A VERY GRAND HUT
AND SUBALPINE REFUGE
By Hannelore Doty, Andy Miller & Katie Soles / Photos Courtesy of Grand Huts Association

Construction of the Broome Hut is on hold until spring, with an expected opening to the public in December 2012.

Building a house can challenge any marriage, but building a hut at 11,322 feet requires a monumental marriage of volunteers, community support, sustainable materials and the means to transport it all one mile up a subalpine trail.

In 1999, a visionary group formed the Grand Huts Association to create a backcountry hut system connecting Berthoud Pass to Grand Lake that would allow skiers or hikers to have a warm, comfortable refuge at the end of their daily travels. On July 20th, 2011, construction began on the first public-access cabin in the system under the watchful eyes of the US Forest Service. Broome Hut (named after the initial benefactor family) is located just below timberline on the northern slope of Berthoud Pass in Second Creek Basin. Entry to the trail is at the iconic orange backcountry sign covered in stickers at mile marker 240 on the west side of Berthoud Pass.

Sustainability was foremost in construction. All vegetation was moved from the construction site and stored in a nursery zone. Some was used, along with rock and native seed, to landscape the space left by the old A-frame that was demolished. The remaining plants will be placed around the hut when it’s completed. Among other sustainable features, the building will take advantage of its southern exposure for solar heat and power.

A helicopter was used to bring construction materials to the site in order to reduce environmental impacts of the building process.

Although the hut is located on a non-motorized trail, a snowcat was permitted to bring initial materials to the site, as well as small excavation equipment used to dig the foundation. In August, 77 helicopter loads brought 45 buckets of concrete to pour the footers, and construction materials took another 32 loads.

By early October, with the help of many volunteers, the excavation, foundation, subfloor and backfill had been completed. With winter just around the corner, the structure was sealed up and construction put on hold until spring of 2012. The hut is scheduled to be open to the public in December of 2012.

Modeled after the 10th Mountain Hut system, the Broome Hut is a cabin for public enjoyment. The 1,800-square-foot hut will sustain backcountry activities and alpine awareness while operating under a special use permit in the Arapaho National Forest.

The hut was designed with sustainable concepts, taking advantage of southern exposure for passive solar heat and native vegetation to landscape the site after construction.

The east side of the hut will be open for day use by the general public, with access to composting toilets and shelter. The remaining 1,200 square feet sleeps 16 and can be reserved for a multitude of events: outdoor education, retreats, gatherings, individual use and more. Four bedrooms and two kitchens provide options for multiple individual rentals or large groups.

More than 4,000 volunteer hours have been logged since construction began in July, and many more are needed to complete the project. Volunteers can call the GHA Volunteer Coordinator at 970-470-2398. Fundraising is not complete and tax-deductible donations are welcome. You too can be a part of this epic project!

Who: Grand Huts Association, PO Box 1046, Fraser, CO 80442
What: Broome Hut – public access cabin & cornerstone of the Grand Huts System
When: Anticipated opening December 2012
How: Sign up, volunteer, donate, and learn more at www.grandhuts.org
Grand Huts Association is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

DONATE TO THE PROJECT BY ATTENDING THE ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE SKI DINNER:
Every year, Grand Huts Association has a fundraiser called the Progressive Ski Dinner, which takes place at Devil's Thumb Ranch Nordic Center. This year's dinner will be held on February 4, 2012 with two different dinner time options (6pm or 7pm). Ski to Three Locations for a Fabulous Five Course Meal. Silent Auction and Live Music. The GHA silent auction will have a fabulous selection of items to bid on such as: Winter Park Resort Lift Tickets, Art & Photography from local artists, nights stay at High Lonesome Hut and other lodging properties, tickets to Events, Sporting Goods, Food and Beverage, Massage Therapy, a variety of services from professionals and much more!

Tickets are $50 for adults and $15 for kids under the age of 16. Ticket includes moonlight skiing trail fee and equipment rental. (For better visibility bring a headlamp). Tickets are limited and are usually available about one month before the event. When tickets go onsale, they will be available to purchase online at grandhuts.org and at select local businesses (listed on grandhuts.org).

READ MORE STORIES FROM THIS ISSUE:
• Winter 2011 Articles