The Heliotrope Hut accesses remote, unpatrolled, mountain and alpine ski terrain. A wide range of terrain features and variable snow and weather conditions require hut users to confidently travel in winter backcountry conditions. Hut rental groups must identify a trip leader who at a minimum has AIARE 1 course or equivalent and at least 2 seasons experience traveling in avalanche terrain.
- First time Visitor Requirement. For any group visiting the Heliotrope Hut for the first time, we require a “hut orientation”, this introduction to the hut is included by booking at least 1 snowmobile “tow” or “mule”. This will ensure that visitors are oriented to the hut by our staff. The goal here is to ensure that all users are familiar with the access, kitchen, stove, and hut amenities as well as the local terrain. For any group with a “returning” visitor, this requirement is waived, and any additional access “add-ons” are totally optional.
- Glacier Greek Road Access, Shuttles and Parking. Due to a variable snowline, limited parking, and a desire to share access to the Glacier Greek Zone with other backcountry users all “first time” trips in/out of the Heliotrope Hut begin/end at Chair 9 in Glacier WA. All hut users and gear will be shuttled to the snowline via Aspire vehicles. This shuttle is included in any snowmobile “tow” or “mule” add-on. For return visitors to the Heliotrope Hut who choose a fully self supported access to the hut, this shuttle requirement is waived, though carpooling is STRONGLY suggested. Any vehicles parked along the Glacier Greek road in winter require a valid snow park pass and must park in a way to ensure access to the snowline by other backcountry users.
Trip Cancellation:
If a party cancels their reservation 31 day or more before their reservation, a full refund will be extended.
Trip cancelations 30 days or less forfeit 50% of the trip cost.
If snow, access, and/or weather conditions require Aspire to cancel a trip reservation, a full refund will be issued.
Detailed packing lists, travel/itinerary information, and trip planning resources will be provided with each hut reservation. Completion of a Skier Profile and signed waiver is a pre-trip requirement for all participants.