HUT TO HUT SKI TRAVERSE
Reservations now open for 2025
The self-guided 22 mile route contours along the eastern boundary of the Three Sisters Wilderness roughly following the historic Metolius Windigo Trail at an average of 6,500′ in elevation. The recommended route moves through the heart of our beautiful Oregon Cascades from Dutchman Flat near Mt Bachelor to the Three Creeks Sno-park near Sisters, OR. You will ski through old growth Hemlock forests, burnt pines and hidden meadows that offer sweeping views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top.
Unlike the alpine skiing that we host at Tam Rim Yurts, this journey will be a point to point high-country traverse. The terrain is ungroomed and rolling with gentle slopes. We have a recommended route that avoids avalanche terrain. The snow conditions will vary from day to day. Conditions could range from deep fresh powder… or be icy and firm. You may need to break trail the entire route. Those with some fitness, off trail ski experience and appetite for exploring will enjoy this unique adventure.
TRAVERSE DETAILS
PRICING
FAQs
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Booking Options & Pricing
$400 Per Person. Prices are for the entire three-day, two-night traverse, exclusive huts for your party, a Cog Wild shuttle, food, wine and beer.
Huts are not shared by multiple parties. When you reserve date, the cabins will be exclusively for your group.
Total price is $400 Per Person any day of the week. Different days of the week have different minimum group sizes:
For tours beginning on Monday (2 person min)
$800 base price and $400 for each additional person over 2, max 8
For tours beginning on Tuesday (3 person min)
$1200 base price and $400 for each additional person over 3, max 8
For tours beginning on Sunday, Wednesday (4 person min)
$1600 and $400 for each additional person over 4, max 8
For tours beginning on Thursday (5 person min)
$2000 base price and $400 for each additional person over 5, max 8
For tours beginning on a Friday or Saturday: (6 person min)
$2400 and $400 for each additional person over 6, max 8
How Difficult is the Traverse?
This is an off-trail, ungroomed 22 mile backcountry route. There is no steep or technical terrain. The challenge lies in variable snow conditions and long distances. The traverse is NOT recommended for beginners. If the route is icy and you have little experience skiing, you will be falling… a lot. If there is lots of new snow, it can be exhausting breaking trail. That said, many beginners do tackle the route regardless. They find it rewarding but very challenging. If you are not sure if you are up for it, go ski “off-trail” for 8 miles at a local XC ski area and see how you do. Also, make sure there are others in the group that are very experienced to help you. It is very likely that you will not see another group of skiers the entire time. There is no ski patrol. Groups must be prepared to handle a remote emergency until help arrives.
Best Time To Go?
We operate the Ski Traverse late-Dec through mid April. Dec and January will have the coldest temps and best chances for dry cold snow. That said, they also are the shortest days of the year. Day 1 can be long due to the shuttle. If there are added challenges along the route, this can put groups at risk of skiing in the dark before reaching the first hut. As the days get longer, there is more daylight to explore and travel at a more relaxed pace. Please be aware that during the shoulder months of Dec and April (or all months in low snow years) the last few miles of the traverse drops to the lowest elevation (5300’). Often there will not be adequate snow coverage meaning you will have to hike the last bit on foot.
Ski Selection
Skis: Bring metal edge skis with scales. A wider more stable ski is recommended over lightweight skis.
We think the wider the better and recommend at least 50mm at he waist. The sweet spot is a 70-80 mm waist. Most XC skis are labled measuring the shovel up front… the “waist” is the important width.
Boots/Bindings: Beefy Nordic NNN “BC” , 3 Pin/duck bill/telemark, or the new Explorer binding.
Alpine Touring and Telemark gear that is more suited for descending might be a bit too heavy and bulky. Skate skis and track classic skis without edges will be too light and flimsy.
No show shoes. We have had a few people try and show shoe the route… they all had a very difficult time snowshoeing that far.
IMPORTANT! If you plan on renting skis, plan ahead. Many shops have limited supplies and hours. You must plan ahead and reserve, quantities are limited and shops are closed some days of the week.
Mountain Supply, Pine Mountain Sports in Bend
Eurosports in Sisters,
Peak Sport in Corvallis
Mountain Shop in PDX
Skins
We recommend skins. They can be extremely helpful in hard-pack conditions. TSBC has 40-60mm wide skins that work for most skis. These are free to borrow or purchase for $60, but its nice if you have your own that custom fit your skis.
