10 Reasons to Try a Backcountry Ski Hut

Hut trips provide the unique experience of staying overnight in the backcountry, giving access to untouched powder in your own private ski area. Many are first come, first served communal huts that offer little more than shelter and a stove. But others are privately owned all-inclusive getaways.

The Opus Hut is the only full service European style ski hut in Colorado; they take care of you at every turn. They have a chef on site to prepare all your meals, rooms for groups, a spectacular sauna and incredible terrain in every direction. If you’re looking for a true vacation, we highly recommend the Opus Hut.

1. Treat Yourself to a Winter Adventure

Tommy Joyce

The Opus hut sits at 11,600 feet in the San Juan Mountains between Telluride and Silverton. An inclusive mountain resort, this hut gets you away from the hustle and bustle of resort skiing, and offers a private winter escape.

2. Real beds and a cozy fire

The smell of burning wood and the warmth of the flame will bring a smile to your face. With rooms that sleep three to five and a social area with fireplace, you won’t have to lug backpacking gear with you on this trip.

3. Quality time with loved ones and friends


Tommy Joyce

Get off the grid and enjoy the chance to reconnect with your friends without the interference of cell phone service. Gather around the fire, order your favorite drink and share some laughs. 

4. Wake up to powder

Wake up whenever you want, because the fresh snow will be right outside the door waiting for you. But you won’t want to sleep in when you have your own private ski resort. There’s fresh powder to keep you busy all day.

5. No lift lines

Getting away from the resorts means getting away from the crowds. And those endless lift lines. Neither exist in the backcountry.

6. Practice choosing smart backcountry lines and avalanche safety

Tommy Joyce

The best way to learn is total immersion. Breaking tracks gives you the opportunity to make your own path and choose smart lines. Spending multiple days completely tuned into the environment will hone your skills, and down time at the hut is perfect for avalanche burial training.

7. Let the dogs out

If you have a four-legged fury powder hound that loves the snow as much as you do, bring him along! You won’t have to leave him alone on this trip.

8. The après-ski sauna

Choose your hut wisely and you may find a sauna ready to soothe sore muscles. The Opus sauna was the perfect way to relax after a long day.

9. Starry nights

Tommy Joyce

Huts are off the grid by design, which means light pollution is reduced to a minimum and the stars shine brightly. Get ready for a stunning view of the Milky Way and entire night sky.

10. Blue bird powder days

While we can’t guarantee powder mornings and blue bird days, if the timing is right and the weather cooperates (like it did when we visited the Opus Hut), beautiful days of skiing can be had from the second you ski out the front door.