A Community-Led Hut Trip Tradition
What started six years ago as a scrappy little ski adventure with nine friends has grown into a full-on annual backcountry bash—35 skiers and splitboarders per session, and a pack of powder-happy dogs. This is backcountry community in its purest form, and it happens deep in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Each spring, a group of backcountry enthusiasts from all over the country caravans into Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, bound for a remote, cat-accessed hut system. No 9-mile ski slog with a 60 lb. pack required (you’re welcome). Just a snowcat drop-off, five days of ski touring, sauna soaking, and slow mornings sipping coffee by the fire. Think: group dinners, spontaneous dance parties, gear shares, and long chats under the stars.
Photo by @Cameras_at_altitude
The Fifth Annual Trip: Our Final Send (For Now)
This year marked our fifth and final season at Alpine Lakes High Camp—and we went out with purpose. Along with the spring snow and dreamy terrain, we added a new community-powered safety and education component. With drills, games, and giveaways, the experience grew into something bigger than just skiing.
Hands-On Learning, The Fun Way
🕒 Probe & Shovel Deployment Bracket
Race against the clock—starting with your pack on—to deploy and manage your gear.📡 Beacon Scavenger Hunt
A timed, multiple burial search that brought out the best (and funniest) real-time decision-making under pressure.🗣️ Post-Drill Debriefs
Technique and gear swaps, and new lifelong touring partnerships.
Thanks to our generous partners—Mammut, Protekt, Atomic Ski, and Passenger Clothing—we gave away gear, layers, and stoke for days to reward those investing in the safety of their community.
Deployment Drill
Turns out safety doesn’t have to be dry. It can be competitive, communal, and genuinely exciting.
Who Comes on This Trip?
Everyone. No, really.
We’ve welcomed total backcountry beginners, seasoned ski mountaineers, ice climbers, infants, and 12 dogs. Whether you want to tour big lines, hang at camp, or read in the sauna all day, there’s something here for every pace and style.
Because in a sport full of gatekeeping and ego, what we really need is community.
What It’s Like at Camp
🚐 Cat-Accessed Entry & Exit (no 9-mile slog—score!)
🔥 Wood-Fired Sauna & Cold Plunge
🍲 Group Dinners & Themed Party Nights
🛠️ Spontaneous Workshops (patching + gear repair!)
🎿 Terrain for All Levels
🐾 Dogs & Silly Hats Encouraged
This is a laid-back, unguided and unassisted trip. All learning is community-based and informal.
⛑️ Important Note:
This is not a guided or professionally-led trip. If you plan to enter avalanche terrain, you must have completed a certified avalanche rescue course and be capable of independent decision-making in the backcountry.
Want to Join or Partner With Us?
Each year, we’ve partnered with rad outdoor brands that align with our values: community, mentorship, and meaningful time outside. From patching workshops to surprise giveaways, sponsors add an extra layer of magic to camp.
Have a brand, product, or wild ideas? Let’s connect!
“Ski, soak, snack, repeat. Here’s to another unforgettable season in the backcountry. New friends always welcome.”
