Summit County: New backcountry hut planned on Baldy

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Forest Service starts public scoping; open house set for Nov. 3

A scoping map shows the site of the proposed Weber Gulch hut.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The public will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed new backcountry hut near Breckenridge during the next few weeks, as the Forest Service opens a scoping period on the proposal.

A public open house will be held on November 3, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, 186 Boreas Pass Road, Breckenridge, Colorado. Representatives from the WRNF and SHA will be present to answer questions and provide additional information on this project. Check out the scoping notice posted in a Scribd.com window at the end of this story for more details, including how to comment.

Based on public input and other data compiled by resource experts, the Forest Service will compile a draft environmental assessment. that document will also be open to public comment before White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams makes a decision on the hut proposal, possibly sometime next year.

The Weber Gulch hut would provide good opportunities for backcountry skiing and riding on forested north-facing slopes that are some distance from existing day-use areas. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, recreation, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Summit County: Backcountry Ball features outdoor films

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

A pair of skiers head up toward an alpine bowl above Francie's Cabin, one of four backcountry huts managed by the Summit Huts Association. PHOTO COURTESY SUMMIT HUTS.

Nonprofit group forging ahead with plans for a new hut high on Baldy as the Forest Service accepts proposal

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Summit Huts Association will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its annual Backcountry Ball with revamped fundraiser this Friday, Oct. 21, at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.

Along with swapping stories about past hut trips and planning this year’s adventures, it could be a good time to ask the Summit Huts folks about their plans for a new hut on the flanks of Baldy Mountain. Word has it that the Forest Service has formally accepted the organization’s proposal and will soon begin the formal review process with a public scoping period.

The year’s Backcountry Ball will feature the same fun party as in past seasons, but after a two-hour reception — including food, beer and wine and a well-stocked silent auction — Summit Huts will present a showing of award-winning short films from this year’s Telluride Mountainfilm festival. Check out a trailer from the film festival and get more beta on the Backcountry Ball at the Summit Huts website. You can also follow Summit Huts on Twitter. (more…)

Filed under: arts and film, Colorado, recreation, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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