We love the backcountry for a number of reasons and one of those reasons is the peace and quiet that comes with a good day spent around our favorite zones. Trewly a new state of zen, backcountry skiing and snowboarding is a different kind of experience. Spending a few nights sleeping in state park snowparks and the likes of is great, especially when your favorite resorts are clogged full of holiday traffic. But a hut trip isn’t just an overnight, its a chance to acclimate to some true wilderness, ride your dream lines with people close to you, build relationships and make memories in the heart of the mountains that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Before we dive into the who, what, where, and why of the iconic hut trip it’s important to note that backcountry skiing and snowboarding is inherently more dangerous than resort riding. While some of the risks are the same you should not journey into the backcountry without being prepared and most importantly educated. We believe the backcountry is for everyone, but you need to be aware of the potential danger that travelling in the backcountry entails. Check in with your local avalanche center or click here for details on certification classes in your area! What’s so special about a hut trip? It’s a chance to tune out from the distractions of the world and be present in good company. With a little bit of planning a hut trip can be the perfect vacation and you might not even need to leave the state you live in to experience it. Peace, quiet, your pals, good snow and a little bit of apres whiskey is the recipe for a good time in the backcountry. Most huts will be a slog in whether that’s by foot, snowmobile or in some cases helicopter. Huts aren’t just off the road, they’re typically off the beaten path so be prepared to take some days off work to put some effort into a trip like this. The payoff? Once you’re in you’re in. Welcome to your new daily routine for the foreseeable future (we recommend 5 days ish) wake up, coffee, ski, repeat until the cows come home, and return to your hut to start the cycle all over again. This what you see on a backcountry hut trip. Literally nothing. Because you're getting face blasted by moon powder. It's a great look. We love to think of hut trips as a week-long team building exercise. It certainly builds upon existing friendships and creates very strong new ones. Being able to wake up in an isolated, magical backcountry environment is unlike any other ski or snowboard trip you have been on. A good hut trip exercises good backcountry educate practices whether it's guided or self-guided. We've put together a few of our favorite hut options in Oregon. We will also be rounding up our favorite huts it other destinations like the Sierras, the Rockies, the East Coast, and more - so keep your eyes peeled for those to come down the pipeline soon!
