FRIENDS HUT

Friends Hut was built in memory of 10 people from Aspen and Crested Butte, CO, who perished when two small planes collided in 1980 near East Maroon Pass. Because passengers of the planes were from both towns, the hut was designed as a link between the communities of Aspen and Crested Butte. Permitted by the U.S. Forest Service under the Gunnison National Forest, The Friends Hut, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a unique and truly remote backcountry experience to backcountry skiers.

Several backcountry skiing articles with extensive Friends Hut information.

Hut Elevation: 11,370'

On the north side of Pearl Pass, headed to Friends Hut.

Layout, capacity and prices:
Friends Hut is a one story structure with a sleeping loft. A small room with double bed is the only private sleeping. Amenities: wood stove heat, firewood, propane burners for cooking, photovoltaic lighting, cookware, dishes, mattresses, pillows, and toilet paper. Hut users melt snow for water. Friends' Hut sleeps 8 and is booked to capacity. There is no minimum booking number. If you do not reserve all eight spaces, other groups may be booked in with you. NO DOGS!

Hut Location: Friends Hut is a remote backcountry shelter located high in the Elk Mountains. The hut site is in a wooded area south of Pearl Pass. Warning: The Alfred A. Braun Huts and Friends Hut are located in areas of known avalanche terrain with recurring avalanche cycles. Routes are not marked or maintained. [locator map]

Maps:
Official 10th Mountain, Winter: Star Peak [example]
USGS Map: Pearl Pass Quadrangle
USFS Forest Visitor's Map: White River National Forest

Owned By: Friends' Hut Inc.  Oven: No   Sauna: No