For skiers and snowboarders who chase powder beyond resort boundaries, huts are the ultimate backcountry basecamps. These revered alpine abodes are mostly in the middle of nowhere — perched on precipitous mountainsides, tucked in the woods or sequestered at the base of mighty peaks. Come winter, the quiet cabins become havens for travelers who aren’t opposed to long approaches, simple living and, assuming the snow dances pay off, bottomless powder.
The word ‘hut’ brings to mind mud-hewn hovels with thatched roofs and rickety beach shanties. However, in this shred-specific context, ‘hut’ refers to any permanent refuge found in the backcountry, like Colorado’s famous 10th Mountain Division Huts. These outposts range from drafty shacks to palatial chalets. Some have running water and solar power, even ping-pong tables and saunas, while others are merely walls and a roof, offering shelter from the storm and nothing more. What they have in common, though, is unbeatable access to backcountry skiing and a place that’s warmer to sleep than outside.
Regardless of how spartan the accommodations, huts are always a step up from the bare bones of winter camping, as they generally boast stoves, mattresses and outhouses. While winter campers have to haul in essentials like tents, sleeping pads and kitchen gear, hut trippers can travel relatively lightly. That being said, when you’re heading out, be prepared to spend a night or two out in woods — just in case disaster strikes. Some of the gear included in this guide, like the the liquid fuel stove and saw-equipped avalanche shovel, reflect the perspective that it’s better to have it and not need it than vice versa.
Whether you’re planning your very first out-and-back hut trip or prepping to embark on a Homeric hut-to-hut epic, here you’ll find gear tuned to your needs, including lightweight outerwear, comfy yet high-performance base layers, breathable touring gloves, high-volume airbags, essential avalanche safety equipment and more.
The Gear You Need
Quiksilver Mamatus Jacket
When ski touring, your shell should be waterproof, breathable, lightweight and hopefully stylish in case your partner’s wielding a DSLR. Quiksilver’s Mamatus 3L Jacket ticks all the backcountry boxes — the shell relies on ultra-comfortable Gore-Tex C-Knit Technology to keep you dry on grueling climbs and deep descents alike. Prolific pit zips reach from the ribs all the way to the elbows, so built-up moisture gets the boot, quick. Plus, the fit is tailored, and the muted navy and forest green hues are subtle yet undeniably stylish.
