Beaver Creek / Vail Colorado Hut Trips

The 10th Mountain Division Hut System is located in central Colorado between Vail, Beaver Creek and Aspen on the White River National Forest. The hut system was initially inspired by the late, Fritz Benedict, whose vision and persistence opened the first huts in 1982.

Styled after the European Haute Route and the tradition of hut-to-hut travel, 29 huts provide overnight shelter for seasoned backcountry skiers and snowshoers. The huts were named as a memorial to the 10th Mountain Division ski and mountaineering troops who trained at nearby Camp Hale during World War II. Hut visitors share the special spirit of these individuals, especially their pursuit of excellence, self-reliance, and love of the outdoors.

The hut system offers terrain variations for all ability levels and provides the most extensive backcountry hut-to-hut skiing experience in North America. This unique opportunity is not limited to winter backcountry accessibility but also to those mountain biking or hiking during the summer months. The system now covers more than 400 miles of trail, circumnavigating the Holy Cross Wilderness Area.

The huts represent a unique blend of mountain architecture and provide sleeping accommodations for up to 16 people in semi-communal living areas. Wood stove heating and cooking, photovoltaic lighting and outhouses complete the rustic but very comfortable amenities. Each hut has been custom built out of log or adapted from the materials of the area. They have been located in pristine alpine settings on leased National Forest land.

The variety of huts range from cabins located within a few miles of a trailhead to backcountry shelters that are many miles from any other signs of civilization. Most huts are booked on a per-person basis, with the exception of a few which are only booked for one group at a time. Advance reservations are required and price varies per hut.

Hut and ski trips can be also be arranged through private outfitters who offer three to five day trips, and can customize trips to fit your needs. Trips are designed to accommodate a variety of interests and ability levels, from a basic introduction to backcountry skiing as well as more challenging trekking and mountaineering style trips that visit numerous huts. Packages range in price and vary in difficulty and total mileage. Professional guide service, all meals, supplies and sleeping bags are included.