Summer 2001

Out-going and In-coming Executive Directors

Peter Looram & Ben Dodge -- interviewed by Paul Andersen

Outgoing 10th Mountain executive director Peter Looram began his official involvement with the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association in 1980 when he joined other founders on a trip to ski the Haute Route in France and to get ideas for the fledgling 10th Mountain hut and trail system. He later worked as a volunteer under co-directors Rob Burnett and Charla Brown and was a caretaker of the Margy's Hut. Peter first came to Aspen in 1964 on a ski vacation and returned during subsequent college vacations. He moved to Aspen in 1974, was appointed executive director in 1990, and is now stepping down to pursue a life of work, education, travel and continued healing from a debilitating bout with rheumatoid arthritis. Looram served as executive director for almost eleven years.

Ben Dodge, Looram's replacement, was raised in rural Minnesota and moved to Aspen in 1987 to pursue a career in competitive cross-country skiing. Dodge i s 36 years old and remains an avid endurance athlete who coaches the Aspen Junior Nordic Team. He leaves his job as Trails Coordinator for the City of Aspen, which he held since 1999.

Peter, you were involved with the 10th Mountain and its chief visionary, Fritz Benedict, from the beginning. Describe the original vision.
"10th Mountain co-founder Fritz Benedict wrote his master’s thesis in graduate school about a trail system in the Midwest and he always wanted to see people get outdoors and enjoy the backcountry. He wanted to make it possible for people to do that by providing huts and trails, and he did just that with the 10th. Fritz wanted people to have fun in the outdoors. He figured that a day spent outdoors with your friends is better than anything spent indoors. The 10th Mountain Hut System was his baby. He came over almost every day and he watched the system grow–not just the number of huts–but the staff, the reservation system, all of it. He was tickled by it. That was the direction that we all worked towards when I came on and we've been able to further it a little more."

What were your accomplishments?
"We built the Skinner, Betty Bear, Eiseman, and Benedict Huts; additionally, the Summit Huts Association built three cabins, and the Polar Star added another cabin to its original Polar Star Inn. We went from 15,000 user nights when I started, and that includes all the huts we manage, to almost 50,000 today. That makes us far and away the largest hotel on the Western Slope. And that has required an infrastructure. Ben will probably have to look at 100,000 user nights before he’s done."

Why did you take the job of executive director?
"I wanted an excuse to go up to the huts (laughter). Rob Burnett and Charla Brown were running the place at the time and they said: “Hey, come join us in helping run this organization.” I thought it was pretty odd that it would take three of us to run it, and after about a month they said: “By the way, we’re leaving for the Northwest. Have a good time.”(laughter). They presented the selection of the new director as a fait accompli to the board, and the board asked if they had interviewed a number of candidates. 'Who is this guy and how is this going to go?' Rob and Charla said it would all be fine and they took off. That is how small and informal it was then."

What will you do now?
I haven’t had a master plan for my professional life other than what fits with some personal goals: have some fun, get outdoors, try to add a little value to those goals. That’s what got me to 10th Mountain and that’s what will get me into what I do next. I'll take some time off. Now that I’m better from the arthritis, I’m enjoying myself.

You were stricken with rheumatoid arthritis during your tenure as executive director. How did it affect your work?
" Because of the arthritis, there were many things I couldn't do, like go to the huts, and that made me rely more on the gang that worked here. The board, the staff, the volunteers, they picked up the slack and did a much better job than I ever could have done on my own. And they made it fun. If I wouldn't have had arthritis, I wouldn't have had to rely on other people and the organization wouldn't be as strong as it is now. The responsibilities got spread out and most of the people I started with are still here. There is a lot of tradition and loyalty."

How was Ben Dodge chosen as the next executive director?
"We had a terrific bunch of applicants and they all came from the extended 10th Mountain family. All of them were involved in the huts in one capacity or another. The hiring committee had a tough decision to make. We finally decided on Ben and we’re all tickled."

