Planning Your First Winter Hut Trip

Backcountry hut trips are a cornerstone of Summit County’s mountain culture, offering a deeper way to experience the landscape beyond the resort or trailhead. The Summit Hut Association’s five well-maintained huts blend adventure with comfort, rewarding your backcountry journey with a warm cabin, quiet alpine surroundings, and an incredible experience that keeps people coming back year after year.

Hut trips, of course, take some planning, especially if it’s your first. From choosing the right hut to preparing for the terrain and conditions, this guide is designed to help you navigate the details and confidently plan your first backcountry experience.

Summit Huts Association: Hut Guide

Francie's Cabin (Best for First-Timers)

Located south of Breckenridge in the Crystal Lakes drainage, Francie’s Cabin is one of the most popular huts in Colorado. Known for its short approach, large capacity, and comfortable setup, it’s an ideal choice for a first hut trip.

Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,009 ft
Trailhead/Routes: Spruce Creek Trailhead via Spruce Creek Road (standard winter route) or via Crystal Creek Road (steeper winter route)
Capacity: Sleeps up to 20
Cost: $55 per night/per bed
Amenities: Kitchen, wood stove, sauna, solar lighting, indoor toilet
Season: November – April, July - September
Access: Hike in summer, ski/snowshoe in winter

Janet's Cabin

Located near Copper Mountain Resort at timberline in the Guller Creek drainage, Janet’s Cabin offers a slightly longer but still approachable trek, making it a great next step after a first hut trip. With its spacious log construction, large deck, and year-round appeal for both summer and winter users, it’s a comfortable and rewarding basecamp for those ready to build on their backcountry experience.

Distance: 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,162 feet
Terrain: All terrain, low-angle to steep tree skiing
Trailhead/Route: Union Creek Trailhead, via K & L lifts at Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Capacity:  Sleeps up to 20 in winter and 14 in summer
Cost: $50 per night/per bed
Season: Winter (Nov–April) + Summer (July–Sept)
Highlights: Large deck, scenic alpine setting
Amenities: Wood burning stove, propane cooking stove, wood burning sauna, solar powered lighting, indoor composting toilet
Need to Know: Located in the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area, this hut requires an additional $10 per person, per night US Forest Service fee (Thanksgiving through April), with children 15 and under free. The fee is charged at the time of reservation. Visit the Summit Huts Association’s website for important information on routes/GPX files, parking/access, and any avalanche activity along the route.

Sister's Cabin

Sitting on Bald Mountain just outside Breckenridge, Sisters Cabin offers a quieter, more intimate backcountry experience with expansive views of the Tenmile Range. As the newest hut in the system, its thoughtful design and slightly longer, but still approachable, access make it a great fit for smaller groups seeking a bit more solitude without taking on an overly technical trip.

Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,189 feet
Terrain: Intermediate to advanced
Trailhead: French Gulch Trailhead (standard winter route)
Capacity: Sleeps up to 14
Cost: $50 per night/per bed
Season: November – April
Highlights: Cozy, smaller-scale hut with a more intimate feel and a quieter setting compared to larger huts
Amenities: Wood burning stove, wood burning sauna, solar power lighting, indoor composting toilet

Ken's Cabin

LLocated along Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, Ken’s Cabin offers a cozy, historic retreat ideal for one to three guests seeking a quieter, more intimate hut experience. Originally built in the 1860s, it retains a distinctly rustic feel, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and history, with just enough comfort to enjoy a true backcountry stay.

Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,208 feet
Terrain: Low-angle skiing and challenging terrain
Trailhead/Routes: Boreas Pass Trailhead via Boreas Pass Road
Capacity: Sleeps up to 3 people with single and double beds
Cost: $85 per night for entire cabin
Season: November –  April
Highlights: Remote feel, quiet setting. Often paired with Section House for hut-to-hut trips
Amenities: Wood-burning stove, propane cooking stove, solar power lighting, outhouse toilet

 

Section House

Located along Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, Section House offers a longer but low-angle approach, making it especially popular for Nordic skiers looking for a more gradual route. Originally built in 1882 to house railroad workers, the fully restored cabin blends rich history with a comfortable hut experience, offering a unique glimpse into Summit County’s mining-era past.

Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,208 feet
Terrain: Low-angle skiing and challenging terrain
Trailhead: Boreas Pass Trailhead via Boreas Pass Road
Capacity: Sleeps 12
Cost: $40 per night/per bed
Season: November - April
Highlights: Gradual terrain, historic railroad route
Amenities: Wood-burning stove, propane oven, solar power lighting, composting toilet

When to Book (and Why it Matters)

Reservations for Summit Huts are competitive. These huts are among the most popular in Colorado, and prime dates fill quickly, especially for beginner-friendly options like Francie’s Cabin.

Early booking window (Summit Hut Association members): September 1–14
General public booking: Opens mid-September
Best advice: Book 6–12 months in advance for prime winter weekends

Experience the Summit Hut Tradition

Hut trips capture the essence of the Summit County lifestyle, and your first hut trip is a true introduction to high country living. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you and often becomes a tradition year after year.

For more information on the Summit Hut system and to book a trip, visit the Summit Hut Association website at: https://summithuts.org/

More to Explore: Seasonal Adventures