All of our day trips are with our sixth-grade team groups. This can be anywhere from 25-45 students, depending upon team configuration. The hut trips are smaller when we spend two nights at the Shrine Mountain Inn Huts (normally Jay’s and Chuck’s huts). The two huts can accommodate 22-24 students along with chaperones. These huts are operated by the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association which has been tremendously supportive of our ODE program. Hut amenities include beds, running water, a wood stove and propane heat, indoor plumbing, all cooking utensils, and dishes.
The trip into the huts begins at the trailhead atop Vail Pass. It is a 2.7 mile ski, with an elevation gain of 643 feet, to the huts which are situated at an elevation of 11,209 feet. On the trail we emphasize staying together for safety and use lots of encouragement. Students carry their personal equipment, clothing, and a small amount of food. Parent chaperones who have backcountry skiing experience, first aid training, and a willingness to pull a sled filled with our food, are recruited for the trip.
We take a day ski to the top of Shrine Ridge (also known as Wingle Ridge) on the second morning. This is approximately a climb of 700 feet to the highest point in the area (11,900 ft.). Upon descent, we often have the opportunity to practice telemark turns in some beautiful alpine meadows. Students may choose to relax in the wood-fired sauna at the end of the day.
If conditions allow, we will explore the woods and meadows on our final day as we make our way back to Vail Pass. The map below shows the route into the huts and up to Shrine Ridge.
Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association article about sixth-grade hut trip
The trip into the huts begins at the trailhead atop Vail Pass. It is a 2.7 mile ski, with an elevation gain of 643 feet, to the huts which are situated at an elevation of 11,209 feet. On the trail we emphasize staying together for safety and use lots of encouragement. Students carry their personal equipment, clothing, and a small amount of food. Parent chaperones who have backcountry skiing experience, first aid training, and a willingness to pull a sled filled with our food, are recruited for the trip.
We take a day ski to the top of Shrine Ridge (also known as Wingle Ridge) on the second morning. This is approximately a climb of 700 feet to the highest point in the area (11,900 ft.). Upon descent, we often have the opportunity to practice telemark turns in some beautiful alpine meadows. Students may choose to relax in the wood-fired sauna at the end of the day.
If conditions allow, we will explore the woods and meadows on our final day as we make our way back to Vail Pass. The map below shows the route into the huts and up to Shrine Ridge.
Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association article about sixth-grade hut trip
Hut trip route