Fall/Winter 2003-04

Letter from the Director -- Sangree M. Froelicher Hut

10th Mountain Division Hut Association is pleased to share the good news that it recently purchased the Belvedere Hut, now known as the Sangree M. Froelicher Hut. This acquisition process has been amazing because of the scope of the project and the wholehearted involvement of so many people.

10th Mountain acquired the hut because it was in danger of being purchased by another party that had no interest in making it available to backcountry skiers. The Board of Directors recognized that its good skiing, good location, and ease of access were valuable assets to the hut system, and that it was important to maintain the integrity of the system given the increased difficulties of constructing new huts. The Board of Directors moved to pursue the acquisition and endowment of the hut, and after nearly two years of diligent efforts it was purchased in May 2003.

Fundraising Mr. F. Charles Froelicher graciously accepted the invitation to lead the effort to raise the considerable funds to purchase and endow the hut. Driven by his desire to establish a fitting memorial for his brother, Sangree M. Froelicher, and his long-standing interest in the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, this remarkable gentleman applied his considerable talents and skills virtually every day for an entire year until he met the goal. His accomplishments -- and those of the Hut Acquisition Committee - exceeded all expectations. In addition to raising money for the endowment and purchase of the hut, they were also successful in raising all necessary funds to construct the Alpine Resource Center (more details below). His thoughts on this project are intriguing, and are included in this issue. Of special note: 151 individuals and 20 foundations contributed to the overall effort. Donations ranged in size from 39 cents and $1.20 (from two of Chuck’s grandchildren – who broke their piggybanks and gave their net worth) to the Gates Family Foundation that contributed a challenge grant of $410,000. 10th Mountain is very thankful for the genuine interest and extraordinary generosity of all these people.

Preservation of Land In addition to purchasing and endowing the hut, 10th Mountain also acquired 140 acres of private mining claims in the area. 10th Mountain had identified the purchase of this land as a strategy to further its stewardship of the backcountry. In June 2003 the land was purchased in order to preserve the quiet nature of the area.

Alpine Resource Center Located at 11,670 feet in a wonderfully pristine setting, the Alpine Resource Center will provide a unique educational setting to non-profit educational groups. Plans include a 600 square foot area with appropriate resources to provide these groups additional opportunities for backcountry experiences and study of mountain ecology, land stewardship, and 10th Mountain Division Troop history. Please note that Sangree’s Hut will be closed during the summer of 2004 to allow for construction of this center in the newly renovated area on the ground level of the hut.

Dedication The hut dedication on August 17, 2003 honored Staff Sergeant Sangree Mitchell Froelicher, 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 86th Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. Staff Sergeant Sangree M. Froelicher was killed in action in Sassomolare, Italy on March 4, 1945. The dedication served to honor the 10th Mountain Division troops and the ultimate sacrifice made by Sangree M. Froelicher. It also celebrated the continued integrity of the 10th Mountain Division Hut System and the preservation of pristine backcountry. The dedication was a grand event, with over one hundred donors from six to eighty-six years old making the trek up to the hut. The Colorado skies provided a magnificent rain and hailstorm, but the hut gave comfortable shelter and its intimate atmosphere allowed the import of everyone's exceptionally poignant remarks to be truly felt.

It was an unforgettable experience.

“Staff Sergeant Sangree M. Froelicher had died as he lived, gallantly. At age 21. He lays at rest, along with 5000 others, in the serenely beautiful American Military Cemetery a few miles south of Florence, Italy,” reads an excerpt from F. Charles Froelicher’s Profile of a Trooper.

Sincerely,
Ben Dodge, Executive Director

Report to 10th Mountain Division Hut Association

On September 12, 2002, I accepted an invitation to meet with Board Chairman Suzanne S. White of Denver and Gates Family Foundation Director Ellen Fisher at the offices of the Gates Family Foundation in Denver. Ellen is not only the Senior Program officer of the Gates Foundation, but is also one of Colorado's best-known mountaineers and historians. The two of them presented me with both a “problem” and an “opportunity” of a lifetime.

