The group organizer is the person who made the reservation with 10th Mountain; however, please feel free to copy and distribute the enclosed sheets to all hut users. The following is included in your packet:

A. The Trip Itinerary, including your name and the hut's door lock combination. Huts are locked with padlocks, so combinations are necessary for entry. To open, enter combination, then push up and pull down on the lock. Please post the Trip Itinerary in the hut upon arrival. All users must have a reservation or face eviction by those who do, or by our roving hut keepers.

B. Either the Summer Hut Use Information page, or the Backcountry Travel in Winter page, containing season specific information that is very important for all hut users.

C. Use, Waiver and Release Agreement forms, that must be initialed and signed by each person in the group and returned to 10th Mountain before your departure. We prefer to receive waivers in the mail. Waivers must be post-marked no later than the day of the trip. Only one waiver per person is required each season (Summer: July 1 - September 30. Winter: Thanksgiving - early May).

D. General Hut Information is provided on the back of this page. Signs are posted at the huts with most of this information, but it is helpful to familiarize yourself and your group with these details before your trip.

Other important information to share with your group:

Cancellations and Changes
Cancellations and changes must be made 30 days prior to your trip start date in order to receive an 80% credit for a future trip. Cancellations and changes made less than 30 days prior to your trip start date will result in forfeiture of your payment. No Refunds.

Arrival and Departure
1:00 p.m. is the arrival and departure time. Unless you have an emergency, please do not overstay at a hut beyond your reservation. No overflow camping is allowed around the hut.

Dogs
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE HUTS. Wildlife will be disturbed and may move away from their habitat near the huts when dogs are present. In the winter, hut users melt snow for drinking water. For these important reasons, and for obvious hygiene concerns, leave your pet at home.

Human Powered Recreation
A hut trip should entail both the hard work of getting to a hut and the relaxing comfort that huts provide. We strongly urge your group to carry up what is needed without asking someone else to haul it up for you. Snowmobiles and cars are not allowed within the designated non-motorized hut envelope, approximately 1/2 to 1/3 mile surrounding each hut.

Multi-Use Recreation
Some of the suggested routes to the huts are multi-use. People on snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes and snowboards may all be encountered. Expect and respect all users.

Parking
Do not leave valuables in your car when parking at the trailhead. Unfortunately, cars have been broken into and/or vandalized in the past.

Group Etiquette
An occasional celebration at a hut is certainly welcome; however, for safety reasons and out of respect for other hut guests, please limit consumption of alcohol and related merrymaking. Please consider renting the entire hut if your group would prefer privacy.

Hut Instructions
It is your responsibility to see that each member of your group reads and understands the hut instructions posted at the huts. Please remember that the propane stoves and the photovoltaic systems are not fail-proof. We do not refund hut trips because of mechanical failures.

Arrival Checklist – Fire, Ice, and Snow Precautions

• When first arriving at a hut, familiarize yourselves with emergency fire procedures and exits.  Fire could occur at the hut and would likely be either a structure fire (inside the hut) or a wildland fire (in the forest outside the hut). In order to decrease the chance of a fire-related tragedy, you need to be aware of the hazards of both types of fires and what to do if either one occurs.  If a structure fire is uncontrollable, get everybody out, with their boots and clothing if possible.  Report any damage to 10th Mountain.  See Summer Hut Use Information sheet for additional fire information.

• When first arriving at a hut, evaluate hazards due to falling snow and ice that could occur and avoid exposing yourself to those inherent risks when collecting snow and moving around the hut.

GENERAL HUT INFORMATION

Turning on the Lights
Activate photovoltaic lights by turning on the master switch at the electric panel on the wall. Don't burn lights unnecessarily; the system takes time and sun to recharge.

Lighting the Propane Stove
Turn on the photovoltaic system (see above). Turn/set the safety shut-off timer on the propane gas line by the burner - not all huts have a timer. Hold a burning match near the burner as you turn on the gas to ignite the burner. If a thermo-coupler is used, hold the red button in for 15 seconds, or until the burners stay lit. When the timer runs out, it will automatically shut off the gas. Reset timer and re-light stove if necessary.

Warming the Hut
If it is necessary to make a fire, keep it small to start. Be sure the flue is open and the stove is drawing well.
Gradually make a hot fire, and then let it burn down before bedtime. The huts are well insulated and stay warm through the night. Split wood on the large stumps, not on the breakable bricks surrounding the stove. Make enough kindling for you and the next party. Cutting, hauling, and stacking firewood is expensive and labor intensive. Burn it judiciously. Place ashes in the metal drum by the back door. During the summer, be sure to find out whether there is a fire ban in effect from the Forest Service or the County Sheriff before your trip.

Kitchen Information/Duties
You're sharing the kitchen, so please don't monopolize it. Keep cooking and preparation time short, and clean up promptly. Pump water is not drinkable, but can be used for dishwashing - not all huts have a pump. Wash and rinse dishes carefully. Use hot, soapy water for washing and add 1 capful of bleach to rinse water. All garbage (uneaten food and packaging) must go home with you. Please don't leave empty wine bottles as candleholders. Do not throw trash into the outhouse. Food/condiments attract mice and bears; never leave food outside or at the hut when you depart.

Living/Dining Rooms and Decks
Please don't monopolize communal areas by spreading your gear on tables and couches. Share the space around the fire and at the windows with great views. Leave your boots by the door or near the fire. Boots track mud and disturb sleepers. Be considerate of your hut mates. Smoking is not permitted in the huts. Reading and writing in the logbooks are a tradition; please share your thoughts.

Bedrooms and Quiet Time
Beds are chosen on a first-come basis; assume a full hut for the night. Store your personal gear on or under your bed, not in the communal areas. Please observe quiet time from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Cleaning Up and Departing the Hut
Please leave a clean hut. Sweep the floors, wipe down the kitchen and dining areas, clean and put away the dishes. Bag up and divide all the garbage to be carried out by your group. Restock kindling, wood, and water. Turn off the propane stove: burners all off and timer on "0" (not all huts have a timer). Turn off the photovoltaic system: lights and main switch off. Lock all the windows on both floors and lock the backdoor. Lock the front door behind you. Don't forget to spin the tumblers on the padlock.

10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION HUT ASSOCIATION
1280 UTE AVENUE, SUITE 21
ASPEN, COLORADO 81611
RESERVATIONS: 970/925-5775 — OFFICE: 970/925-4554 — FAX: 970/925-5317 — E-MAIL: huts@huts.org — WEBSITE: www.huts.org

[return to info sheets, waivers, equipment lists]