Unlike existing operations, current and prospective modern-day hut systems are open to quite a bit of scrutiny when it comes to setting up on public lands. Finding a viable prospect for a backcountry hut operation is only a quarter of the battle; the real journey begins at the county and district level, interacting with land managers and the public to find an agreeable path forward. This process can take years – and, that's before you can even se...

The internet isn’t short on opinions. And, when it comes to gear reviews from major publications – you can’t help but feel a lot of the opinions are backed by sponsors or powered by affiliate programs. Not here, though! Just some regular, good ol’ opinions on items that enhance your experience before & during your hut trip. If anything here piques your interest, buy direct from the manufacturer or pay a visit to your local snow, backcountry, or a...

Since both of us moved away from Southern California, Sean and I regularly catch up over the phone. He was my nature buddy when we lived in Los Angeles, and I’ve always had a hard time saying ‘no’ to his proposals to get outside “We’re heading to Tornak Hut – outside of Sun Valley. There’s a great group of us, mellow terrain. Party at the moon tower, you should come! I said I’d think about it...

Paper-map purists, app loyalists, and the uninitiated will slowly start finding themselves bunking together as more and more people venture into the backcountry. While there’s no replacement for the dependability of a paper map, anyone using a digital supplement will be steadfast in their opinion on which tool prevails. For us, the best tools are the ones that serve multiple purposes and provide a certain level of customization – all without con...

When it comes to being prepared on ski tours, emphasis tends to be more around avalanche safety and route planning than wilderness medicine. But, should an accident occur, wilderness medicine and the associated rescue plan are crucial given the extended rescue response times in the backcountry...