The problem was that 10 Mountains Belvedere Hut (privately owned), located in the Pike/San Isabel National Forest, about six miles northwest of Leadville, at 11,700 feet, was about to be purchased by a snowmobile operator who wished to move his winter operations to the hut. The purchase would have included the 40-acre mining claim on which the hut stands. If that deal had gone through, 10th Mountain would have lost one of its most popular huts. In turn, the 15 square miles of forest and alpine meadow that surrounded the hut would henceforth have been occupied by winter snowmobilers rather than elk, deer, snow shoers, cross-country skiers and summer hikers.

Knowing of my life-long interest in the preservation of open space and that my brother Sangree Mitchell Froelicher had been killed in action in Northern Italy late in World War II, while serving with the Tenth Mountain Division, it seemed logical that I might be interested in raising the funds required to acquire and endow the hut. If I were successful, 10th Mountain would rename the hut the Sangree M. Froelicher. I said yes on the spot and started to work the next day.

Just 11 months after the start of this successful effort, on August 17, 2003, approximately one hundred donors, traveling from New England to the West Coast and many points in between, met at 9:00 a.m. at the trailhead on Colorado Highway 91 to hike up to the hut dedication. Some 30 members of the Froelicher/Sangree clan, along with two World War II Troopers from the Tenth Mountain Division, comrades of Sangree’s, led the way. They were Hugh Evans of Boulder, Colorado and Robert Thompson of Norwood, Colorado.

Sangree and these two men had much in common. At the age of twenty, each had reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. All fought until they were killed, wounded or too ill to go on. All had been awarded Silver Stars for gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty. Sangree and Bob Thompson had come directly out of Colgate and Swarthmore and were Philadelphia Quakers. Hugh came directly out of Phillips Academy at Exeter inspired by other Exonians who were already in the Tenth. Sangree and Bob were both in Company B of the 86th Mountain Infantry. Following Sangrees death, Bob took his place as non-com leader of the First Platoon. Bob and Hugh survived the war and have led exemplary lives with responsible careers. They have also maintained life-long relationships with the Tenth. It was an honor and an inspiration to have the two troopers present.

As to the Dedication, it turned out to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that none of us will ever forget. There was thunder, lightning and hail. There was laughter and there were tears. As Trooper Evans spoke there was not a dry eye in the hut, which will forever more be named for his lost comrade, my brother.

In terms of the Froelicher and Sangree family members present, the dedication presented us with our first opportunity to meet together and mourn the loss of Sangree’s life. Those of us who knew him wept openly. Those who had never met him did the same. At the same time, everyone present knew that this dedication was also a celebration of this young soldiers life. Henceforth, in his memory, men, women, boys and girls from all over the United States and abroad will have the pleasure of hiking up to Sangree’s Hut to spend some time thinking about this place, the other huts, and the sacrifice these gallant troopers made to liberate Italy and help bring World War II to a close.

The library/classroom/seminar room that will be added next summer will be the icing on what already is a great cake.

Along with the focus on the men of the Tenth Mountain Division, the fact that we were celebrating the preservation of almost fifteen square miles of open space from the onslaught of snowmobiles was lost on no one.

All in all, it was a great day for open space and the memory of the young men of the Tenth Mountain Division.

Lighter Loads, More Enjoyable Trips!

By Ron Rash

In spring 2002, I finally sold my 7,000-cubic-inch pack and, believe me, I’ll never buy another one that big. Last winter, all I used was a 4,000-cubic-inch pack that weighs 4.5 pounds empty. It was more than large enough, even on trips lasting six nights-seven days. In my work as lead guide for Aspen Alpine Guides, as a hut patroller with 10th Mountain, and as a senior winter instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School, I'm used to carrying heavy packs. I’ve even enjoyed it at times. Gosh was I dumb! Not anymore. If I go on a hut trip now with more than 40 pounds, I’ve done something wrong in my planning.

