A Backcountry Trip to Jackal Hut: A Mix of Snow & Dirt, Negative Temps, and a Little Hawaiian Vibe

Dr Jess Klain
23 hours ago
3 min read

Winter in Colorado always keeps us on our toes. Unfortunately, this year has been a low-snow year, with warmer temperatures leading to variable conditions and limited skiing. Finally, below-freezing (and even sub-zero) temperatures and fresh snow were finally in the forecast this past weekend, making it the perfect timing for our annual backcountry hut trip. This year, we were lucky enough to snag a reservation at Jackal Hut through the 10th Mountain Division Hut System.

The Journey In: When Low Snowpack Changes the Plan

Jackal Hut sits at approximately 11,600 feet near Tennessee Pass, with a winter trail of roughly 3.8 miles and over 2,500 feet of elevation gain to reach it. In a typical year, this distance is traveled on skis, but this year’s low snowpack forced us to hike about a mile in ski boots. Carrying skis, packs, and overnight gear at altitude is no small demand on the body. After about four hours, our crew finally caught sight of the hut’s rooftop - we made it! The trek in was a humbling reminder of how endurance, hip strength, and trunk stability show up well beyond the gym.

A Snow Storm: A Welcome Shift

Late Friday, the weather finally turned in our favor. A snowstorm rolled through and dropped about 10 inches of fresh snow, chaning the conditions just enough to make for some enjoyable backcountry skiing. While it wasn’t enough to fully erase dirt and rock coverage issues, it definitely improved ski quality and morale. How quickly mountain conditions can change!

Backcountry Safety: The Non-Negotiables

A reminder that backcountry safety tools and good decision-making are essential. Every member of the group came prepared with:

Knowledge of slope angle and terrain assessment
An avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe
A reliable ski buddy
A clear plan that included route choices, turnaround times, and communication

Just like in rehab and training, having the right tools, and knowing how to use them, makes all the difference.

Warmth, Firewood, and a Hawaiian Twist

Saturday night brought negative temperatures, which meant one thing: a lot of firewood. The hut stayed warm and cozy thanks to a steady fire and good teamwork. To keep spirits high, we leaned fully into a Hawaiian-themed dinner, complete with a meal of tropical tacos and piña coladas. It was a perfect contrast to sub-zero temps outside and a reminder that laughter is always part of a great hut trip.

The Ski Out: Reality Check

The exit plan was a quick ski back to the trailhead on Sunday. With the trail being all downhill, we expected it to take about 30 minutes to get back to our cars. While the new snow helped, 10 inches wasn’t quite enough to cover all the rocks lower down. To avoid destroying skis, we ended up hiking about a mile on the way out. Not ideal, but absolutely the right call.

Takeaways Back in the Clinic

Being prepared for outdoor activities are a major focus at Physio Yoga & Wellness:

A good base of fitness and strength
Adaptability when conditions aren’t ideal
Respect for the environment and the body
Knowing when to push and when to pivot

Whether you’re heading into the outdoors or working through rehab, the same principles apply: build capacity, prioritize safety, and stay flexible when plans change.

If your body could use some post-adventure care, or you’re training for your next one, PYW is here to help you move better, recover smarter, and keep doing what you love.

Book an Appointment here.