Spring 2002

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly -- 2002 Benedict 100

By Mike Zobbe

The Benedict 100 covers about 100 miles with overnight stops at Margy’s, Betty Bear, 10th Mountain Division, Jackal, and Shrine Mountain Inn. The route crosses the Continental Divide at Hagerman Pass and goes in and out of three major river drainages and many, many smaller creek basins. (I know - we climbed out of them.) The distance between the huts ranged from 12.5 miles to almost 22 miles.

Our days were as short as 7 hours (Shrine to Vail) and as long as 13 hours (Betty Bear to 10th Mountain Division.) Elevations ranged from a low of 8,800’ to as high as 12,650’. Ted estimated the total elevation gain for the trip at over 17,000’. The weather for the trip was spectacular with cold mornings and sunny skies. Once the morning temperature warmed up (it hit -25 degrees F when we left Betty Bear at 6:00 a.m. on day three) we were stripping down to base layers. It was even calm under brilliant blue skies going over Hagerman Pass, which I have never experienced before.

The only detraction of the trip was the number of snowmobile tracks that were clearly in areas closed to motorized use. We all vowed to write the United States Forest Service and our congressmen on this issue. The magnificently clear and commodious weather came to an end on the last day as we approached Vail. The clouds began moving in as we left the Shrine Mountain Inn, and it began to snow about 1/2 way through the day’s tour. By the time we crested Siberia Peak, it was a full-blown tempest. Adding to the atmosphere, Tim (who had broken a binding 5 miles from the 10th Mountain Division Hut, and had skied the last several hours to the hut with his boot taped to his ski) pulled the binding out of his borrowed ski. Clearly, the winter gods were saying, “You all have had your fun but now it’s back to my terms!”

Steel wool and matchsticks got Tim onto the ski area where the binding again pulled out as we began the final descent to the bottom of the Vista Bahn, thus requiring him to walk the final 1/2 mile. This set Tim up for some teasing that he did not complete the tour and thus was not qualified to receive the commemorative T-shirt.

As we posed for the traditional group photo in front of the statue of a WWII era ski trooper in Vail Village, we wondered if the trip would happen again, and if we would ever get a chance to ski from Aspen to Vail with so much well-organized support. Regardless of what will happen, we considered ourselves very lucky to have been able to be part of such a beautiful trip. Thanks to Ted and Carol Billings, all the hut hosts, and 10th Mountain for all their hard work. Everyone worked so hard to make this one of the best backcountry experiences anybody could hope to enjoy.

Congratulations to the 2002 Benedict 100 participants: Tim Casey, Michael Zobbe, Ed Anderson, David Jefferson, Scott Downen, John Warner, Brad Bullard, Larry Crispell and Ted & Carol Billings (who skied 100 miles in her new boots- way to go, Carol!)

A special thanks to the Hut Hosts: Theo Raun, Brad Henry, Curt & Cindy Carpenter, Peter Wirth, Evan Gull, Don Schefchik, Steve Sexauer, Greg Oberg, Al Slavin, Orlyn Skrien, Patti Casey and Carre Warner.

Hut Renovations

10th Mountain is successful because of the extraordinary dedication and efforts of so many people. These people have shared a common purpose: to provide a mountain hut system that promotes understanding and appreciation of the natural mountain environment while developing individual self-reliance; to keep the huts affordable; to continue to promote mountain stewardship; and to facilitate the education of hut users so that they are more informed and more aware users of the huts and of the backcountry.

But we are able to accomplish this purpose only if the huts remain in good shape. To this end, one of our focal points is ensuring that the huts remain structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

A tremendous amount of hut restoration work was done in the summer of 2001. This work was accomplished only through the hard work of very competent contractors, 10th Mountain interns and regular staff. Our construction partners—Structural Associates, Lost Trail Works, Johnno McBride, KW Woodworks, Aspen Earthmoving, and Lipkin Warner Design—completed the work on time, under budget and to very high standards. All the 10th Mountain huts received attention and the result, we sincerely hope, is an improved hut experience.

A diagnostic assessment of all the huts has been completed in order to project long-term expenses for capital replacement and major maintenance. This projection will allow for better financial management, a more effective renovation schedule, and ultimately a better hut. 10th Mountain will continue to use a combination of professional contractors, volunteers, and staff to accomplish the work at a reasonable expense.