Manufacturers are marketing the “go light” systems, and with me they have a true believer. I’ve seen too many groups laboring with too much gear, clothing, and food to the huts. The list of things you don’t need is endless. You don’t need: propane-powered hairdryers, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, special hut cotton clothing, hula hoops, kids sleds, extra extra layers of clothing (sweaters, 4 pairs of socks, multiple hats). The following is what I recommend for hut trips.

PACK If you own a large expedition pack, 6,000-cubic-inch-plus, sell it. If you take it, you’ll fill it. Buy a smaller 4,500-cubic-inch pack and learn to pack it. No extra pockets, just one main compartment. This pack should weigh no more than 4.5 pounds empty.

PERSONAL CLOTHING You may not need as much clothing as you might think. Even on the coolest of days on the trail, I dress very lightly. The exception to this is when I’m exposed to winds or wet snow or rain. I also keep an insulated parka near the top of my pack to put on during trail breaks. Please refer to the “Winter Hut Information”sheets attached to all trip confirmations, or go to www.org and enter “equipment in the search field.

GROUP GEAR It does not matter whether you’re in a party with two people or sixteen. It can be helpful to share gear with the group. But remember who has what and stick together. Items you can share include: 1 camera notebook and pen 1 shelter for emergencies (the Golite fly shelter works well) 1 first aid kit (standard issue, not more then one pound) 1 toothpaste tube 1 small wax kit - including 1 scraper, 1 cork, 2-wax system. 1 tube of sun block 1 2-liter pot and pot grips 1 lightweight stove and butane fuel canister 1 ski repair kit - duct tape, 1 candle, hot packs, zip ties, glue sticks, posi-drive screwdriver, sewing kit, wire, safety pins, wire saw, spare binding parts, and a Leatherman or other utility tool Sleeping bag I recommend a lightweight summer sleeping bag, mummy style, that’s large enough that you can get in it with all of your clothing on. This bag should not weigh more than 3 pounds and should give you the protection you need in an emergency.

FOOD Most groups bring too much food and either try to pawn it off to other groups or leave it for me to carry out. Remember: 10th Mountain requires you to carry out all your extra food and trash when you leave the hut.

Do not wait until the night before the hut trip to buy your food. It takes planning and time to pre-package your food properly to save weight. Most things you purchase will be repackaged in lightweight plastic bags or Nalgene bottles for liquids. There’s no reason to take any glass bottles to the huts. Try to keep your food to two pounds per person a day or less.

This is just a checklist that works well for me. I’m confident that by having smaller and lighter loads you will have more enjoyable hut trips. (Well, okay, you can take two cameras per group.)

Revegetation Projects

by Megan Talarico-1st year 10th Mountain Intern

Our trucks loaded down with rakes, shovels, sledgehammers, biosol, seed, rebar, erosion matting, sodas, and food, we set out on a revegetation project in the high country. We packed gear for any type of weather because, even in summer, you never know what the sky is going to offer above 11,000 feet. Nine of us, two from 10th Mountain and seven from the Gore Range Natural Science School (GRNSS), headed up to the Eiseman Hut, north of Vail.

The winter after the Eiseman Hut was built in 1996, hut staff noticed that the logs of the hut were shifting. The cause was an immense amount of snow building up on the hillside behind the hut. Acting like a glacier, the snow was slowly pushing the hut downhill. The following summer, staff visited the hut to attach cables and pull the slanted building upright. The hillside behind Eiseman was dug out, with hopes that the extra space would alleviate some of the pressure.

Our plan was to revegetate the denuded slope behind the hut. With the help of a few professionals and several volunteers, we first stabilized the hillside, then laid down native grass seed and fertilizer, then covered the site with erosion matting.

