AIARE 1 - Hut Trip

Location

Frisco, Colorado

Group Size

6 people per guide

Duration

3 days

Our Philosophy

It’s all about learning to tune into the mountain-snow environment–to have ‘the sense’.  Our teaching philosophy is all about a holistic approach to operating in the frozen mountains.  Avalanches are one part of the winter mountain puzzle but we want to give you more than just the basics, we want to put you on the track to understanding the snow and mountains in the intimate way necessary to not only avoid avalanches but find powder skiing every day of the winter.

This three day two night hut trip will include 6 participants and 1 guide.  These trips are great for anyone interested in learning about avalanche safety as well as getting tips and tricks to get the most out of huts in Colorado.

Who should sign up

To get the most out of these programs its important you have some experience ski touring.  Basic proficiency with ski touring gear is important to make sure the group is able to travel to and from the hut efficiently.  

Itinerary

This trip will include a short pre-trip zoom call to answer questions and provide advice about packing and use of the hut.  

The morning of the trip we will meet in Frisco and do a quick gear check before driving the 25 minutes up to the trailhead.  It is a reasonably short skin to the hut with only 1000ft of elevation gain and 1.7 miles on a well packed snowmobile road.  That afternoon we will have time for an observation and conditions scouting tour.  The evening will include a theory based lesson before dinner.

The morning will start with another theory based lesson after breakfast and then a instructor lead demo tour.  Do not plan on having lunch at the hut this day, although it may be an option.  In the afternoon we will introduce and practice rescue skills before heading back for dinner.  We will conclude with another theory based lesson.

On day three we will pack up our overnight gear and clean the hut after breakfast as other guests will likely arrive that afternoon.  After, we will have a student lead tour as well as snowpack discussion.  This is meant to be a chance for students to put to practice what they have learned on the course.  We will then head back to the hut and pack our bags for the short ski out to the trail head.

Hut Info

This is a lovely small hut situation in great introductory terrain that reliably provides high quality powder skiing.  There are seven beds, 2 queens, 2 doubles and 3 singles.  The hut has a composting toilet and well equipped kitchen with a four burner stove.  Water is melted on the stove and then filtered as desired.  The hut is heated by a substantial wood burning stove and is quite comfortable with only a light 30F rated sleeping bag.

Food and Meals

Given the small kitchen it is recommend that small groups or individuals take ownership of cooking team dinners.  For breakfasts groups can team up or do their own thing.  Please plan on easier meals as multiple people will be cooking.  For lunch don't plan on meals that require us to come back to the hut, although that can be an option.  Generally any shared food will be distributed to the group to help carry into the hut. 

These Items will be included in the trip cost

• Hut Costs
• AIARE Instruction and Field Books
• Avalanche Safety Gear can be provided but it is recommend you practice with your own gear.

These are not included in the trip cost

• Transportation
• Food 
• Personal ski and hut gear