Uncle Bud's Hut Winter Route

This trip can be taken two different ways to the trailhead (Turquoise Lake Trailhead), if you are starting in the winter like I did. The road to the trailhead is closed to snowmobiling in the winter, so you can choose to take a calm hike with a gradual incline for about four miles to the trailhead, or get a snowmobile lift to the trailhead (for a fee and premade reservation).

Once you are there the trail takes on a pretty good incline, which only means a good ski down the next day! You gain about 1,600 ft in elevation in two miles and it is so worth it! This hut has been known for it's scenic views of Mount Massive and surrounding mountain ranges.

For me, I am a split boarder and found lots of good steep terrain to ski off of. If you hike behind the hut a little way you will find a drainage to ski around in with lots of trees and some good champagne powder! Don't go to far down or you can expect a gnarly hike out, and always with backcountry skiing watch for avalanche danger; this area especially is in the high risk zone. But even if you don't get some skiing in, there are so many fun meadows and lakes nearby to take a good day hike to. Inside the hut you can find maps that will lead you to those places.

The hut is powered by a solar panel and has some lights, a propane stove top and lots of cooking utensils, so you don't need to worry about those necessities!