Stabilizing the hillside was a lot of hard work, digging and replanting displaced clumps of vegetation. Some areas were easier than others and the team got to try out their creative landscaping abilities. Then we raked the ground to loosen up the soil for seed distribution. When we all thought the project was moving along smoothly, something else proved to be moving at an even faster pace. A sudden storm brought sleet and wet, heavy snow.

Running for cover from the pelting hail, we gathered all the tools and gloves we could find and took shelter in the hut. When we realized that the storm was not going to pass quickly, we went back to work wearing all the layers we could. At the end of a long day of work, we cuddled up near the wood-burning stove and relaxed, enjoying the beautiful area we had been working in for many hours.

This project was unique, not only because of the challenging conditions we dealt with and the amazing location, but because this was my first revegetation project. The unique partnerships that developed enabled me to work closely with professionals in the field, seeking their advice and education. Also, we were able to incorporate GRNSS, which uses the surrounding land for field studies and interpretive programs. This group was enthusiastic about giving something back to their backyard.

The summer revegetation project also included the Peter Estin Hut, and it was wonderful to work with high-energy groups such as the Aspen High School Ex-Ed trip and the Boy Scouts. The Aspen High School group offered humor, enthusiasm, hard work, and cooperation. After meeting this group, I had the fortunate experience to continue on this trip for the rest of the week and watch as these young adults volunteered their time at each hut, stacking fire wood with as much passion as watching a football game. A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers who gave their time and offered a hand in making these projects a success!

Volunteers and partners included Mark Fuller - Independence Pass Foundation, Randy Mandel - Rocky Mountain Native Plants, Steven Wiseman, Carol Busch, Ashely Bell, Julie Shapiro, and Mark Wesson – all with GRNSS, Aspen High School - Mountain Biking Ex-Ed Trip, Paul Petro, Cliff Price - Boy Scout Troop 199, and the United States Forest Service-Holy Cross Ranger District.

Life and times of a 10th Mountain Intern

by Linden Mallory

My earliest memory of the huts is barely a memory at all, but an image, a flashback. I just remember the hut, I am no longer sure which one, surrounded by pines and snow, the chimney outlined by the blue sky.

As I move forward in time from that moment I have more and more memories of the huts. Several are documented by pictures that hang on the walls of my room. In one, I’m sitting on the east railing of the McNamara Hut, intently focused on a ski jump down the hill. To my right sits Jenny Hamilton, also glaring down the hill. We are clad in fleece jackets and hats, barely visible under the snow that had accumulated after repeated falls. We spent hours that afternoon trying and trying to land that jump, never quite making it. Once we were thoroughly frozen, we headed inside for the Thanksgiving dinner we had been eagerly waiting for all day.

In another picture, I stand on the half-completed deck of the Betty Bear Hut. Wearing work boots, jeans, a carpenters belt and a flannel shirt, I’m trying to look just like my hero, Johnny McBride, who is standing next to me (Johnny and his crew built the Betty Bear & Eiseman huts). I vividly remember that my biggest accomplishment of that work weekend was building an outline of a sailboat out of scrap wood that I found lying around. With Johnny’s help, I proudly nailed it onto the outhouse wall.

After many trips to numerous other huts in the following years, I returned to the Betty Bear Hut three years ago, on my first day as a 10th Mountain Intern. I climbed into the truck, suddenly feeling older, out of place. Now I was the intern heading off to the Betty Bear, just like those I had seen ten years earlier. We drove past Ruedi, past Ivanhoe, the landscape beginning to feel strangely familiar, then past Lily Pad Lake and finally arrived at the Betty Bear Hut. As I unloaded tools from the truck I kept glancing at the hut, remembering how things had looked ten years earlier. I made my way inside to take a look around; eventually I wandered into the outhouse where, on the wall, hung my sailboat.

For the next three summers I traveled throughout the hut system, and my fondness for the huts continued to grow. I got to know the roads between the huts like the back of my hand as I traveled them by truck, bike, and foot. I became comfortable with the trails by hiking them, clearing the deadfall and leaving blue diamonds or blazes. I learned to explore off the beaten path, to.

