February at the Peter Estin Hut.
Over the past several years I’ve been slowly but surely ticking off the different huts of the 10th Mountain Division and Braun Hut systems, with the loose goal of eventually visiting them all. It’s a cool goal because for one, each hut is unique and offers up a different experience – whether it be the hut’s location, the access to ski terrain or peaks nearby, or the distinctive architecture of the hut itself. But beyond that, hut trips are always a great excuse to get different groups of people together, and the memories created over the years begin to stack up after awhile.
So last month when I had an opportunity to visit the Peter Estin Hut for a night to celebrate my friend Zerr’s birthday, I jumped at the opportunity.
Sunrise from the front deck, looking south towards the Williams Mountains.
The Peter Estin Hut was built in 1985 and was the 3rd publicly funded hut added to the 10th Mountain System. It’s architecture is similar to many other huts which came later, and thus served as sort of a standard blueprint for 16-person huts throughout the system. Estin himself was on the Dartmouth College ski team in the 1940’s, then went on to become the director of the ski school in Portillo, Chile. He was also a cartoonist for the New Yorker and author of “Skiing the American Way” before he passed away in 1962.
Out for a walkabout above the hut.
I ended up skinning in solo the morning after the rest of the group made their approach, so the hut was nice and warm when I arrived. The rest of the morning was spent touring around the hut and exploring the ridge line to the east with the whole group.
May and Amanda, looking southeast towards Avalanche Peak.
Summit of Charles Peak (12,050 ft), a bump on the long ridge eventually leading to Fools Peak.
After a mellow ski back to the hut it was time for a nap (for me at least), followed by apps, games and guitar solos.
Hut life.
Later on, Taylor, Wiley, May and I decided to head up the prominent slope east of the hut to get in some turns at dusk. With the clear weather it seemed like a no-brainer.
Some pow to be had through here, despite the existing tracks.
A sweet sunset from just above tree line.
Back at the hut, it was time for steak and asparagus dinner courtesy of Nick, followed by dessert and birthday shenanigans for Zerr…
Happy birthday to the birthday girl!
Crème brûlée courtesy of Taylor, who appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped” a few months back.
Some games and convos by the fire rounded out the evening nicely. Then after breakfast the following morning it was time to had back to civilization.
The crew the next morning before the ski out.
Despite it being a quick trip for me, it was an experience and a crew I won’t soon forget. As mentioned before, hut trips just have a way of making that happen 🙂
Which one will be next?