Every spring the San Juan’s call to me and my buddies. I have had the good fortune to spend time in mountains all around the world — and the San Juans (SW Colorado) are top of my list. Sharp, Alpine, Intimidating, Strong, Beautiful… This time no Airbnd (Silverton) or huts with whiskey bars on Red Mountain pass (Thelma hut). For this trip we decided on a bit more of an adventure…pack in/out our gear / food / beer and stay in a backcountry hut (actually we did not pack in all of gear…we did pay $150 for Amy, from the San Juan Hut, to porter in some food so we could carry our beer…well at least 2 days of beer).
Prep / Travel
Skiing / Navigating
April is typically where snow is transforming / stabilizing. Corn, spring conditions, lower avy dangers…but not this year! This year powder, colder, and a challenging snow pack that demanded respect. We made a decision to ski lower angle terrain (<35 deg) — and again confirmed — that skiing sub 350 is a ball…especially when you have powder, lots of sun (and snow!), and are able to save the North facing trees for the last day after sun cooks south faces!
Hut Life
5 hour, 6 mile, 3,000 feet of elevation beer run…hell yeah 🙂
I forgot the beer run. Day 3…ran out of beer. Made a trip back to Send-IT! (van) parked at trail head (just so happen to have more beer + brats + …) for a little bday party for Chris 50th :). Packed up 6 beers each in our day/avy packs and headed back to hut.
Thats a wrap…
Send-IT! get another sticker (San Juan Huts) and we pack her up and drive 23 hours back to WI/MN. Nothing like sleeping in the van between drive shifts as we travel through the night…a bit mysterious and just part of the adventure…
Till next time. Send-IT!!!!
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