In the summer of 2002, Heidi Hauenstein, a fellow intern, and I were descending from the Estin Hut on our bikes when we decided to leave the road and follow the winter ski trail down to Lime Park. We found the trail and shot down it until it disappeared in the middle of an aspen grove. We spent the next three hours bushwhacking with our bikes over our shoulders until we reached a road.

A couple of weeks later, Heidi and I were spending the night at the Betty Bear, bound for the Gates Hut the next day. During an evening walk we suddenly decided that we would climb Mt. Massive the next morning. After a couple of hours of sleep we groggily packed up the truck in the dark and shouldered our daypacks. From the hut we walked south up the ridge towards Mt. Massive. We had hiked for an hour or so when the sky above Leadville faded from a purple hue to flames of orange and red, creating the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen. Despite our early start, Heidi and I turned back before we reached the summit; it was getting late, we told ourselves, and we still had to make it to the Gates Hut and home that day.

The part of that adventure that stands out the most in my mind is back at the office, when Scott Messina couldn’t believe we had turned back because of work. That was the moment when I fully realized how special this job is.

After three summers of countless hut checks, trail work hikes, and bike rides, this past September I found myself driving past Lily Pad Lake with Ben Dodge and Scott Messina. It was my last day as an intern and we were bound for the Betty Bear. This was the hut that I had seen built from nothing; the hut where I had started my days as an intern and where I was to end my days as an intern.

As we worked, trying to fix the water runoff from around, ironically enough, the outhouse, I thought back on my past three summers. While my friends had bagged groceries or waited tables, I had spent all day in the mountains. I had gotten to know the area of the huts so well that whenever I flew over the mountains on my way home to Aspen I could recognize each hut from the air and could trace the obscure trails connecting them. But most of all, I had gotten to know the hut system on a more personal level. I had gotten to know the intricacies of each hut, gotten to know the faces behind the reservations, and some of the countless volunteers. I had become a part of something that has meant so much to me. Now that my time as an intern is over, I know I will remain in touch and be a part of the huts, in whatever way that may be.

Dawn breaks at the hut. You creak out of bed and get the stove going. Hot water is on. Steaming mug in hand, you watch the first rays of sun catch the peaks. Ahh! Your eye finds a line, up, up, and up to the ridge. Yes, it looks good, a safe route, and the avalanche conditions are okay. Suddenly, you have a goal for the day!

Five years ago, the Board of the Alfred Braun Hut System established a goal of renovating all six of the Braun Huts. For a near penniless non-profit organization it was a daunting task, a goal requiring a lot more than simply making the ridge on a good day for skiing. After five years of marshalling funds, permits, donated supplies, time and labor, and juggling construction through weather while navigating serious backcountry roads, we have the ridgeline in sight. We are nearing the completion of the final hut to be remodeled in our system, the (relocated) Markley Hut on Express Creek.

The rejuvenated Braun huts (six in all) have been given a second breath of life that should see them through the next forty years. It is a challenging thing to begin a five-year program requiring huge investment. Who among us, as backcountry skiers, does not recognize the pause, the deep intake of breath, and the determination that comes to each of us before we undertake to meet a challenging goal? Is it the significant pause before we launch for the ridge or experience the joy of a difficult goal achieved.

I would like to honor and thank each person who had a role in meeting this goal. The list is long and varied, as there was so much to be done. Let me just say that you know who you are, you who know the feeling of topping out on a ridgeline of incomparable beauty. In many of the parties I ski with, when we reach such a height, someone will murmur a heartfelt, thankful, prideful, and humble Good for Us! And we all get to take a moment and appreciate where we are and what we have done. So, to all who had a hand in this task, in reaching this daunting goal, to all the donors, volunteers, crew members, architects, engineers, students, and board members, I say: Good for Us! Take a moment to enjoy what we have done. Hawk Greenway, Manager, Alfred A. Braun Hut System.