Ben, how do you view the organization you have inherited from Peter?
"The 10th Mountain represents a theology, a philosophy. That’s what drew me to the association, and the more I learn about it, the more appealing it is. The commitment and the loyalty, the continuity we have speak volumes about the organization and where it can go. It has held true to its original values and maintained a true focus. Our job is to create opportunities for people to get outside and have the right tools at their disposal–education, equipment, and the right frame of mind, the right approach to being outdoors. Part of our job is to give people that opportunity, give them what they need and teach them if they don’t know it so they can get out there and realize that anything they do outdoors is going to be better than sitting in their office. The 10th will continue to give them a break from their busy and perhaps hectic lifestyles. It sounds like a cliché, but we give people the opportunity to slow it down and reflect. I want to do that as much as possible, personally".

Peter: "Ben is right. We often focus on how many huts have been built and the users focus on the huts–how comfortable they are and what they are going to drink there. We have to keep telling people that the huts are there so they can get into the backcountry. Otherwise, you would have to dig a pit or take a tent and only a few are going to do that. The first and most important thing is the experience, not the huts. The getting there, the being outdoors, taking time to make some turns, sitting down and having a fun lunch, looking around, getting off the trail, exploring–all those things. People can do a little more networking with nature and a little less through their cell phones."

Ben, how has your athletic career and your past work with the City of Aspen prepared you for your new role with the 10th?
"I hired on with the City of Aspen as Nordic Trails Coordin-ator because Nordic skiing was my game and still is. I was attracted to that job for the same reasons I am attracted to this job–providing trails and a structure where people can get out and have a good time, where they can enjoy and learn to enjoy being outside. It’s kind of a tame experience–groomed trails–and yet I spent the vast majority of my cross-country skiing career on groomed trails. But true cross-country skiing is what the 10th Mountain is all about–sliding through the country. My progression has been a very natural one and the rewards have been significant. What I helped provide through the city, the 10th Mountain provides to a much greater degree."

Peter and Ben, both of you have been cross-country ski racers. Is it a prerequisite that the executive director be a superb athlete?
Peter: "Because of the arthritis, I couldn't do much of anything for most of my tenure. Even before then, the only thing I saw of Ben during my cross-country racing career was his rear (laughter)."

Ben: "I grew up learning how to ski on a farm in Minnesota, on wooden skis, on a flat field trying to figure out how to keep up with my old man. I progressed from there through some junior development programs and high school and college skiing. I came out here to get a job right after high school, then went to college, but kept coming back. Skiing was always a big part of my life. After college I thought I’d put some serious effort into competition. After a while I realized I had given it 100 percent and that it was time to move on to other things. I have also been helping coach for the Aspen Valley Ski Club– the Junior Nordic Program–and it’s been very rewarding. Coaching has been a nice opportunity to try to teach a great sport to younger people and do my best to make sure they enjoy it and will keep doing it after high school and college."

Ben, what unique attribute do you bring to this organization?
"I can establish what’s good, what needs tweaking, if anything, by consulting with all the folks who have had roles in 10th Mountain. One of my skills is coming into an organization and trying to assess everyone’s thoughts of where the organization should be and trying to continue a commitment to an ideal and a dedication to the founding idea. I will be facilitating and acting as a coordinator. It’s important to remember that it is not just me and the staff, but also the communities involved, and the users of the 10th system. I hope people will be able to come to me and say: 'This is what we think would work.'"

Peter: "We couldn't build the hut system if we tried to propose it now. The atmosphere is different. There would be too many conflicts with other Forest users. The 10th Mountain must be much more balanced now between backcountry developer and backcountry preservationist. The opportunities for growth are not there anymore, especially on public land. Now it’s a matter of finding private inholdings, existing cabins that may come into the system, changes of ownership, new cabins. It’s going to take more imagination and work than in the past. The role has become more multi-faceted, more complicated to attain the same mission. My hope is that we’re leaving Ben an organization that runs smoothly enough to give him the time to put his energy toward these new challenges."

Ben: "There have been times of incredible expansion for the 10th, and it was done very well. But it’s a different arena now. So, it may be wise to sit tight and improve on what we have while keeping options open for other huts."

