3 spots left (was full with 8 people, but some dropped due to illness and injury).
Saturday-Monday President's Day weekend. Saturday and Sunday night, Feb 15 & 16, 2 yurts, Trujillo Meadows and Flat Mountain yurts run by the SW Nordic Center. 4 miles in, 500' up to Trujillo Meadows, 1000' up to Flat Mountain. We will start at the same trailhead/parking lot and split into two groups as the yurts are 4 miles apart, and people have the option of staying at one of the yurts both nights, or taking the beautiful trail between them and swapping with someone from the other camp for the second night. These yurts are smaller than Spruce Hole and accommodate 4 people each: 8 people total for the trip. Approximate lodging cost is $80/person. Transport and shared food is additional. Yurts are near Cumbres pass, an area known for its reliable deep snow.
https://southwestnordiccenter.com/yurts/flat-mountain-yurt/
https://southwestnordiccenter.com/yurts/trujillo-meadows-yurt/
Please email or call me if you are interested.
Happy skiing,
- Scott Mitchell
samitch@comcast.net
505-977-8893
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Yurting is a backpacking-like trip. Compared to staying overnight in a hotel, a yurt trip is more of an adventure. Compared to a hut trip, the trails to the yurt are shorter, flatter, and less technical. A yurt is much more rustic than a hut.
The yurt is moderately insulated, and is heated by a wood stove. Yurts are lit by propane lanterns. There is a three-burner propane stove, cooking utensils, paper towels, and dish soap. There is an outhouse and toilet paper. The beds have mattresses and pillows but no blankets. Basically you will need to bring clothes, food, and a sleeping bag.
Ski Trail to Trujillo & Flat
Class 2+. The ski in is about 4 miles, gradually gaining 1000' of elevation to Flat Mountain, or 500' to Trujillo Meadows. Trails are wide, and the route is on open meadows and forested logging roads. The trail is near the continental divide. The trail is suitable for a pulk; Scott will bring his gear in that way instead of a backpack and has a second pulk if you'd like to try one. There will not be avalanche conditions on the trail in. On the layover day, there is a variety of terrain to ski near the yurt. Near to Flat Mountain is the ridge that runs from Cumbres to Wolf Creek Passes, the continental divide, with spectacular views of the creek below. Options for extended touring intermingled with turns is a highlight of the layover day at Flat Mountain. Trujillo Meadows area is less steep. For example, one can ski out down a moderate slope then along the reservoir (frozen over).
- Scott