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 years to creating and defining destination hut- to-hut skiing and mountain bike travel. The San Juan Hut System Ski Route consists of.....
Ski Route
Hut-to-hut backcountry skiing 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.
| Route | Miles | Ascent | Descent |
| Last Dollar | 3.0 | 2,020’ | 160’ |
| North Pole | 8.0-9.0 | 2,520’-1,880 | 500’ |
| Blue Lakes | 5.2 | 1,180’ | 0’ |
| Ridgway | 6.5 | 1,980’ | 450’ |
| Burn | 5.0 | 1,160’ | 900’ |
| LD to NP | 9.5 | 500’ | 1,520 |
| NP to BL | 7.2 | 1,500’ | 1,020’ |
| BL to RW | 5.0 | 2,040’ | 1,200’ |
| RW to BN | 5.0 | 900’ | 1,160’ |
| BN to Ouray | 5.0 | 200’ | 2,540 |
San Juan Hut Systems operates within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, and Manti-La Sal National Forests under special use permit from the Forest Service USDA.
Skier Ability and Backcountry 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.
Hut Facilities
We have five wooden huts, each with a capacity of eight skiers. Each is provided with eight padded bunks, propane cook stove, propane lamp, wood stove, firewood and all necessary cookware and untensils. Water is obtained by melting snow.
Winter Hut Fees (December 1 to April 15):
$30 per night, per person (Maximum 8 people per night)
Rental Ski Equipment & Guide Services
Ridgway Outdoor Experience
970.626.3608
(Skis, boots, poles, climbing skins, shovels)
San Juan Mountain Guides
PO BOX 1214
474 Main Street
Ouray, CO 81427
970-325-4925