Washington Hut Hopper 2016
Additional Trip Details
5 hut system in North Cascades near Winthrop Washington at 4000 ft elevation.
4 nights in huts and 2 nights in Brown's Farm Cabin in Methow valley.
Rendezvous trail system is 25 km groomed trails with additional off trail snow opportunities.
Additional 200 km groomed trails in valley trail systems. Methow, Sun Mountain and Mazama trail systems.
This is an eight person ski trip, primarily traditional cross country skiing and skating with opportunities to use telemark skis, and venture off trail by ski or snowshoe.
This trip is designed for those who have had previous outdoor experience and have basic skills associated with camping, carrying a pack, and dressing appropriately for exercising in winter conditions—layering is recommended. Although the trails are typically groomed, in the case of inclement weather, participants must be comfortable skiing on un-groomed terrain.
This trip would be considered intermediate level for skiing and winter travel skills and should not require avalanche training or other advanced survival skills. The huts are generally 6 miles apart, and grooming is extensive, trails are wide, and are mostly on forest service roads.
Freight hauls have been arranged for packs and food to be transported to and from cabins, but use of a lightweight daypack is recommended for carrying extra jackets, snacks, and water. Each participant will be allocated no more than 25 lbs. for personal gear on the freight haul. Sleeping bag, clothes and extra gear will be transported for skiers via snowmobile. Each snowmobile haul is strictly limited to 300 lbs. total. (100 lbs. reserved for group food and gear).
Huts are considered primitive with outdoor pit toilets, full kitchen with propane stove, and no running water. Water is obtained by melting snow. Huts are small with a bed and sleeping pad. The entire group of 8 will share one hut each night; expect close quarters. Cabin has modern amenities.
Trip price currently does not include airfare to Spokane, WA. After the trip fills (or no later than Oct. 1st ) we will make an attempt to reserve airfare as a group on the same flight. The airline tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased from the airlines. Purchasing the airline ticket will reserve your spot on the trip. Airline price is expected to be $600 to $650 (Cleveland – Spokane).
Since the airline tickets are non-refundable and are purchased from the airlines directly, the Lewis Ski Club highly recommends purchasing additional trip insurance. Depending on the airline, additional travel insurance may be purchased at the time of airline booking. A number of companies will also insure entire trips. Typically trip insurance must be purchased shortly after signing up for the trip. See for example (in no particular order):
http://www.travelguard.com
http://www.insuremytrip.com
http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com
Trip lodging itinerary is as follows: 1 night hotel, 4 nights huts (3 different huts: Heifer, Cassal, Cassal, Grizzly), 2 nights Brown’s Farm Cabin, 1 night hotel.
Approximate distance between the huts:
Cub Creek Parking Area to Heifer: ~6 miles
Heifer to Cassal: ~9 miles
Cassal to Grizzly: ~ 2.5 miles
Grizzly to Cub Creek Parking Area: ~ 7.5 miles
( Additional Details Online ) *note: map online is in km
Food will primarily be bought and organized after reaching WA. Dinner will be cooked and organized as a group, while breakfast and lunch will be decided more on an individual basis when trip itinerary permits.