Ben, have you skied the entire system? "No, but I didn't take the job to spend all my time in the office, I'll tell you that. As Peter said, there are a lot of demands placed on this position, but you need to know what’s going on in the field, and that means talking to the people in the huts. A lot of the work coming up for me is going to be a continuation of the partnerships that have made 10th Mountain secure–the political associations that we've made–and I'll be furthering those. That’s where a lot of the challenge lies, making sure we have a voice and that it’s heard. I’m honored to be here."

Farewell Letter from Director Peter Looram

Sincerely, Peter Looram

10th Mountain Benedict 100 -- February 2001

The Benedict 100 is an annual event in memory of Fritz Benedict, the visionary father of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. Fritz and several other founders of the Association skied the famous Haute Route in Europe in the late 1970’s, which provided many of the ideas for the 10th hut system. This is the ninth year that intrepid skiers have embarked upon an epic adventure in honor of this group and their inspirational trip. The trip is led by the competent duo of 10th Field Staff veterans, Ted and Carol Billings. In addition to their daily work regimen of skiing to the 10th Mountain huts, they are also professional guides with extensive mountaineering and skiing experience.

Nine strong and determined skiers, eight great huts, twelve wonderful hut hosts, six glorious days, and miles upon miles of trail made this year’s trip a memorable one. The following itinerary will give you an idea of the magnitude of the challenge this trip provides. Day One: Sunday, February 4: departed Hunter Creek Trailhead in Aspen at 6 a.m. Skied up to the McNamara Hut, then to Margy’s Hut. Day Two: Margy’s to Betty Bear Hut. Day Three: Betty Bear to Skinner Hut via Hagerman Pass, then on to Uncle Bud‘s Hut, and then on to 10th Mountain Division Hut (fifteen hours of skiing). Day Four: 10th Mountain to Jackal Hut. Day Five: Jackal to Shrine Mountain Inn. Day Six: Shrine Mountain to Vail via the Commando Run.

Different snow conditions provided extra challenges. We encountered deep, fresh snow that, when the sun hit it, became very heavy and wet and stuck to our skis. We skied through hip-deep sugar snow that slowed us to a three-hour per mile rate. And, of course, we also had great easy skiing on other sections. The group was very strong and worked very well together. Every skier completed this year’s Benedict 100, which was unusual. Usually someone is unable to complete the trip because of catching a cold, or having to get back to work, or overestimating his or her ability. But this group had the determination, skill and training to make it happen. We thank all of the hut hosts for their wonderful help. They melted snow for water, warmed the hut, cooked and cleaned so that we could leave early in the morning. It was a pleasure knowing that good food, warm huts and wonderful companionship were waiting for us.

2001 Western Huts Ski Trip

10th Mountain completed its 9th and most successful western interconnect ski trip this last January with 11 very skilled and strong skiers. Even though it is called the “easier version” compared to the Benedict 100, I believe that everyone who participates understands that there is nothing easy about it. Thanks to all the volunteers, support team, our leaders Debbie Kelly and Jarod Trow, and to the ski crew participants.

We usually left the huts before daylight and traveled 8-10 hours.

Sunday, January 28, 6 am, Hunter Creek trailhead Using kick wax we are able to kick and glide to the McNamara Hut, say hello to the surprised guests there at 9 am, and continue touring to the Spruce and Woody Creek junction, where we put on skins for the climb to the Margy's Hut. We arrived at 3:00 and were greeted by our hosts’ large smiles: James Fulton and Amy Capron. We ate appetizers and drank a lot of water, then rested to get ready for the real meal! Everyone was in bed early in preparation for the following day with 17 miles of travel to the Gates Hut.

