2009.04.25-26 Red Mountain Pass

Hut trips are not only a unique way of getting into the backcountry, they also provide a great opportunity to spend valuable time with friends sharing laughs and memories. 17 people joined for the second annual trip to the Addie S hut atop Red Mountain Pass in the San Juan mountains. Although this hut provides amenities not usually found in a hut (running hot water, stereo, propane grill) and is situated only ~50 yards from the road, the skiing and backdrop are absolutely stunning in the area. After a celebratory night on Friday, those who weren't nursing hangovers headed out in search of suitable ski lines.

Skinning towards the day's objective:

Dust layers in the snowpack from recent storms had me thinking I was back on the east coast instead of the pristine Colorado high-alpine. After tagging the summit of Red Mountain C (12,890 feet) J, Jesse, and I descended the north face before hitching rides back up the pass to the hut.

J skis off the summit of Red Mountain C: Jesse descends the north face: Enjoying dinner and friends in the hut (Photo: Joel G): Devon and I cook up a southern-style breakfast - biscuits and sausage gravy (Photo: Caleb W):

Everyone got out on Sunday as we skinned up familiar terrain on the west side of the pass. Despite some snow and cold temperatures in the morning, the snow softened up just enough for some spring corn skiing.

Follow the leader of the conga line (Photo: Caleb W):

Devon and I taking a short break (Photo: Steve C): Myself spring-skiing on the pass (Photo: Caleb W): Myself making turns in a beautiful backdrop: (Photo: Caleb W):

Information about booking the Addie S Hut can be found here: http://www.skihuts.com/