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.

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. 

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′

Winter Hut Fees (December 1 to April 15): $30 per night, per person (Maximum 8 people per night)

Cirque Guides

[email protected]

(970) 633-2469

Ridgway Adventure Sports
109 N Lena St
Ridgway, Co 81432
(970) 626-8500