backcountry, community, connection
Operating in partnership with the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Aspire Mountain Huts, is on a mission to provide sustainable winter backcountry access to skiers, riders, and winter enthusiasts via a system of temporary winter huts in the North Cascades.
Each winter the high peaks of the Pacific Northwest are buried under one of the world’s deepest and most reliable snowfalls. A veritable paradise of backcountry skiing, riding, and winter recreation lies far from plowed roads and has long been virtually inaccessible to all but a few motivated or mechanized users.
Currently our Proposal for “Phase 1” Temporary Winter Shelters is under review by the National Forest. We welcome your feedback on this project via our Public Scoping Survey:
Receive updates as this project develops
Heliotrope Hut
Location
Our inaugural hut will be located at the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead (3,700’). This location has long been the gateway to Coleman-Deming Glacier and the flanks of Mt. Baker. With a season that stretches from the earliest snowfall of the year to spring summit climbs, this hut will be the basecamp for many backcountry adventures.
Access
The Heliotrope Hut is located 8 miles from the closest reliably plowed road. Depending on the season and snowline, the ski into the Heliotrope hut generally ranges between 4-7 miles. Hut users will have the option to include snowmobile supported shuttle access and/or gear transport into the Heliotrope Hut.
The Hut
The hut will accommodate up to 8 adults in a custom designed, deep snow rated, backcountry specific WeatherPort 14’x30’ structure. Installed on a solid decking, this modern “yurt” style structure stretches durable fabric and insulation over an aluminum frame. The hut will be furnished with a wood burning stove, propane cook stove, a full array of kitchen equipment, gear drying racks, LED lanterns, and sleeping bunks with deluxe sleeping pads. A firewood supply and outhouse ensure all the essential needs are met.