NEW Summer Guide Book

The Official Guide to Hiking and Mountain Biking the Hut System, by Scott Messina, is a detailed guide that includes the history of each 10th Mountain Division Hut Association hut, detailed route descriptions to and in-between the huts, must-do adventures from the huts, reservation information, suggested multiple day hut trips, great single-track rides, day hikes, rock climbing and more! Cost $5.95. Contact 10th Mountain to purchase.

The Theory of 10th Mountain Trail Marking

It is mid January, 3:00 p.m., 10 degrees F. with a 20-mph. wind. You’ve been in a snowstorm all day, and you’re breaking a foot of new snow. You wish you were making turns, but you’re still trudging to the Fowler- Hilliard hut. By your reckoning, you’ve only got a mile and a half to go. The blue diamond trail markers have been easy to follow until now, but you just broke into a clearing. You can’t see more than 100 yards through the heavy snowfall and no blue diamonds in sight.#$%!!*! 10th Mountain trail marking!

It is important to know in advance that trail markers are not intended to be a “connect the dots” marking system. You may not arrive at the hut if you rely solely on trail markings and fail to use other navigational tools, including a map, compass, altimeter and GPS unit.

There is a “method to the madness” behind trail markings. All 10th Mountain suggested routes are marked with either plastic blue diamonds or blazes cut into trees. Blue diamond markers are used unless the trail is in a designated wilderness area, when markings change to tree blazes. A tree blaze is two marks cut into the tree bark: a 4-inch wide by 2-inch high mark over a 4-inch wide by 8-inch high mark.

You will notice at the beginning of each trail a diamond or blaze. Anytime you come to a confusing point such as a fork, switch back, or clearing, you will notice markings. For example, at a fork in the road there will be two or more markings to get you on track, and once you’re on track there will be another marking to assure you that your guess was correct. Markings for switchbacks are similar to marking for a fork with the addition sometimes of a blue arrow with a diamond (there won’t be any arrows in the wilderness areas). When you’re traveling through clearings there will be a marker leading you into a clearing. It’s a safe bet to assume that the direction you’ve been traveling into a clearing will also be the direction you travel through and exit from the clearing. When you exit from the clearing, you’ll immediately pick up a marking and shortly thereafter an additional one just to let you know you’re still on track.

When traveling in open areas such as high traverses where there are sparse trees, you should be aware that trails follow the most obvious path, e.g., contouring around a ridge, following a bench, or continuing the same direction you’ve been traveling.

The trail will follow the path of least resistance, like a snow-covered road. If you’ve been following a road and haven’t seen too many markers chances are you’re still on the correct trail. Likewise, if you’ve been in the woods and haven’t seen any trail markings but have been following a “corridor that is wider than any other part of the trees, and is easy to follow and ski,” chances are you are correct.

Some tips when skiing in trees: open your eyes and don’t always look at your ski tips or the person in front of you. Look around. You will notice trees that have been trimmed. That is not a natural occurrence.

No matter the route, at each fork, switchback or clearing, stop, look at your map, and identify where you are and keep track of where you’ve been and what’s coming up.

The problem is, all the markers in the world won’t help you if you don’t know where you’re going. You need a map, and you must know how to use it. So what map do you buy? The maps you will need for 10th Mountain’s suggested routes are available through 10th Mountain or at select outdoor retail stores. They are the finest quality 7.5-minute quad maps made on waterproof/tear proof paper. For alternate routes, you might need additional USGS maps.

Even with a map, you will still need information on the route to the trailhead and a few route tips in written form. Official 10th Mountain guidebooks are available through your retailer or 10th Mountain’s office, or online at www.huts.org. If you are still confused, call 10th Mountain, as they are a wealth of very friendly and helpful information.

The other essential item for navigation is your compass. Although not essential for some, I never go out without my altimeter. You may also want to carry a GPS unit. With any of these tools, understand that they are not useful to you if you don’t know how to work them, they are buried in your pack, or they don’t work e.g. no spare batteries for your GPS.

