BACKCOUNTRY HUTS

San Juan Huts Haute Route

Four huts, fresh turns, and true solitude.

The San Juan Haute Route is a multi-day backcountry ski traverse connecting the seldom visited, vast ski terrain between Telluride to Ouray.

From glades to high alpine bowls, each day offers new terrain, big views, and untracked powder far from the crowds.

Cirque has logistics dialed with custom meals, scheduled food drops at specific huts and shuttle transportation support. You just have to show up with fresh legs and soak in the beauty of the San Juans.

You’ll spend your evenings in cozy, wood-heated huts, offering warmth, solitude, and recovery for the next push.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day One – Approach to Last Dollar Hut

  • Meet in Ridgway or Telluride for final prep & gear check
  • Quick tour up to the hut gives the option for an afternoon ski lap
  • Overnight in Last Dollar Hut perfectly perched at 10980’ on a saddle in stunning mountain terrain

Day Two – Traverse to North Pole Hut

  • Early start from the hut where we will venture up to the top of Hayden Mountain ski mountaineer style
  • From the top of Hayden, ski amazing north facing terrain down and link into the traverse to the North Pole.
  • Arrive at North Pole Hut situated at 10800’ after this high octane day

Day Three – Traverse to Blue Lakes Hut

  • Catch a quick lap above the hut in some of the best treed skiing the San Juans has to offer.
  • Navigate through the quiet pine forest and intricate mountain terrain.
  • The hut and a warm meal will be a welcome sight after this rewarding traverse day.

Day Four – Traverse to Ridgway Hut

  • This is one of our favorite tour days in the San Juans.
  • From the hut we tour our way above treeline for the best views of the Sneffles Range.
  • We cherry pick our descent with one of the iconic Ridgway chutes that bring you directly to the hut

Day Five – Ridgway Hut to Trailhead

  • Brew up some coffee and breakfast and out the hut for our last ski tour in this amazing alpine terrain
  • Pack up our gear and enjoy a gravity fed exit to the trailhead
  • Wrap-up with celebration dinner/drinks in Ridgway

*For shorter itineraries, design your trip.

Image of a Map

AVAILABILITY

January through mid April

PRICING

Skiers Per Person Per *DAY* Group per *DAY*
1 $1,199 –
2 $729 $1,458
3 $529 $1,587
4 $409 $1,636
5 $339 $1,695
6 $279 $1,674
7 $249 $1,743

*pricing is per day, not per night.
Porters and Shuttles are $250 each.
We can provide multiple Shuttles and Porters per trip.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is This Course Right For Me?
Experience skiing trees & Avalanche Rescue Course required.
If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll help tailor a custom trip for you.

Trip Length
3 or 4 day trip.

Group Size
This is a private trip. The huts hold a maximum of 8, including guides. You must reserve the whole hut so it’s just our group.

Departure Time
8:00 a.m.

Meeting Location
We will perform a gear check the day before the trip start date. Please check with us for the meeting location.

Meals/Food
You are responsible for your personal snacks during the trip. We will provide breakfast, appetizers, and dinner.

Equipment List
We can provide Avalanche Safety Equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel).

Included in your trip cost

  • Trip lead by an AMGA Ski Guide
  • All hut fees during the trip
  • Breakfast, appetizers, and dinner during the hut trip
  • Avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)

 

Not included in your trip cost

  • Backcountry ski equipment (available to rent locally)
  • Meals/Personal snacks
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Customary guide gratuity
  • Trip/Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Incurred costs by leaving a program early
  • Incurred costs as a result of force majeure

NEXT STEPS

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