The Traverse Details
Day 1: Shuttle Drop-off, ski Dutchman Flat to Happy Valley Hut
The day begins with guests meeting at Three Creeks Sno-park in the morning to drop off their vehicles. You will meet with our staff for a briefing about the route and snow conditions and safety protocols. A Cog Wild van will then shuttle you and your gear to Dutchman Flat for the beginning of your ski adventure. Maps and recommended route descriptions will be provided in a waterproof case. Our recommended route roughly follows the Metolius Windigo Trail. The route is marked with nordic blue diamonds or yellow flags. Each group skis from south to north, moving to the next hut each day. Other groups may start the day before or after you so we do not offer the option to ski the other direction, visit only one hut, or stay for multiple nights. No guiding will be available. Each group must be self-sufficient and prepared to deal with an emergency while skiing the route. From Dutchman Flat, skiers will proceed 6 miles into the Tumalo Creek drainage where they will spend the first night at the Happy Valley Hut nestled in the mountain hemlock forest. The Hut is fully insulated and comes equipped with 8 bunks, a full kitchen, wood stove and lounge area. Depending on snow conditions, fitness and skill, the adventure could be very quick or take all day. There are endless opportunities to extend your tour outside of the recommended route, or you can just spend your time enjoying the peaceful remote cabin and cozy fire.
Day 2: Happy Valley Hut to Lone Wolf Hut
Skiers continue along the recommended route seven more miles to the Lone Wolf Hut located near Three Creeks Meadow with stunning views of the Three Sisters and Tam McAurthur Rim. The hut is nearly identical to the Happy Valley Hut but the terrain offers expansive views and the surrounding forest is predominately lodgepole pine.
Day 3: Lone Wolf Hut to Three Creeks Sno-Park
On the final day skiers will enjoy a six mile ski that gradually descends more than a thousand feet through the Three Creeks Nordic trail system. Views of the Three Sisters and Mt Jefferson to the west are stunning. You will also get to ski through the stark landscape of the 2012 Pole Creek Fire that ultimately burned 26,000 acres. The recommended route passes by the Jeff View shelter which is an excellent spot for lunch and taking in the scenery. You will finish at the Three Creeks Sno-park where you left your vehicles on day one.
What's Included at each hut:
Our goal is to try and reduce the gear you have to carry so that skiing is more enjoyable. Each hut is stocked with food, wood stoves, propane cook stoves, and full kitchen supplies. Every bunk has a mattress and sleeping bag. You are required to bring your own sleeping bag liner. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag as well if you don’t mind carrying it. Drinking water comes from melting snow on the stove. There is an outhouse with TP at each hut location.
Shuttles Description:
On the morning of Day 1 plan to arrive at the Three Creeks Sno-Park packed, dressed and ready to go. You will have a pre-trip meeting with our staff in our heated Sno-Park field office. After that you will load your equipment in the Cog Wild shuttle van and be on your way to the start of the tour. The shuttle takes approximately 90 min and will drop you off at Dutchman Sno-Park. At the finish of your ski tour you will return to your car at Three Creeks Sno-park.
Hut Food Stocks:
Each hut is stocked with the ingredients listed below. You can supplement these ingredients with fresh fruits, veggies, meats, snacks or anything else you wish to carry. There is no breakfast or lunch provided on Day 1.
Happy Valley Hut Food Supplies:
pasta (GF available)
marinara sauce (GF)
canned olives (GF)
canned artichokes (GF)
parmesan cheese (GF)
potato chips (GF)
hash browns* (GF)
eggs* (GF)
butter (GF)
olive oil (GF)
salt & pepper (GF)
garlic powder (GF)
coffee & tea (GF)
coffee creamer (GF)
oats
jerky (GF)
energy bars (Mix some GF)
trail mix / nuts (Mix some GF)
pancake mix
syrup (GF)
Good Life Beer
Ren Wine
Lone Wolf Hut Food Supplies:
tortillas (flour & corn (GF))
beans & rice (GF)
canned salsa & hot sauce (GF)
tortilla chips (GF)
hash browns* (GF)
eggs* (GF)
butter (GF)
olive oil (GF)
salt & pepper (GF)
spices (GF)
coffee & tea (GF)
Oats
bars (Mix dome GF)
jerky (GF)
nuts (GF)
pancake mix
syrup (GF)
coffee creamer (GF)
Good Life Beer
Red Wine
*dehydrated but good (taste tested!)
Sorry, no dogs.
Age minimum, 13 years old