Monday, January 29, 5 am • On the trail at first light A screaming ski descent out of the Margy's hut to Sawmill Park, then down Foster Gulch to Twin Meadows and on to Norrie. We then had a grueling 11/2 miles of unbroken trail to the Diamond J. Once across the Fryingpan River we pulled out the skins, to climb up to Montgomery Flats. At the Gates Hut our hosts Laura, Grame Means, and Edwardo were ready to help celebrate Paul Andersen’s 50th birthday. Encouraged by some very good single malt scotch, Leigh Girvin, the director of the Summit Huts System gave a worthy demonstration of her belly dancing skills. Paul read wilderness excerpts every night– his way of celebrating the passage. Tuesday, January 30 • Only 7 miles to the Peter Estin Hut Everyone was ready to break trail (though Ted did most of the work) and we were lucky to have a group coming down from the Peter Estin Hut. This short day still required almost 6 hours on the trail. We arrived to a full snowmelt pot of water and a gut-bursting pasta bolognese. Before dinner, some of the crew had to do some ski testing in front of the hut. Wednesday, January 31 • Layover day with time to ski Charles Peak, Main Bowl, Guides Glades. All were hit, not a field was left untracked. That evening we were treated to a wonderful spread brought up by Peter Looram, May Eynon, and Mike Shook. Of course we have to thank May’s favorite chef, Troy Selby, for the incredible appetizers. Thursday, February 1 • We left the Peter Estin by 7 am Headlamps were on to the top of the Ironedge trail, then a few moments to let the vertigo pass from skiing in the dark. Shouts of “Let the games begin!” were heard as we began our high-speed descent! Arriving at the turn off to the Polar Star Inn, out came the skins, off came a layer and down went the heads, as we began our methodic climb. At the head of Card Creek, we stopped for a short lunch–drill sergeant Scott reminded the crew that they still had miles to go. After a wonderful descent into West Lake Creek, we arrived to the traditional celebratory beers and snacks from our shuttle driver. Next year’s ski–through, celebrating 10th Mountain’s 20th Anniversary, is scheduled for January 27-31, 2002. It’s an incredible event and adventure. If you are interested, sign up early, but remember, this trip must be taken seriously. Good physical fitness and excellent skiing ability are required. For more information contact Scott Messina: 970/925-4554.

Benedict Bike 150

Join 10th Mountain in celebrating 12 years of summer success with our new Benedict Bike 150, Aspen to Vail interconnect bike trip, September 22-27, 2001.

10th Mountain Staff Off-Season Adventures

While Peter Looram and Jarod Trow are flying the 10th Mountain coop for good, the rest of us are looking forward to spring trips to escape the mountain mud and liven up the off-season.

The most ambitious off-season adventure award goes to 10th Mountain field staffer, James, who is currently in Nepal on an unsupported climb of Lhotse, the world’s 4th highest peak. Never tired of snow and cold, Ted and Carol are headed to Alaska for their annual sea kayaking trip. Interested in warmer climes, Scott and Deb are looking forward to a mountain biking trip in Utah. May is off to Cincinnati for her sister’s wedding, after which she’s heading south, first to Costa Rica and then to Miami, for some much-needed R, R & R (Rest, Relaxation, and Recreation).

Mary is spending a month at an ashram in order to escape from computers and become certified as a yoga instructor. Kestrel is leaving Aspen to spend a month in Utah and then return to Jackson, WY for the summer where she works as a climbing guide. This spring Debbie will play the role of office serf. She’ll be here all off-season and looks forward to spending her days taking reservations, so give her a call! Between weeks in the office, Debbie plans to head to Moab for some weekend biking and hiking trips. Joining Debbie in off-season employment, office manager, Cindy, looks forward to filling long spring afternoons with rides on her road bike.

For a final bit of spring excitement, we’re all excited for the return of 10th Mountain Reservations veteran, Jenifer, who is just wrapping up an eight-month, around the world honeymoon with husband Paul.

