Camp Hale Traverse

March 2-6, 2026 Jackal-Fowler-Fowler-Shrine Mtn Inn

This 5 day hut-to-hut ski tour begins at Camp Hale, the historic WWII training camp for the 10th Mountain Division ski troops and ends at Vail Pass some 25 miles to the north. The route climbs, descends and traverses some of the same terrain that saw hearty soldiers skiing, climbing and preparing for mountain warfare. You will be staying in two 10th Mountain Huts and one privately owned cabin as you make your way north through forested valleys and open ridges. Two nights at one hut allows for a day of touring and turns as well as some time relaxing in the comfort of a mountain refuge.

NOTE: The route requires good fitness and at least intermediate ski skills. Previous backcountry skiing experience required.


Newcomers will need to schedule a pre-trip “Shakedown Tour” with their guide(s).
* Guide-Participant meet and greet
* Skill and fitness check
* Familiarize yourself with new or rental equipment
* Guide will provide instruction and pointers
* 10% discount off Private Backcountry Day Tour pricing

Availability

Based on hut availability

Activity

Backcountry Skiing

Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

starting at (USD):

$1,800 Base Fee

  • 5 days, 4 nights skiing and riding in the Vail Valley’s pristine backcountry
  • Pre-Trip Orientation Meeting and experienced guide to help you every step of the way
  • Trip meals: Meals included (with consideration of any dietary restrictions).
  • Reduced pack weight: Sleeping bags, dry goods, beer, and wine are already cached at the hut(s).
book this trip

MULTI-DAY RESERVATION POLICY
A 50% per person deposit will confirm the spaces held for the trip. Major credit cards, ACH or checks accepted. Once confirmed, we will send you a packet with full trip information, route, gear list, and the forms that we will need completed prior to the trip departure. Your head guide will be in contact directly with you for trip planning and preparations.

Itinerary

The Camp Hale Memorial Traverse is a stunning multi-day winter hut trip that takes you through the heart of the historic 10th Mountain Division training grounds. Ski across scenic backcountry terrain, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine snow, as you journey between remote huts nestled in the wilderness. Along the way, you’ll explore deep powder, ski above the treeline, and traverse peaceful alpine meadows, all while enjoying cozy accommodations at 10th Mountain Division huts. This adventure offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and backcountry skiing for an unforgettable winter experience.

Day 1: Jackal Hut

Camp Hale (9,280ft, 2,828m) to the Jackal Hut (11,660ft, 3554m) 4.7 miles (7.6km) / 2380ft (725m) elevation gain. The tour begins at Camp Hale near the headwaters of the Eagle River. A one mile “warm-up” across the valley floor turns quickly to a steep ascent on the Ranch Creek trail. Climbing through Aspen forest and open hills the trail continues to climb steeply entering a mature evergreen forest. Reaching “ridge-line” at 11,500ft (3,505m) leaves a half mile of moderate climb with views of the now distant valley below.

Start Time

Determined by your guide prior to trip. Start times are generally between 10 am and 3 pm.

Meeting Place

Camp Hale
Directions

Day 2: Ski to Jackal to Fowler-Hillard Hut

Jackal Hut (11660ft / 3554m) to the Fowler-Hilliard Hut (11500ft / 3505m): 7.8 miles (12.5km) / 1980ft (603m) elevation loss, 1820ft (554m) elevation gain. The day begins with a descent into Pearl Creek dropping in elevation to 9680ft (2950m) and the confluence of Resolution Creek. A 2-3 mile moderate climb on the Resolution Road before embarking the steeper climb of 1100’-1700’ depending on route to the Fowler-Hilliard Hut. After a well deserved rest you might choose a late day powder run into Resolution Bowl or just sitting on the deck looking out at Resolution Mountain and the days route.

Day 3: Layover Day at Fowler

Time to enjoy a day of touring, turns and relaxation. The Fowler Hut provides wonderful views of the Sawatch Range to the south and the high ridges that lay between you and your final destination to the north. A variety of day tour options are available. There will also be plenty of time to rest and relaxation as you prepare for the next day’s tour.

