Backcountry Ski Huts

San Juan Hut Systems’ mission is to provide low impact, human powered, lightweight backcountry travel opportunities for the independent health conscious adventurer at a practical price. We have devoted over twenty-five years to creating and defining destination hut-to-hut skiing and mountain bike travel.

The San Juan Hut System Hut-to-Hut backcountry Ski Route links Telluride to Ouray following the Sneffels Range below 14,000 foot alpine peaks. Huts may also be accessed individually. Backcountry ski trails follow scenic United States Forest Service roads and hiking trails surrounding the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area. The route is designed for intermediate skier ability, while above each hut there is terrain for advanced/intermediate, expert and extreme powder skiing.

Ski Hut Facilities

Huts hold eight people per night. The wooden huts are equipped with padded bunks, a propane cook stove, propane light, wood stove, firewood, and necessary utensils and cookware. Each hut is equipped with a composting toilet facility.

Additional supplies stocked at each hut:

Paper towels, paper plates, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, bleach, dish soap, dish towels, hand sanitizer, lighters, olive oil, hot sauces, salt and pepper, coffee filters, percolators, pour-overs, and fire extinguishers.

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Skier Ability & Awareness

The hut system is designed to accommodate all levels of skiing ability. All skiers should be familiar with changing mountain weather conditions and must be adequately prepared. Skiers should possess knowledge of snow and avalanche conditions while in the backcountry.

Route	Miles	Ascent	Descent
Last Dollar	2.7	1,290'	60'
North Pole	10	2,700'	380'
Blue Lakes	5.1	1,260'	60'
Ridgway	6.7	1,930'	430'
Burn	5.4	1,360'	190'
Spring Creek	1.2	138'	55'
Last Dollar to North Pole	8.6	2,550'	1,550'
North Pole to Blue Lakes	7.3	1,170'	1,700'
Blue Lakes to Ridgway	5.0	1,640'	1,090'
Ridgway to Burn	4.2	730'	1,074'
Burn to Ouray	4.6	2,660'	340'

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What People Are Saying

The past 4 days was our second trip into the North Pole Hut on the winter route. You just can't beat the fact that you've usually got the hut to yourself, there's so few people that make the trek in. All the bare basics are already in the hut - you bring whatever else makes you comfy - but you'd better make it a light backpack AND be ready for anything. If you can do that, you will be rewarded. We've already booked the 7 day Durango/Moab bike trip on the other set of huts! I can't thank SJHS enough for having these gems socked away deep in the mountains, ready for us when we need them!
~ Eric K, Cortez, Colorado