The Million Dollar Traverse

Skiing hut-to-hut in Colorado takes careful planning and often includes overly grueling ascents through sketchy avalanche terrain. Colorado’s nearly 75 backcountry huts are typically self-service, out-and-back journeys. But in the San Juans, the certified guides at San Juan Mountain Guides have linked together a five-night backcountry ski tour they are calling the Million Dollar Traverse. From the slopes around Ophir Pass and the OPUS Hut through Porphyry and Mineral basins to the plush Red Mountain Alpine Lodge and Senator Beck Basin to the Hayden Backcountry Lodge, the Euro-styled alpine traverse between Silverton and Ouray is a one-of-a-kind tour.