to carry skis)

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Googles: Two pair recommended, one for low vis and another for sun/shade mix.

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications and blister kit for feet.

    • Hand warmers: Optional, for those colder days

    • Fully charged phone

    • 1-2 liters of water: A thermos with your favorite hot drink is recommended. Avoid water bladders and hoses as they are prone to puncture and freezing in a winter environment

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)

    • Sattelite communication: InReach, optional.

    • Small headlamp

    • Important: Let us know what you DO NOT have, we may have it.

Pricing is based on a 3-day itinerary:

1 skier/rider: $1725

2 skiers: $1155/person

3 skiers: $990/person

4 skiers: $825/person

Custom itineraries available, please contact Skyward Mountaineering.

Includes:

  • 1 day of guided backcountry skiing/splitboarding with an AMGA Ski guide

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging in town

  • Lodging at backcountry hut

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity