Exploring Skiing near the Green-Wilson Hut (9-11 Feb 2015)

(Last Updated On: March 21, 2015)

Colorado is a land of huts. Our mountains are dotted with a plethora of backcountry refuges where we can ski in and ski out. It’s a fantastic thing. And frankly, it’s something both Frank and I need to be better about taking advantage of.

So, when a new friend invited me to the Green-Wilson hut, I went at lengths to rearrange my work schedule so I could be a part of this trip. Having been up in the area when skiing the East Face of Castle years ago, I knew that this hut was located among a treasure-chest of lines.

Located just on the other side of the Elk Mountains from our home in Crested Butte, the Green-Wilson Hut is most reliably accessed through Aspen. The Green-Wilson Hut is built to accommodate 8, so 5 of us creatively stuffed ourselves into my bottoming-out Subaru Forester to meet a remaining group of 3 at the Ashcroft townsite, the winter closure of Castle Creek road.

Ashcroft.
Ashcroft winter closure

After signing in at the Ashcroft cabin, we began the 6 mile skin up to the Green-Wilson Hut. What a fine day it was for a tour!
Skinning on Castle Creek Road toward Green-Wilson Hut

After a few miles, the road began to climb more steadily toward the hut. Stephanie pausing to soak up the view.
Enjoying the views on the road toward Green-Wilson Hut.

Alas, the hut. The Green-Wilson hut was built in 1978 and was recently refurbished. It was built in memory of Lu Lynn Green Wilson.
The Green Wilson Hut

The A-Framed Tagert hut is located right next door. This hut was built in 1960 on the site of the original dam tender’s cabin and was built to honor the famed Aspen local, Billy Tagert (1873-1976).
The Tagert Hut as seen from Green-Wilson Hut

Touring out of Green-Wilson Hut

There are a lot of touring options out of the Green Wilson Hut. The East Face of Castle is one of the bigger options that comes to mind, although it was not exactly in shape to ski as this point in the year.
The East Face of Castle

The Ridge of Gendarmes on Castle are always appealing.
Gendarmes on Castle

Gendarmes on Castle

West Pearl Mountain.
West Pearl Mountain

Past West Pearl to the south and slightly east stands Pearl Mountain and another subpeak. This is one area we chose to explore.
Looking toward Pearl Mountain

Amy skinning with the East Face of Castle behind.
skinning with Castle Peak in background

Though clouds hovered in the sky, the light was surreal.
skinning Pearl Mountain in background

skinning Pearl Mountain in background

Cathedral Peak danced in the distance, taunting me. I hope to get back to this one when it’s in better condition.
Cathedral seen from near Pearl Mountain

As we climbed the subpeak of Pearl, the south side of West Pearl unveiled some interesting lines.
Skiing near Green-Wilson Hut

After a nice exploratory tour, it was time to ski. Stephanie.
Skiing near Green Wilson Hut

Skiing near Green Wilson Hut

Robert.
Skiing near Green Wilson Hut

Skiing near Green Wilson Hut

Skiing near Green Wilson Hut

As we stood at the bottom of the line, we discussed what to do next. Half of our group decided to return to the hut. But, the 5 that remained decided there was more skiing to be done.

See the rest in Part Two of Exploring Skiing Near the Green-Wilson Hut.


link to east face trip report?


Green-Wilson Hut Resources

If you are interested in booking the Green-Wilson hut, visit the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. If you would like to find out more about potential ski routes accessible from Green-Wilson, visit HutSki.org.

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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