This past weekend was supposed to be a classic “follow the snow” roadtrip. But this year had other ideas: record-low snowpack and record-high temps in the Rocky Mountains. There were plenty of bluebird days in the forecast, but there was barely anything to ski. So we pivoted. Instead of chasing winter, we leaned into what the mountains had to give us and turned it into a “follow the sun” adventure filled with dirt, desert, and hot springs.

If you live in Colorado, you know how I am feeling: you check the snow report, hoping for powder days and the opportunity for fresh tracks… and instead you find spring-like temperatures resulting in thin coverage and icy runs. Some winters just don’t deliver the ski conditions we have come to expect in the Rockies and this year is definitely one of them. While this winter is disappointing for skiers, it’s actually pretty great for many other sports and movement activities.

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.