Skier in Profile Basin

Based at 8,000 ft on the eastern slopes of 10,651ft. Williams Peak, this northern Sawtooth hut is renowned for the broadest variety, and best terrain, of any ski hut in the region with skiing and riding from Mild to Wild! A veritable backcountry ski area with a classic 2,000 vertical descent for the Skier's Summit is right out the door. Touring this fish fin ridge offers a 360 degree spectacular alpine views though just one of many great touring options. Book tours from 3-5 days... A perfect getaway for the 'core' backcountry skiing experience.

Our 2 cozy Mongolian style yurts provide you with a mountain home while exploring tours and slopes right out the door. Handcrafted in the Sawtooths, these yurts are legendary since the establishing of this alpine hut location in 1986. Built by SMG founder, Kirk Bachman and his crew of backcountry friends.

The Yurt (click to enlarge)

Hut amenities include a large kitchen and round table to accommodate a dinner seating for ten. Wood heat and a propane cook stove make for a cheery homestyle setting. There are bunks for fourteen in the two yurts when its time to turn in for the night. Soothe your body at the end of the day in the wood fire sauna and a roll in the snow at day's end.

Click here for the YURT AVAILABILITY

A fully guided trip insures that all aspect of your yurt experience runs smoothly and you get the most out of your stay. This would entail a guide (or guides) meeting you at the trailhead and traveling to the yurt with your group (portering gear too). Pre-trip the guide would also have planned meals and purchased the food. Once at the yurt the guide turns into a backcountry chef and prepares all the meals from days beginning through days end. Each day you will tour based on the groups ability, desires and snow conditions.

Terrain around the Yurt (click to enlarge).

This is highly recommended, and you will get the most out of your stay with somebody who intimately knows the Williams Peak area. Guiding can range from helpful backcountry tips and tricks for beginners, to challenging steep terrain in the high basins and everything in between. The guide also brings knowledge of the range and general area to the table. Contact us to arrange a custom yurt trip!

Aerial view yurt terrain (click to enlarge).

If you do not wish to be guided for your whole stay a guide can accompany you on the first 1 1/2 days. On day one the guide will help you porter gear and take a run and point out some of the terrain some skiing options. The next day the guide will be with you for only part of the day. This may include taking a short run with your group, or hiking into one of the basins and suggesting runs or tours. This is a great way to become familiar with the area and get the insiders scoop of the Williams peak area. A porter, guide and cook all rolled into one...we call it the burrito deal.

A porter can be hired to help carry gear/supplies up to the yurt. In this case the porter would hike in with you and leave that day. Maximum load is 60lbs/ porter and multiple people may accompany you. It can be well worth hiring a porter(s) to make the hike easier.

If you wish to rent privately there must be a group leader whom has been previously stayed at the yurt, has an Avalanche Level 1 certification and some type of first aid training. A designated group leader must take responsibility for their party.

See our rates page for pricing.

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