February 12-15, 2006

This was my second trip to the 10th Mountain Hut located at 11,400 feet and nestled at timberline just below the majestic peaks of the Colorado Continental Divide.  This hut was completed during the summer of 1989, and was built in honor of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army.  This wonderful trip was carefully orchestrated by Dick and Judy Opsahl.  The hut is owned and rented by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association.

10th Mountain Hut setting.

The ski in required a 4 to 6 mile backpack (depending on the route taken) from the outskirts of Leadville, Colorado, starting at the Crane Park Trailhead off Colorado 24.  The route was on a beautiful narrow trail the entire way.  The hut is very deluxe, accommodates 16 skiers, has two gas stoves for food preparation, a wood stove for heat, two great out-houses, mattresses for sleeping, and views that are inspiring.  Overall, it was extremely reminiscent of many other 10th Mountain huts.

Our troop included David Chamberlin and Jeri Sullivan, Mark & Lynn Jones, Rick and Shari Kelley, Kurt Short, Kathleen Gruetzmacher, Josh Siler and Anne Chamberlin, Jeff Click,  Kirsten Boudreau, Dick and Judy Opsahl, and me (Cosima had to drop out at the last minute due to an eye problem).  Chick & Yvonne Keller skied part way up with us, and visited with us the night before at Dick and Judy's cocktail party in their suite at the historic Delaware Hotel in Leadville.

A few highlights of our trip included watching Kirsten tirelessly build an igloo in front of the hut, and Shari and Kathleen's snowshoe ascent of the West ridge of Homestake Peak (13,200') on hard pack.  For myself, the greatest joy came from ski touring for three days with Kurt and Jeff.  Our tight knit threesome adventurously explored every nook and cranny of the Homestake cirque.  The three of us also found a marvelous, beautiful, and untracked route back to the car on the last day.

The Los Alamos Mountaineers website contains the "official" trip report of this same adventure written by Dick and Judy Opsahl.  Click here to view.

Our photo gallery attempts to illustrate a few amenities of the hut, most of the trip participants, and several high mountain ski tours.