Day 4: Ski to the Shrine Mountain Inn

Fowler-Hilliard Hut (11500ft / 3505m) to the Shrine Mountain Inn (11,225ft / 3421m): 6.5 miles (10.46m) / 1000ft (305m) elevation loss, 700ft (213m) elevation gain. There may be time in the morning for powder turns before packing up and heading north to the Shrine Mountain Inn. The route descends gently to Wearyman Creek before a steady climb to tree-line and Wingle Ridge. At 11700ft (3566m) this may well be the high point for the trip. Enjoy 360º views of the Gore Range, Ten Mile Range and Mt. of the Holy Cross as you prepare to descend the last 1.5 miles to the Inn. Running water, a hot shower or sauna may freshen the spirit for a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Ski Out to Camp Hale

Shrine Mountain Inn (11225ft / 3421m) to Vail Pass (2.5 miles / 4km) or Red Cliff (10 miles / 16km). The last day provides options for the final tour. Vail Pass sits only 600’ and 45 minutes away leaving time for a relaxed morning or a few final turns. The small mining town of Red Cliff offers a descent on the Shrine Pass road dropping 2520ft (768m). Although this route is a “multi-use” area (snowmobiles) it is a 3-4 hour tour through now familiar Aspen and Evergreen forests, offering a wonderful end to your multi-day trip.

Logistics & Gear

All trip participants will receive our Pre-trip Orientation handbook with logistics, trip prep, equipment list, map, and other information.

Pricing

Price Per Person

  • 1 participant: $720.00/person/day
  • 2 participants: $545.00/person/ day
  • 3-7 participants: $395.00/person/day
  • 8+ participants: $345.00/person/day

Note: The pricing below does not include hut fees (approximately $592/night for a maximum of 12 participants). Additional shuttle costs may apply based on group size and trailhead distances.

Book Trip

FAQ

A schedule conflict, illness, injury or family emergency can alter the best laid plans…
• If cancelling more than 8 weeks out from the trip departure date, we will refund your deposit, retaining a booking / cancellation fee of $100.00 per person.
• If cancelling within 8 to 6 weeks of the departure date there are no refunds available, but we will offer you a percentage of your trip amount paid as a credit toward another Paragon Guides trip, summer or winter, within one year from the date of cancellation.
• If cancelling within 6 weeks of the trip date, there are no refunds and no credits available.
In the rare event a scheduled trip is cancelled by Paragon Guides, we will refund your money in full.

Cell phone service is never guaranteed in the backcountry, and at this time we do not offer specific information about service providers. Hut users have reported the following information, listed below by hut:

  • Confidence rating of getting service at the hut or nearby location: Low 0 – 50%, Medium 51 – 75%, or High 76 – 100%.
  • The best location at, or closest to the hut to try to make a call or text.
  • The closest town you are facing for service.

Dogs are not permitted on summer or winter hut trips, nor are dogs allowed in or around huts except legitimate service animals as defined by the ADA. Emotional support, comfort dogs, or companion dogs do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted at the huts*. Dogs present a serious health hazard because winter hut visitors melt snow for water at most of the huts, some hut visitors are allergic to dogs, and dogs can harass wildlife around the huts. Failure to abide by this policy can result in fines up to $1,000. 10th Mountain and the US Forest Service takes this policy very seriously and asks that hut visitors help encourage compliance.

Colorado’s snowpack is notoriously unstable at times and demands your full attention and respect. The potential for avalanches is always our number one safety concern. Big lines in steep terrain in mid-winter is not what we offer. We select conservative routes that are appropriate to the condition of the snowpack, time of year, and size of group. Our guides have a minimum Level II certification from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). From December through March, Paragon Guides announces the daily avalanche report, issued from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, on KZYR 97.7 FM. We require that all participants wear a beacon and carry a shovel and probe. We provide this equipment on our custom tours and hut trips. Equipment is available for rental if you’re participating on a scheduled Paragon Ski Club tour.

what participants are saying

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We had the best guide for our hike with Paragon. A gentleman named Nate with tons of guiding experience took us on a beautiful driving tour followed by an amazing hike. He was very knowledgeable, flexible, and accommodating. We truly could not have asked for a better experience.

Patrick W.