Intermediate Backcountry Trip to Jackal Hut presented by Mountain Hardwear

About Gravity Haus Overnight Experiences

Gravity Haus creates best-in-class experiences that welcome our community to spend time in reverence of the great outdoors, where you’ll embrace your inner adventurer, disconnect from the grind of daily life, and develop relationships with your fellow Gravity Haus members as you create memories outside, together.

About This Trip

J oin us for a stunning ski-touring adventure to one of Colorado’s most beloved high alpine huts with our partners at Paragon Guides. Ski in solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts, cuddle up by the fire, enjoy your time away from the connected world, and break bread with your fellow members and guide team in the comfort of your private cabin – Jackal Hut. Paragon Guides will be onsite to help you hone your backcountry skills, and share stories of the mountains you’ll call home for 3 days.

Value of This Experience

• Gravity Haus members receive a massive discount off of the public pricing. $700 for our members. Public access is $900.
• I n addition, Gravity Haus will be providing elevated dinners each night from Slope Room. These specially-created menus are not available to the public.
• Our partners at Mountain Hardwear have generously donated a PCT 55L Backpack by Mountain Hardwear for each attendee, valued at $280.

Who Should Attend This Experience?

• Attendees should be able to SAFELY ski/ride back bowls, in any snow conditions.
• Attendees should know how to use their backcountry ski/ride gear. Splitboarders should know how to assemble and disassemble their gear.
• Attendees should befit enough to travel in the backcountry for multiple hours for 3 days.
• Attendees should be prepared for multiple hours of adventuring in the cold.

FAQ

• What skill level should I be to participate? It is important that you have significant experience, and feel comfortable, with skiing back bowls prior to attending this trip. There will be the option for skiing, but the majority of the trip will be spent ski-touring, advanced split-borders welcome! This is NOT appropriate for beginners.
• Do I get to talk to the guides before the trip starts? Yes! Your guides will contact you in advance to set up details, and there is a pre-trip call to meet them!
• How big is the trip? 11 attendees, plus 3 Paragon guides and a Gravity Haus host.
• What should I pack? Everything listed here.
• Should I tip my guides? Your guides work hard before, during, and after your experience to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
• Can my dog come? Not on this trip.
• Is there any avalanche danger? The team at Paragon Guides scouts out the best conditions and assess avalanche danger and other potentially dangerous conditions that may not be evident to the untrained eye. You’re in great hands with them.
• Pre & Post-Hike Accommodations: We encourage you to use your discount at Gravity Haus Vail to stay overnight Thursday or Sunday. Simply open your app to book!
• Where are we staying? Jackal Hut is the eastern most hut owned by 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. It is located in central Colorado, on the western slope of the Continental Divide about 15 miles north of the city of Leadville at 11,660′. It is the closest hut to the Camp Hale site, where the 10th Mountain Division soldiers did most of their training during the Second World War.

Itinerary

Tuesday, February 6

• Virtual pre-trip orientation meeting, where you’ll “meet” with your guides, fellow trekkers, and review all details in preparation for your trip.

Monday, February 12

• 8 AM – Meet at Copper Mountain for introductions and gear review
• ~9:45 AM – Tour up to Jackal Hut – expect to cover 4 miles with 2,300′ of elevation gain
• Apres and dinner from Slope Room at Jackal Hut

Tuesday, February 13

• Head out for some quality turns while incorporating topics like trip planning, decision making, route-finding techniques, and more. Cozy up and relax as you’d like – catch up on books, play games, channel your creative side with crafts, and enjoy meals with your fellow attendees. Stay up for the ultimate “Netflix” and chill as you take in the Milky Way at 11,660′.

Wednesday, February 14

• Breakfast, touring or relaxing, pack up the hut then return to vehicles.

Trip Package Includes

• A PCT 55L Backpack by Mountain Hardwear for each attendee, valued at $280 (yours to keep!)
• Paragon Professional Guides (6:1 maximum guide to attendee ratio)
• Food
• L odging
• Avalanche safety gear, if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack) – rent from Haus Quiver, or Paragon can provide.

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Clothing and gear – everything listed here.
• Backcountry skis or splitboards – available to rent via Haus Quiver
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
• Gratuity