Supporting Hut Trips for Special Use Groups

10th Mountain supports an increasing number of Special Use Groups which include school children, at-risk youth or older people. Such support includes hut discounts, advice, planning sessions, and occasional logistical support intended to make these trips easier, safer and more fun. It is great to have these special use groups at the huts because they enjoy the experience. These groups also allow 10th Mountain the opportunity to further its educational commitment. The 10th Mountain Board of Directors has formed an educational committee to look at ways to help teachers, children, parents and other people learn backcountry skills and ethics. Many of the outdoor education leaders that we work with are great–others need help. Some groups could do better at promoting hut etiquette, for example, or encouraging an awareness of the ecology around the huts. So 10th Mountain is responding to these needs and will be placing more of an emphasis on preparedness and education for its special use groups. Included are three letters that speak to some of the users involved. Chuck Ogilby’s concerns come from long experience. The owners of the Shrine Mountain Inn have been unfailingly generous in offering discounts. Almost 1/2 of the special use groups that 10th Mountain supports go to the Shrine Mountain Inn because it is easy to get to and can accommodate larger groups. We welcome any suggestions, comments and support for this program.

Dear 10th Mountain,
My name is Kendra Stuckey, and I visited the Margy's Hut with my Gunnison High School Outdoor Recreation class. We were there from February 18th through the 21st. I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the hut. It was very nice and everything worked out great. The people before us left it clean and ready for us and we did the same for the people after us. The hut was very warm and comfortable. Not only did I like the hut, but also the views and the skiing. It was very beautiful at the hut and the areas that surrounded it. We skied the whole day on the 19th, and it was great. Margy's Hut is in a very beautiful spot, and our class greatly appreciated being able to go on this adventurous trip. Kendra Stuckey

Dear 10th Mountain,
I am writing to you in regards to my Outdoor Recreation Skills class at Gunnison High School. The class has been in existence for six and a half years. The class meets five days a week for three hours each time. Students that participate in the class are at the Junior and Senior level at Gunnison High School. The class revolves within three clusters of study. The ‘Hard Skills’ (rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountaineering, caving, mountain biking, and compass skills, backpacking, community service projects, cross-country & backcountry skiing, and avalanche awareness, etc.), ‘Soft Skills’ (expedition behavior, communication, cooperation, listening, leading, following, planning, role responsibility, ownership in ones group skills, proper judgement and evaluation of outdoor situations, support of one another etc.), and ‘Interdisciplinary Skills’ the study of flora, fauna, geology, glaciology, archeology, math, and Colorado history). The class is part of the physical education curriculum at Gunnison High. I made reservations for the Margy's Hut and at the time of the reservation I was informed that we qualified for a not-for-profit organization discount of half price. This discount is a great blessing for the class. Students provide and raise all funds to make the class possible. Leo Malloy, Outdoor Skills Teacher Gunnison high School

Dear 10th Mountain,
Meredith, the kids and I spent three wonderful days and nights at Walter’s Cabin over the Thanksgiving holidays. Scott Hagberg, our hut keeper, also joined us for many meals. During one of our conversations with Scott, he told us about how frustrating it is with many (not all) of the school groups. He says that often there is no attempt to teach the kids hut etiquette and as a result he wonders if we are doing these kids a favor staying at the huts. Often the huts are not left clean, towels are just left in piles, decks are not shoveled, and the saunas are trashed, to name a few things. I also witnessed some very disgusting entries in the log books. There was really nothing in any of these entries we witnessed that gave an indication that anything worthwhile was learned. It seems as though we would be wise to try to put a letter together that would more clearly outline our mission as it relates to education and why we are willing to give discounts to try to promote this mission. But in return, we expect these young people to more closely follow the established rules of hut use. We should stress that the use of the log books more clearly be an entry of the experiences encountered and/or a celebration of a trip well done. Perhaps it is not so obvious to some students and parents that the Shrine Mountain Inn is much different than the hotels they go to–I don’t know. Does this sort of thing happen at the other huts?

Chuck Ogilby, Shrine Mountain Inn

News from the Backcountry Skiers Alliance

Thanks much to all the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association members who just joined the Backcountry Skiers Alliance (BSA). As an advocacy organization, a growing membership is our greatest asset.

