In a rut? Try a Hut

"Athlete's Source", Aspen Daily News 2-9-01
by Erik Skarvan

With all the new snow we've recently received, there have been plenty of opportunities to go out and enjoy it. As regular readers already know, my favorite powder activity is snowshoeing. Skiing is a very close second. But, for me, there's nothing like a snowshoe to get out and enjoy the fresh pow, especially if I want to bring my best friend, the Sun Dog and get a workout. Snowshoeing offers a simple, fun and healthy way to enjoy our incredible "floaty" winter surroundings. I can go right out my door and the sport requires very minimal equipment.

In fact, I had a killer snowshoeing adventure this past weekend, even though my pooch wasn't permitted on this one. Joined by four crazy local compadres, I headed up to the Fabi Hut last Friday night. The Fabi Hut, which combined with the Fritz Hut forms the Benedict Huts, is a hut trip I started right from my back door. Perched six miles directly above Aspen via Smuggler Mountain, "Fabi" is a hut most (relatively fit) locals can snowshoe or cross country ski to in five to six hours. At a moderate pace with fresh snow on the ground, we took just under five hours to get from the base of Smuggler Road to this sweet little log cabin nestled in the evergreen forest above Warren Lakes.

The Benedict Huts, are the newest in the 10th Mountain Hut System, which now includes 13 cabins scattered about the backcountry in several directions out of the Roaring Fork Valley. They also manage several other huts, all of which can be reserved by calling 925-5775. Information on routes, availability, rates, and preparing for a hut adventure can be found by surfing to huts.org.

Now back to our little getaway, the Fabi Hut. What a sweet spot it was to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You see, Fabi only sleeps six people and as I mentioned earlier is a newer, thus slightly nicer hut. It can also be combined with "Fritz" for larger groups (Fritz sleeps 10 people). Our group of five ruled the domain, which is nice for privacy and being able to pretty much do anything we desired. Whether you just want to kick back by the toasty wood stove fire and read a book or enjoy some apres snowshoe partying, the Fabi is ideal. Of course, any hut in the system will do-they're all pretty awesome, but this smaller setting just made the experience that much more intimate and relaxing.

Another unique feature of the Benedict Huts is- believe it or not- the outhouse. Now, I've heard various impressions of this pristine poddy for a while now, but couldn't really appreciate it until I experienced it first hand. In fact, right after looking over the little nooks and crannies inside Fabi, I headed outside and accross the elevated boardwalk to the fabled bathroom. When I entered, the woodwork struck me as impressive- log supports and beams and glass, lots of glass. As I peered through the glass I realized what all the hub bub was about. The views were incredible! From "the throne", you can view over the forest in several directions, including an amazing perspective on the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Well, NOW I've seen it all I thought to myself- a killer snowshoe, a sweet hut, good friends, relaxation and an epic outhouse! My next thought was something like-why don't I do these hut trips more often!?

It's amazing to talk to my friends, many who are long time locals in the valley, and discover that a lot of them have never done a winter hut trip. I'm here to tell you it's well worth the planning time and physical effort to get to one of these cozy high altitude havens. Most huts are snuggled in the woods at around 11,000 feet, which allows for killer views, but also requires some fitness to complete the journey. Remember-as the guides say on Everest, when you summit you're only half way done. You'll need some strength and endurance to do an average roundtrip route. (note: snowmobiles make it easier, but are not considered "good" backcountry etiquette-remember North Face?) Carrying a pack loaded with all the essentials can weigh upwards of 70 pounds, of course depending on how long you'll be out, the length and difficulty of the route, weather and snow conditions. My pack carried extra warm clothes, first aid kit, plenty of water and energy drink and food, a sleeping bag, dinner, and evening libations amongst other things. The website, huts.org, can help you with other items to include on your adventure. We also carried cell phones, which were effective on the lower half of the route, an altimeter to guage our elevation and a couple of detailed maps. Someone on the trip with backcountry experience is also key, especially if the unexpected occurs like an injury or spending the night outdoors. Grab someone who can navigate your route as well. "Hey Joe, where are we now?"

Our small group found it helpful to split up the meal responsibilities, for shopping and transporting purposes, with each person put in charge of either snacks, dinner, breakfast or adult beverages. Once we arrived, we also split the workload. Someone started on the fire, while others worked on melting snow (drinking and cooking water), preparing food, etc. I've been on trips where some people slack on duties and that sometimes creates some friction in the group. So offering to do the dishes after dinner or breakfast can make you a hero in a heartbeat. There's still plenty of time for relaxation, talk and play-maybe even a short side trip
(ie. Potato Rock).

So, check into a hut trip for you and some friends. Make sure to invite buddies who you think will be fun to spend time with or perhaps who you'd like to know better. Whatever you do, do it this winter if you can. Because if you keep putting it off, you'll just be that much older when you do get around to it. There is still availability this winter, especially if you can go outside the popular Friday and Saturday nights. In my opinion, hut trips are something classic every mountain loving person should enjoy, especially since one of the finest systems of routes and cabins- the Tenth Mountain System, is right in our back yard!