Hut to Hut Ski Traverse FAQs
What time do hut guests meet? 8:00AM at the Upper Three Creeks Sno-park on the first day. There is a 7:00am or custom options available upon request.
How do we pay the balance? When we meet your group on day 1, we will collect the balance. Cash or check is greatly preferred. It is possible to take a CC, but reception at the sno-park is poor and difficult for our card swiper.
How do we add more people to our group? You can add more people at anytime to your group. The max is 8. Its nice for us to know the final number in your crew by the week of your trip... but its still OK to change the number last minute if you keep us posted. No extra deposits are required for additional people. We we collect their payments on the morning of day 1 when we meet.
Water? Snowmelt is used for drinking water.
Where can I rent or demo nordic backcountry skis? Pine Mountain Sports and Mountain Supply in Bend and Eurosports in Sisters all are familiar with our traverse and know which skis to set you up with. You must plan ahead and reserve, quantities are limited and shops are closed some days of the week.
Dogs? No dogs…even well behaved dogs with big floppy ears are not allowed, sorry. You might see our pup Usra out there, but she is staff.
Can we bring our own snowmobile? Motorized travel to the huts in not allowed.
Can we snowshoe? Its a ski traverse. It can be extremely difficult to snowshoe that distance in a variety of conditions. Skiing is just much more efficient.
Is there cell reception at the huts? There is cell coverage a majority of the traverse, but there are sections that have spotty or unreliable service. Cell phones serve as your emergency communication, so conserve the battery, or bring backups. We require a sattelite beacon for emergency backup. We loan these out if you don’t have one.
Food? Each hut is stocked with the staple ingredients listed on our huts page. Please supplement these ingredients with fresh fruits, veggies, meats, snacks or anything else you wish to carry. These supplies are stocked once week or as needed.
Custom Shuttle? The standard shuttle meets at 8:00am Day 1 at the Three Creeks Sno-park. We are now offering an Early Bird Option at 7:00am (you must request this at least a week in advance).
What if I live in Bend, does my whole group need to go to Three Creek SnoPark? For local Bend folks who don’t want the whole group to have to drive to Sisters in the morning you can send just your shuttle drivers with the return vehicles to the Three Creeks Sno-Park to meet the shuttle. The shuttle will then pick up the rest of your group when they swing back through Bend at The LOGE BEND.
What if the snow conditions are awful, can we cancel or postpone our trip? This is a mountain traverse and you should always be prepared for difficult snow conditions on any given day. It might be raining, it might be icy, it might be deep… it might be a mix of all these things. That said, in very difficult or storm conditions, we have options that include packed snowmobile road variations, out and back variations and single night variations. When conditions are challenging or dangerous we work with all the groups to find a workable variation. What we can’t do is move your reservation later in the season or move to the next season.
How difficult is the ski? Its hard to give the route a difficulty rating. The most challenging aspect will be the diverse snow conditions. Some days the skiing will be friendly, other days will be very challenging. This is a good trip for nordic skiers with decent fitness and experience skiing off trail. There are a few steep ups and downs, but for the most part the terrain is rolling. Another challenge will be days that require breaking trail. In deep snow this can be quite a workout. It helps to have a big crew that can take turns at the front. Day 1 is the toughest day… the time to arrive at the first cabin has taken groups anywhere from 2-1/2 hours to 7 hours.
How difficult is the navigation? The route will be marked, but it is possible to loose the route in low visibility. The recommended route is one of which we feel follows the friendliest terrain and avoids popular snowmobile areas as much as possible. Your group is of course welcome to make up your own route and explore any of the terrain between huts. The beginning and end of the route uses the existing nordic trails of Dutchman and Three Creeks XC ski areas.
We read and understand your no cancelation policy, but we can’t make it regardless, what now? If you can’t make your reservtaion, let us know ASAP. We will advertise it on our website and send a note to our waiting list. If another group books fills your spot we will refund your deposit (less 5% bank fees). If no other group books that date, you are responsible for the full balance of the trip. Another good reason to purchase trip insurance.