We have had a busy year working on projects in the Steamboat Springs area with the Hahn's Peak ranger district and beginning to work on the Wolf Creek Pass area.The process of educating federal land managers on the importance of taking a proactive interest in the needs of different recreational groups is a long, slow process. In Steamboat, the Rabbit Ears Pass agreement reached last year was implemented using volunteers to show people where to ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile. Surveys were taken and though there seemed to be a few people determined to disregard the separation, for the most part, users were respectful. A new agreement was reached at Buffalo Pass (just northeast of Steamboat), in January. This agreement allows non-motorized users quiet, untracked places to ski, snowshoe, and snowboard; snowmobiles places to ride and play; and hybrids (those using a snowmobile to get to places to ski and snowboard) places to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Maps and signs were created, and next year volunteers will help explain the boundaries.

Thanks to a grant from Patagonia, the Backcountry Skiers Alliance will be getting together with the Forest Service and local skiers and snowmobilers to determine the best way to mitigate conflicts in the Wolf Creek Pass area. A meeting is tentatively scheduled for May, 2001.

Next year, we anticipate continuing with our skills series lectures in the fall. For those of you who may have missed them, we organized four lectures on topics ranging from avalanche, winter navigation, and equipment to emergency winter care. The talks were held at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO. I hope to see many of you there next fall. Details will be forthcoming on our website: www.backcountryalliance.org.

In February, 2000, BSA helped jumpstart a national winter recreation group. The Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) helps grassroots groups (like the Backcountry Skiers Alliance) get started by providing information on how to form a group and how to collaborate with other user groups and the land managers. Models are being created based on the experience of BSA and other groups who have reached successful agreements with motorized users.The WWA also works on national issues such as those in Yellowstone National Park and ensures that the non-motorized voice is heard by state and federal legislators and senior land managers with the Forest Service, BLM, etc. More information can be found on their website at: www.winterwildlands.org.

10th Mountain Volunteer Work Weekends

As always, 10th Mountain Work Weekends are a popular way to help keep the huts in top shape. If you're interested, check the schedule on this website, then call 10th Mountain to sign up.

Summit Huts Association Volunteer Days and Summer Events

HelpSummit Huts get the huts prepare for winter: moving and stacking firewood, cleaning, and other chores. Volunteers receive a 1 night hut credit in thanks for their day of work. Summit Huts also offers special events and classes such as map&compass, writing, and painting.

Reservations Lottery 2001

In March, 10th Mountain conducted its third annual lottery for winter hut space. Participation was up slightly from last year with 1076 members submitting entries for winter 2001-2002 hut trips (a +3% change from last year). Of these people, 950 (88.3%) received a trip from their list of choices (a +1.8% change from last year). Both the number of members entering a part of a group and the number of groups increased as well.

Many entrants used the cross-referencing approach to listing choices that we included as "example number one" in the lottery form instructions. This was a great help for us in finding trips for people, and resulted in more people receiving a trip. Please keep your options as open as possible on next year’s form. The most successful people included not just a large number of choices, but a variety of choices. For example, some folks had 10 choices, but they were all Saturdays at the same hut, so they didn't receive a trip if they were drawn in the latter half of the lottery. If you are interested in getting some tips for filling out your form for next year, please feel free to give us a call when you receive the 2002-2003 form and we’d be happy to try and help.

Our fax machine was slammed on the last couple of days of the lottery. We received several hundred faxes on the day of the deadline alone. It was chaos. Sorry to those of you who called that day to try and confirm that we received your form. Next year, please send it earlier if you’d like to receive confirmation. We want people to participate and would like to be able to provide you with confirmation, when possible.

Noteworthy Group Names from the Hut Registers

• 10th Mountain Ebenezers (back for another year–way to go!)
• Boulder High Hutters (only from Boulder)
• Colorado Springs Psychos and Colorado Springs Wild Things (is the Springs really such a crazy place?)
• Don’t Forget Windpants (or the rest of your clothes)
• Environmental Avengers (no Category III expansion for us–please don’t burn down our hut!)
• Full Contact Cribbage (to be followed by Extreme Uno)
• Hut Puppies (again, the pet issue)
• Les Skieurs Formidable (bien sur!)
• Old and In the Way (move over!)
• Over the Rainbow (Auntie Em, Auntie Em–take me back to the Section House!)
• Sleek and Sassy Tele Skirts (perhaps this is what to wear if you do “Forget Windpants”)
• These Men Are From Mars (they all are!)