I know it has been a few weeks since my last post! I had Spring Break which ended up being really busy! I am also preparing to graduate in 5 weeks (yay :)) and have been so busy with school and life that making time for blogging was pretty tough. I am making a very detailed schedule though so that sharing stories and encouragement will never take a back seat!

In the beginning of February I went on a Back Country Hut Ski Trip in McCall, ID.  Since it was a three day trip I wanted to do it in segments so no one had to read such a long story. There will also be a video coming in a few weeks when I am done editing so stay tuned!

Back Country Hut Trip: My Lessons in Planning Ahead and Preparing

When I first decided to go on the ORC’s Annual Backcountry Hut Ski Trip I do not think I really knew what I was getting myself into. I knew it sounded amazing and beautiful, and I figured it would be a great place for great photos and video footage. Although it was these things, this trip was so much more than just beautiful scenery.

McCall, ID houses the Payette Lake Alpine Yurts, the huts we stayed in. The name itself sounds like some exotic winter adventure. The allure of a challenge, an adventure, and some fresh untouched slopes led me on what turnedut to be one of the harder trips I have encountered. There is a reason that this trip is for more experienced hikers and skiers, but don’t let that discourage you. I am being honest that it was physically challenging, but I did it and it was beyond rewarding.

The pre-trip meeting touches on avalanche danger, proper packing and gear, and the potential challenges of winter travel and camping. After my body’s response to backpacking last October I was nervous how it would respond to this trip. I decided to plan ahead and prepare (Leave No Trace Principle number 1) and went and got my back adjusted, started stretching daily, and tried to keep up on my yoga practice.

Prior to leaving for this trip I also found out that I am gluten intolerant, which made group cooking a little more challenging than normal, but I ended up with some very understanding cook-mates and we made some pretty delicious gluten free dinners. I packed all my proper outdoor gear, my food, and rented a split board (a snowboard that also splits into skiis) for the first time ever, and was pretty excited about my pending adventure.