A significant amount of work is planned for this summer. If you would like to volunteer, but the regular volunteer weekends do not fit your schedule, then please contact us because there are ample opportunities to assist our renovation efforts.

Cool 10th Mountain Summer Trips

So you thought that the huts were only good for driving to and base camping for your summer vacation. Well, think not! There are some incredible adventures to be had on foot or on a mountain bike on the way to the hut. Over the years, we have explored and have found great trails that are well worth the effort. The following suggested routes are shown on the appropriate USGS maps, the TMDHA maps, and the USFS White River and San Isabel National Forest maps. Having a map, a compass, and knowing how to use both is essential.

Backpacking Suggestion: Start from the West side of Turquoise Lake. Follow the Colorado Trail to Uncle Bud’s and spend a layover day to explore Galena Peak and/or Galena Lake. Then travel the Colorado Trail NE towards the 10th Mountain Division Hut via the Long’s Gulch Trail and Slide Lake Road to the hut. From the 10th Hut, follow the Slide Lake Trail down to the Colorado trail, then out to Tennessee Pass. You can make your trip longer by following the Colorado Trail to Camp Hale and up the Ranch Creek Road to the Jackal Hut, over the ridge to Searle Pass and Guller Creek, past Janet’s Cabin (not open for summer use), and continue down to Copper Mountain. The options are endless!

Mountain Biking Suggestion: If you don’t have the time to join us this September for the annual Benedict 150 mountain bike adventure from Aspen to Vail, build your own adventure using sections of our trip. In a nutshell, here is where our trip goes: Aspen to Margy’s to Gates to Skinner to 10th Mountain Division to Fowler/Hilliard to Vail. Much of this trip is on great single or double track. Remember that adventure is not written in guide books, nor is beauty shown on the map. Seek and ye shall find!

Sharing the Land • Letter from the Director

A number of the suggested routes to our 10th Mountain huts are multi-use. Under current USFS policy, people on snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes, and snowboards can be expected on these routes. To assume that these routes and areas are for the use of only one sort of recreation would be incorrect. The type of permitted use is designated with signs and/or on maps for many of these routes and areas. Respect for these designations is essential if there is to be any hope for success in these shared-use areas.

More people than ever before are using the backcountry for recreational purposes, and these numbers are only going to increase as our population increases. A significant proportion of backcountry users tend to play in the same few areas, and this concentration of use can lead to conflict. An effective way to resolve these conflicts is to examine the opportunities and cooperatively develop long-term site-specific solutions that are acceptable to all parties. If nothing is done, conflicts will in all likelihood occur more frequently and in greater severity.

Education is an important component of any successfully shared-use area because informed, aware groups are more likely to get along. It would be helpful if people in the backcountry knew what types of recreation were allowed in what areas, and were aware of political and geographic separations, including hut envelopes, wilderness boundaries, motorized-only routes, and non-motorized routes.

The quickest way to build this awareness is to look for signs, get a current and accurate map, consult your local USFS office, and contact 10th Mountain if you have any questions. The United States Forest Service regulates its lands through a very thorough public review process.

Participating in this process is crucial to help ensure successful shared-use areas. And if there is improper use of an area, it may be more effective to try the “soft” approach before resorting to methods that may lead to conflict and a lousy experience for all involved. There are some fine examples of cooperative efforts between all types of recreational users in the backcountry. Let’s look to some of these and try our best to improve everyone’s experiences.

First Rate Increase in a Decade!

The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association (TMDHA) takes considerable pride in keeping the huts affordable. The last rate increase for the Association was in 1992, when it was increased from $20/person/night to $22/person/night. A financial forecast based on financial information, experience and informed estimates was recently completed. It indicated that, within one year, operating expenses were going to be significantly greater that operating revenue. It was assumed in this forecast that hut use would not increase significantly and operating expenses would increase 5% per year.

Wise financial management for the Hut Association dictates that operating revenue should at least meet operating expenses. Faced with a projected deficit, we essentially had two choices: reduce our operating expenses or increase our revenue. The former would have resulted in reduced hut maintenance, reduced customer service, and a less enjoyable hut experience. The latter was the only reasonable choice.

Therefore, 10th Mountain huts will cost $26/person/night, effective winter 2002/2003. The additional funds will be used to offset increased operating expenses and to increase the emphasis on education of hut users to help increase the numbers of informed, aware users of the backcountry. TMDHA will do everything possible to keep costs to a minimum and still provide a first-rate hut experience. We firmly believe this rate increase will not di scourage people from using the huts, and are certain that it will allow a better experience for everyone.

Even with the increase in hut user fees, a very significant percentage of our revenue will come from contributions. TMDHA continues to rely heavily upon the generosity of so many people to keep the huts affordable: without this support, the rates would have to be raised even more in order to keep a balanced operating budget. We appreciate this support and the loyalty of our hut users, and anticipate that this rate increase will best address the future needs of our hut users.

TMDHA takes great pride in the condition of the huts. Maintaining the huts to high standards requires a great deal of time, experience and money because of their remote locations, challenging problems and logistical constraints. This rate increase will allow the TMDHA to sustain and even improve its maintenance standards.

News Digest

Western Interconnect:10th Mountain completed its 10th and another successful western interconnect ski trip this last January with 5 very skilled and strong skiers. Thanks to all the volunteers, support team, our leader Scott Messina and congratulations to the participants: Linda Muscatel, Jamie & Dick Bourret, Bill Young and Reg Francklyn and special thanks to the hut hosts: Debbie Kelly, Mary Sanders, and Karin Gieske.

Interpretive Libraries: All of the 10th Mountain Division Huts have interpretive libraries. The libraries offer a broad range of topics including species identification, weather prognostication, first aid skills, and 10th Mountain Division history. These books were selected to serve as educational resources so that hut users may learn a thing or two about their surroundings. The discerning reader will notice that there is no Dickens, Thoreau, or Blake, nor romantic novels with buxom cover ladies and manly men. But ecological interpretive material is almost as fascinating, and surely will help to increase one’s appreciation of the truly amazing Colorado backcountry.

Wish List: 10th Mountain is always on the lookout for high quality wood burning heatsto ves. Vermont Castings stoves are preferred. Please call us at (970) 925-4554.

Thanks to Cathy Honea for her kind donation of 13 Scrabble games - one for each 10th Mountain owned hut. In case you are now worried that your next hut trip will devolve into an argument over whether there actually are any words that start with the letters QNO... fear not! Cathy has been kind enough to complement the boards with an additional donation of 13 copies of the "Official Scrabble Players Dictionary." Time to brush up on 6 letter words that contain both V and X!

Search and Rescue Cards Successful: Thanks to all of you who have purchased Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Cards (CORSAR). Your support of this beneficial program has resulted in 10th Mountain being one of the top retailers of CORSAR cards in the State! These $3.00 annual cards support search and rescue operations in Colorado and can provide for reimbursement of rescue expenses. If you have not purchased cards for yourself and/or your family members and friends, please consider doing so. Cards are available from 10th Mountain’s online store at www.huts.org, over the phone, by mail, and from our reservations office in Aspen. Cards are also available at participating outdoor retailers and where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Volunteer Opportunities: The Braun Hut System is planning the renovation of the Lindley Hut for the summer of 2002, and will need de-construction volunteers in late June. For more information please call Hawk at: (970) 920-7859The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association needs volunteers for its summer work weekends. Jobs at each hut include: processing 8 cords of wood (chain-sawing, splitting and stacking), painting, refurbishing stoves, cleaning, re-vegetation, etc. To sign up, please call 10th Mountain May 1st. For more information and a schedule, see the "volunteer" link on this website.

Outdoor Education and Backcountry Ski Huts

by Hawk Greenway

A few years ago I was invited to participate on a fourth grade hut trip with 15 students. I went through my usual pre-hut trip gyrations with a wonderful feeling of anticipation and a bit of trepidation, getting gear ready to go, running down the list of what I might need, and so on. I didn’t really know what to expect from these kids, a group that included a full range of skiing abilities and social backgrounds. I wondered what they had in store for me. A worried parent pulled a child from the trip, after all, outdoor education was fine and all, but this was the middle of the WINTER, and these were CHILDREN, for goodness sake! Another parent insisted upon multiple cell phones, just in case. Who would be allowed to go? Parental trepidation was our first hurdle.

Why would anyone attempt a hut trip with an entire class of children? What is there to be learned when it is snowy and cold out of doors? Many of these kids will not become outdoorsmen or women. Why do they need a hut trip? I watched as the fourth graders struggled under unfamiliar, loaded packs. I struggled, myself, trying to find the right mixture of encouragement and aloofness, being helpful but allowing them to do it on their own. On the trip in to the hut, I was amazed and pleased to see three of the stronger boys, unprompted, race to the hut and drop their packs, then turn and race each other back to the back of the line to help the weaker skiers with their loads. Teamwork in action! These kids are OK!

I struggled along with one youngster who believed she could not ever make it, only to watch her put it into high gear and sprint the last two hundred yards to the hut, pack and all, when she finally saw the hut signs. A fire building exercise, far enough removed from the hut, in the snow, in February. I skied between eight children, each of whom had the instructions to prepare their tinder and twigs, their fire platform. I doled out matches (you only get one each, right?). Two or three small flames began to burn brightly, hands were being warmed, and things were going well. I made my rounds to find one perfectly laid out set of twigs, all ready for the match, and a child with tears streaming down her face. What is it? I asked. I have never lit a match before, she answered.

Imagine the satisfaction, the growth that she experienced when that lit match led to a successful, survival type of a bivouac fire. It is almost impossible, in this day and age of cell phones, gameboys, DVDs, fast foods, and lift supported skiing to underestimate the impact of a hut trip upon a group of youngsters. Outdoor education can help to build sound outdoor skills, map reading, route finding, leave no trace camping, teamwork and self reliance, and so on. What really happens when you get these kids out of the house, away from parents and comfortable routines, can be wonderful and surprising. The smallest thing can lead to an AHAA! light going on for a child. Building confidence in themselves, skills and abilities, who wouldn’t want to expose kids to an environment where these can grow and develop? I believe that outdoor education is the last outpost of true, experiential education. The camaraderie and warmth of a hut trip are truly bonuses! Sign me up for another trip.

Board Member Profile -- Robert Wurmstedt

Robert Wurmstedt joined 10th Mountain’s Board of Directors in October 2001. A veteran journalist, media relations and corporate communications consultant, Wurmstedt brings a great deal of knowledge and insight to the board.

Bob worked as a Time Magazine correspondent and bureau chief based in Cairo, Houston, Chicago, and Denver from 1977 to 1987. He served as bureau chief for Business Week in Cleveland, Ohio and Toronto, Canada. He also served in the Peace Corps for one year in 1970 in Cameroon, Africa.

In the corporate sector, Wurmstedt served as Director of Corporate Communications at Global Commerce Systems, an internet software startup in Broomfield, Colorado, where he developed and executed the company's external and internal communications programs, including media and analyst relations. Prior to that, Wurmstedt was director of media relations at U S WEST, where he headed national media relations and worked closely with the company's senior management on crisis communication strategies.

In the nonprofit sector, Wurmstedt was founding director of communications and publications at the Center for the New West, the Denver-based, market-oriented, public policy research institute. During 11 years at the Center for the New West, Wurmstedt managed and edited all Center publications. He also managed the Center's popular annual Western and Great Plains Economic Roundtables, attended by national and regional media, economists and leaders of business and government.

Bob currently serves as senior advisor to The Progress & Freedom Foundation, a Washington, D.C. policy research institute, and is a Consultant to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, also based in Washington, D.C.

“I am honored to be on the 10th Mountain board. It’s made up of a group of very capable people.” To learn more about current issues and to see how he can best contribute, Wurmstedt is starting out with a more passive role at the quarterly meetings. “At this point, I'm doing a lot of listening.”

Since their first outings in the mid-1980s, Bob and his wife Claudia have been hooked on the huts. Fellow board member, David Williams, and his wife BJ, introduced the Wurmstedts to the system, inviting them along on backcountry adventures. “…back then it was a trip to either McNamara or Margy's Huts.”

“I think 10th Mountain is a Colorado treasure; in fact, a national treasure,” he said. ”It is a special organization with a special tradition. I am very proud to be on the board and I look forward to working to keep the hut system strong, and to keep it operating in the vision and the spirit of Fritz Benedict and the other founders of 10th Mountain.”

News & Events from Backcountry Skier's Alliance

By Kim Hedberg • BSA Executive Director

The Backcountry Skiers Alliance is working on task forces in Vail, Wolf Creek, and Steamboat Springs to get areas designated as non-motorized so that you can enjoy the solitude of the backcountry when you ski, snowshoe, and snowboard on public lands in the Southern Rocky Mountains. We work in areas where conflicts have arisen, usually due to heavy use of an area.

At Vail Pass, there is a fee demonstration project, which pays for the signs, maps, and enforcement of the non-motorized and motorized boundaries. That task force is currently reviewing fees, and problem areas. It is likely that the fees (currently $2/person Mon-Thur and $5/person Fri-Sun and $25 for a season pass) will rise in the next season or two to cover the costs of running the program. If you have ideas or concerns on this or your particular experiences in this area, please send an e-mail or give a call (bsa@backcountryalliance.org or 303.494.5266).

The Wolf Creek Task Force started meeting in January 2002. Work is progressing quickly. Minutes of the meetings can be found on the website:http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande/visitor/wcpwrtf/wcpwrtf.htm If you have any comments or concerns, please contact us.

The Steamboat Chapter of the BSA is still negotiating on Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass. The area near Hahn’s Peak (referred to as the North Routt) is being talked about by owners of the land near that area. More information can be obtained from Leslie Lovejoy at friendsofroutt@mindspring.com.

If you’d like to report on any experiences you’ve had with motorized users in the winter, please fill out a BERD (Backcountry Experience Report Document) which can be found on our website: http://backcountryalliance.org/berd.htm.

If you are interested in volunteering time or finding out more about what’s happening at the BSA, please check our website backcountryalliance.org or call (303.494.5266). Our funding comes from memberships, so if you care about these issues, please consider joining us (info on our website). Increased membership strengthens our voice. Thanks for your support!

Summit Huts Association & Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
Alliance Formed

An alliance between Summit Huts Association (SHA) and the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) was formed by a working group of Board members of the two organizations. BOEC and SHA will be sharing some administrative and management functions, and together will collaborate to develop increased educational use at the huts.

The working group, which included SHA President Rich Rowley, Tim Casey, Cindy Gray and Leigh Girvin for SHA and BOEC Chairman, Jack Wolfe, Rich Cook and Jeff Campeau for BOEC, saw many benefits to be gained by the two organizations pooling their efforts. Neide Cooley, an independent consultant, worked with the team on the alliance structure. In the agreement, the BOEC will contract to provide management services to SHA and schedule programs during non-peak or agreed times, particularly in the shoulder seasons and summer at Francie’s Cabin. SHA will benefit from the BOEC’s expertise in management and programming. Working together, the goal is to strengthen both organizations programmatically and financially.

“The future is bright for both SHA and the BOEC with this alliance,” said SHA President Rich Rowley. “As SHA transitions from a hut building organization to one of maintaining the huts, increasing educational opportunities with BOEC makes great sense.” Jeff Campeau, a BOEC board member, commented, “This is a creative solution to issues facing both organizations. Summit Huts gains some needed management expertise and BOEC gains some innovative sites for programs.” The boards of both SHA and BOEC unanimously approved the alliance at their December board meetings. As Leigh Girvin departs Summit Huts after 14 years, Mike Zobbe, operations manager, for SHA will likely see an expanded role. An administrative coordinator position will also be created that will be shared between SHA and BOEC. An intern is envisioned for the future to assist SHA and learn more about the hut system. Rich Cook executive director for BOEC will work closely with SHA board and staff to support the success of the alliance. “There are a lot of synergies between Summit Huts and the BOEC that we are excited about leveraging. We are already talking with the schools in Summit County to get kids up to the huts for outdoor education,“ Cook said. Challenges and opportunities face the two organizations as they become more closely aligned. The Boards have committed to work together as the process evolves. Already the Boards have identified three high priorities:

• Maintaining the separate identities of the two organizations
• Expanding educational opportunities
• Strengthening the operations of both organizations

For hut guests, this will mean continued access to the Summit Huts during the most popular times of the season, as well as innovative group and open enrollment courses, such as the popular Babes in the Backcountry and backcountry skiing seminars, at the huts when they are less busy.

If you have questions or suggestions for SHA and BOEC as the alliance develops, please contact us at summithuts@colorado.net or (970)453-8583, Rich Rowley at metalsourceinc@aol.com (970)453-4048 or Rich Cook at richcook@boec.org (970)453-6422.