BEP Orientations and Work Projects

10th Mountain Division Hut Association
Backcountry Exploration Program
ORIENTATIONS & WORK PROJECTS

The Backcountry Exploration Program is intended to facilitate successful backcountry trips. We think a successful trip is one that is fun, memorable, and helps to promote understanding and appreciation of the backcountry while developing individual self-reliance. To provide your group with initial guidance, 10th Mountain offers the following:

PRE-TRIP ORIENTATION

Phone Interview (Required) Our staff will discuss the Discovery Questionnaire with the trip leader, will review hut and route options, will answer general questions, and will suggest an orientation visit or trip if appropriate for your group.

Group Visit (Optional) Our staff or volunteers will visit your organization to present more information about hut trips. The presentation will include packing, getting to the hut, what to expect at the hut, and will also include a brief history of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association.

HUT TRIP ORIENTATION (optional)

A Hut Trip Orientation may include a one-day ski, bike, or hike to the hut with a 10th Mountain employee. Our staff will not assume a leadership role on an orientation trip; however, the following topics will be reviewed at the trailhead, while on the trail, and at the hut:

group travel etiquette
information about the environment surrounding the hut
information about the hut (safety and sanitation, water collection, etc.)
review of hut user responsibilities (cleanup, restocking)
history of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association

This type of one-day orientation requires that your group get an early start, so that our staff can return to the trailhead at a reasonable hour. Our staff will not stay at the hut with your group.

It is important to have a sufficient participant to staff ratio on your trip. If your group is mentally or physically challenged, your staff must be able to accommodate their special needs in adverse outdoor conditions. 10th Mountain staff will not provide assistance with things like dispensing medications, monitoring dietary needs, or personal care.

Pre-Trip and Hut Trip Orientations are optional, must be arranged in advance, and are not guaranteed.

WORK PROJECTS

10th Mountain maintenance is largely supported by thousands of volunteer hours. We offer free or discounted hut use in exchange for volunteer project(s). This is a great opportunity to reduce the cost of hut fees for your group. This hut space can be used for the current trip or in exchange for a trip at a later date. Work projects may include hut cleaning, painting, firewood stacking, landscaping, and snow shoveling. Work projects usually take 6+ hours. 10th Mountain provides all tools, equipment and supervision. Work projects may not always be available, so groups with financial needs are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible.