THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESERVATION WITH THREE SISTERS BACKCOUNTRY!
This page has all the details you need if you are part of a group scheduled to go into the Yurts. If you are not part of a trip yet… the info below is still helpful for you planning, There is a lot of information below so make sure your whole crew reads through all of this information. Please double check our calendar to make sure your groups dates are correct.
Logistics:
We ask that your group meet us at the Upper Three Creeks Sno-Park (see included directions) at 9:00AM on the first day of your trip. If we are shuttling your group in and out of the hut by snowmobile the return shuttle leaves at approx. 2:30 PM (the exit time can be adjusted based upon conditions). Your gear will need to be packed by 10:00AM on your last day so that the next group may occupy the hut.
Please plan to arrive at the Sno-Park packed, dressed and ready to go. We will only need to spend a few minutes in the field office to sign an acknowledgement of risk form and then we will load your equipment on the sleds and get to the hut and out skiing.
Snowmobile Shuttles:
Over the years, guests have been bringing more and more personal equipment to be shuttled in. We have large trailers and we want to you to be comfortable, but the loads have grown so large that even our heavy duty snowmachines are at max capacity. We would like to avoid making certain weight restrictions etc... so please slim down your loads to a reasonable amount.
Each group gets one shuttle in at 9:00am and one shuttle out at 2:30 on your last day. If you have a group member that cannot make the shuttle on time, or would like to arrive a day late, they will have to ski in or out on their own. A custom shuttle is rarely available and will cost a min charge of $100.
Personal Snowmobiles:
We recommend leaving your snowmobile at home. By the time you trailer it, fill with oil, fuel, break some parts and drag in all your gear, the $40 shuttle doesn’t seem too bad. Please note that if you do bring your own machine you are responsible for bringing in ALL of your own gear and be self sufficient. We will still need to meet you at the trailhead at 9:00 to accompany your group in and go through a snowpack/safety briefing.
Cancellation policy:
50% is due for all trips upon confirmation of your reservation. The balance is due the first day of your trip. We accept cash, check or CC at the trailhead. There are no refunds or cancellations for weather, injury or any other reason. Please consider purchasing third-party travel insurance.
Recommended Equipment list
Alpine Touring Skis (AT), Telemark Skis or Split Snowboard &
Ski Boots
Climbing Skins to Fit.
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Shovel
Poles
Waterproof/Windproof Shell Top & Bottoms
Lightweight Gloves
Heavyweight Waterproof Gloves
Synthetic/Wool Socks
Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear
Insulating Fleece
Insulating jacket
Helmet
Goggles
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Beanie
Thermos
Backcountry Ski Backpack (Where everything fits inside)
Equipment Repair Kit (particular to your ski gear)
1-2 Liters of Water per/person for first day
Hut Shoes (Bathroom is 100 ft away on snow trail, so something with some grip)
First Aid Kit
Navigation Equipment (GPS, or Maps/Compass/Altimeter)
Warm Winter Sleeping Bag (pads provided)
Pillow
Towel for Sauna
Headlamp
Extra Batteries for Headlamp and Beacon
Food (Have all food sealed and ready for portaging, cooler and/or rubber tubs are best, no loose grocery bags)
*Note: Your group is responsible for assuring you are properly equipped for your adventure. The included list is just a suggestion, individual group needs may vary.
Weather Information
NOAA (Mt Bachelor Weather)
COAC (Central Oregon Avalanche Center)
WEB CAMS
MT BACHELOR ~7000’
SANTIAM PASS ODOT
Directions to the Sno-Park:
To get to our Field Office from Sisters: In Sisters, turn south on S. Elm Street this will become FS Rd. 16. Travel 11 miles, at the snow gate, turn left into Upper Three Creek Sno-Park, park by our office near the back of the parking lot. Sno-park permits are required and are for sale at the trailhead.
Sno-Park Road Conditions
The FS Road 16 up to the Sno-Park is often not plowed well. On storm days you may need AWD/4WD, high clearance, winter tires and/or chains. Also note that this road has poor cell coverage.