Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION HUT-TO-HUT TRIPS
Exploring the Colorado wilderness is already quite an adventure in summer, but imagine the thrill of gliding
through the backcountry on skis: just you, your friends and quiet snowfall blanketing the mountainside. Well,
thanks to the
10th Mountain Division Hut Association
( 970-925-5775;
www.huts.org
; per person from
$33), which manages a system of 34 huts (some with wood-burning saunas), it can be done - without having to
spend the night in a snow cave.
The huts are connected by a 350-mile trail network ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the
winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. The majority are located between Vail Pass and Aspen
(10th Mt Huts and Braun Huts), but there are growing networks in Summit and Grand counties. You'll be out in
the wilderness, so you should be a decent backcountry skier and be familiar with avalanche safety before re-
serving a bunk. It's best to go as a group (some huts only accept group reservations), with at least one experien-
ced leader who knows how to find a trail in a storm.
So how do you sign up for all this winter fun? The catch, of course, is securing reservations: these huts are in-
credibly popular and space is limited. Winter reservations for the following year begin with a member-only lot-
tery on March 1 (annual membership $25). Call-in reservations for non-members open up on June 1. In other
words, you have to plan your trip six to 12 months in advance and be somewhat flexible with your dates (avoid-
ing weekends is key).
Summer is generally easier to arrange, though not all huts are open; call-in reservations for the following year
open October 1.
Snowmass
LODGE
$$
Wildwood Snowmass
( 970-923-8400;
www.wildwoodsnowmass.com
;
40 Elbert Lane; r summer/winter from $79/159;
)
This aging lodge was given a slick, colorful makeover in 2012. The 145 rooms are still
motel-like in their layout and comfort level - renovations were mostly skin-deep - but if
you're OK with that, it's definitely an affordable choice located close to the slopes. Wi-fi
is free in the lobby, but costs an additional $20 per day for room access. No air-con in
summer.
HOTEL
$$$
Westin Snowmass
( 970-923-8200;
www.westinsnowmass.com
; 100 Elbert Lane; r summer/winter from $109/369;
)
Opened in 2012, the ski-in, ski-out Westin delivers the most comfort for your money
in Snowmass. Rooms are spacious and feature modern alpine decor: think varnished
wooden headboards, contemporary art on the walls and a beige and tan color scheme. Wi-
fi is an extra $10 per day; parking is valet only.
Viceroy
HOTEL
$$$