Please don’t count solely on trail markers to get you to the hut. Be aware that some markers may have been vandalized or removed by other forest users, although we try to replace missing markers regularly.

10th Mountain wants you to enjoy the huts and trails, but we don’t want to take the “wild” out of the wilderness by creating over-marked trails. Rather, we strive for balance, and carrying your map, compass, altimeter, and GPS, and using them, will tip the scale in your favor.

Employee News

Hi, my name is Maria Wimmer and I’m happy to be working for 10th Mountain, a great organization. I grew up in Albany, Minnesota, and received my bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley after spending a summer in Alaska two years ago. I enjoy doing anything outside - hiking, whitewater raft guiding, snowboarding, and, of course, hut trips!

Letti Alvarez also joins 10th Mountain. Originally from Mexico City, Letti has lived in Aspen for five years. Letti just returned from a six-week trip to Mexico, where she achieved a personal goal of summitting the highest volcano in Mexico, El Pico de Orizaba, at 18,405 feet. Although, she says it was an arduous trip, it was definitely well worth it. Letti also took three suitcases full of clothes, books, crayons and notebooks for the children of Chiapas, Mexico. Letti is looking forward to traveling to a lot of huts this winter. In addition to traveling, Letti enjoys photography, foreign movies and mountain biking.

Good-bye to Kestrel Hanson. Kestrel has taken flight to the West Coast, where she plans to get her master’s degree in counseling psychology. She has hung up her skis and has taken on surfing in the cold Pacific waters. Good luck, Kestrel, we will miss you!

After five truly enjoyable years at 10th Mountain, Mary Sanders left this fall to attend Colorado State University, where she is pursuing a graduate degree in Neurobiology. She says she'll miss the fun and fabulous life in Aspen, especially the great experience of working at 10th. Mary is hoping to squeeze in a few winter hut trips on breaks from school, and this former "Lottery Marshall" says she is looking forward to entering the Reservations Lottery herself this March - the irony! We already miss her and look forward to seeing her at the huts!

Backcountry Snowsports Alliance News

We have a new name! In order to better represent the non-motorized winter community, the Backcountry Skiers Alliance has changed its name to the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance, thereby including snowshoers, snowboarders, and other non-motorized winter users of the backcountry. Please help spread the word and encourage your friends to become involved!

The latest backcountry news concerns Berthoud Pass: The lifts are down, and the snowcat operation has ceased. Sol Vista gave up their permit to this area when it expired on October 22, 2003. The Forest Service is looking for input on how to manage the former Berthoud Pass Ski Area in the future. The area was closed to motorized travel after the ski area closed in 2001. This order will remain in effect until further notice.

A meeting on October 9, 2003, allowed the public to provide input on some long-range ideas from the public on what is to be done with the Berthoud Pass area. The majority of participants seemed to feel the area should be limited to low-impact activities with the only commercial development being an existing building at the base to be used as a rest stop, restaurant, museum, etc. However, there were a few developer-types that seemed to be chomping at the bit to re-establish some kind of commercial operation at the pass.

The Backcountry Snowsports Alliance will attend all future meetings to ensure that the non-motorized voice is heard. If you have any comments on the area, submit them to Donna Mickley (project leader) 303-275-5166 and/or Daniel Lovato 303-567-3001. Further information can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/arnf/pao/upcomingevents/berthoud.htm. Our website will be kept up to date on this subject, so please check back often: http://backcountryalliance.org. We need you! If you are interested in volunteering time or finding out more about what’s happening at the BSA, please check our website (www.backcountryalliance.org) or give us a call (303.494.5266). If you’re not already a member, please consider joining. We depend on membership support, without which we are unable to work on issues that are important to you! We are happy to send you a newsletter and membership form. Increased membership strengthens our voice and yours. Thanks for your support!