ML - Aspen Peak

2014 - Issue 2 - Winter

Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak

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As we beg in our f ina l climb t hrough dense, t w ilit t rees, t he only sound we hea r is t he sha llow cr unch of snow beneat h our sk is, heav y under t he weight of backpacks f illed w it h food, dr inks, sleeping bags, a nd a cha nge of clot hes for our over night in t he woods. Strapped to our feet are alpine touring skis, which have the capability to free the heel for going uphill, much like Nordic skis. On the bottom of the skis, we've attached synthetic climbing skins— crucial for preventing us from sliding backward on the steep ascent. Like a "Finish" banner at the end of a marathon, two tiny structures emerge, signaling that we've reached our destination after four hours: the Fritz and Fabi Benedict huts, located nearly six miles from Aspen and 3,000 feet above it. Fritz's wood cabin, built in 1997, has three miniature bedrooms with double beds and an open living room with three single beds and a daybed/couch to comfort- ably sleep 10 people. It is our home for the evening; next door, a group of three father-son pairs have occupied Fabi's cabin. We all share a communal outhouse with f loor-to-ceiling glass walls on two sides—arguably a bathroom with some of the best views in the world. Named for Fritz and Fabi Benedict, who were the founders of the 10th Mountain Division hut sys- tem, these two shelters are part of a 30 -cabin network set on more than 350 miles of trails sur- rounding Aspen and Vail. To reach most of the huts during the winter, one must either snowshoe or "skin"—the term used to describe climbing uphill on skis—to the remote wilderness cabins on marked but ungroomed trails. (In the summer, many are accessible on foot or by four-wheel-drive vehicle.) From there, skiers can connect to other huts in the network or simply enjoy the serenity of a backcountry escape. Built from pine and as sturdy as bunkers, the cabins are entirely self-sufficient. Large wood- burning stoves provide heat and fill the rooms with much-needed warmth and the Zen-like sound of a cabin fever! Aspen's ski slopes mAy be A globAl tourist AttrAction, but the colorAdo bAckcountry And its 10th mountAin division hut system is the ultimAte rocky mountAin high. by christine benedetti continued on page 46 LIVING THE LIFE aspenpeak-magazine.com  45

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