When the Colorado Mountains are covered in snow, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity for winter cabin travel.
Whether you’re a skier or snowshoer, a cabin trip offers a wonderful opportunity to get in touch with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain cabin.
From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails of Summit County, winter cabin trips in Colorado offer unforgettable experiences for adventurers of all levels.
Huts fill up quickly, so check prices and availability for each accommodation.
Opus Futu
Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers, and mountain bikers.
At 11,700 feet above sea level, the cabin is perched on treeline, with low-angle glades below and open slopes above. Intermediate powder skiing is available from the back door of the hut, but owner Travis Morman said the terrain is best suited to experienced backcountry skiers. Morman estimates that 15% to 20% of groups that visit Opus Hut come with a guide.
“They’re not personally familiar with the terrain or they’re not from the area,” Morman said. “Their guides are knowledgeable about the local conditions, including what the snow is like and what is safe and what is not.”
The cabin can accommodate up to 20 people in 5 rooms. Some visitors reserve the entire hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve an empty bed in an unreserved room.
The cabin is equipped with solar-powered lighting and a 110-volt outlet for charging electronic devices. We also have filtered drinking water, hot and cold tap water, and an indoor composting toilet. We provide complete bedding and clean sleeping bag liners.
During the winter, the hut has 4 to 6 employees sleeping in separate huts. Our meals are prepared using natural, organic and, where possible, locally sourced ingredients. The hut also accommodates vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals, but please be sure to let staff know in advance. Beer, wine and a limited selection of spirits are also available for purchase.
“If you don’t have to bring food with you, you can travel much lighter,” said Morman, who took over the hut three years ago. “You don’t have to focus on sustaining a life in a remote area.”
Reservations for Opus Hut will begin on August 1st.
“In the winter, they fill up quickly,” Morman said. “We get booked in the first five minutes every winter weekend.”
campfire lunch
Located at 11,200 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is the perfect base from which to explore world-class skiing, splitboarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
Located between Silverton and Ouray, it is accessible during the winter with a half-mile approach above the backcountry snow.
Campfire Ranch is an ideal choice for beginners. While other Colorado hut systems require you to carry your own food, bring your own sleeping bag, and live off-grid, this hut provides meal service, solar-powered electricity, Wi-Fi, and bedding. . Dog-friendly cabins sleep up to 8 people.
“We took a hospitality approach to remove barriers to entry for people who want experience but don’t have the tools or knowledge,” said Katrin Meiusi, director of marketing for the property.
Campfire Ranch opened its first campground along the Taylor River in Almont near Crested Butte. RVs are not allowed in the campground, which is open from May through October. Amenities include unlimited firewood, clean bathrooms, and potable well water.
10th Mountain Division Hut
Managed by the nonprofit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, the 38 backcountry cabins are connected by 350 miles of trails that connect some of the highest peaks in the lower 48 states.
All cabins also have cabins that sleep up to 17 people and have kitchens with propane burners for cooking and are propane-powered. Stocked with pots, pans, potholders, dishes, utensils, utensils, a percolator or French press for coffee, salt and pepper, paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and garbage bags. Some cabins have ovens and propane grills.
All cabins have lighting from on-site solar, propane, or generators. Some huts also have electrical outlets for charging small devices such as phones.
Huts have outdoor or indoor bathrooms and toilet paper is provided.
All huts include a mattress and pillow, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and pillowcase.
summit hat
The Summit Hut Association operates five backcountry huts that are open during the winter season from November to May. Frances and Janet’s Cabin is also open during the summer months from July to September.
All cabins have solar-powered lighting, a fully stocked kitchen and a wood-burning stove. Frances, Janet and Sisters’ cabins have saunas and indoor toilets.
The association will kick off the season with its annual Backcountry Ball fundraiser in October at The Maggie on Peak. The event will include dinner, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds help maintain our network of backcountry cabins.
First Published: November 16, 2024 at 7:30pm EST
