Larry,
Jenn has got it nailed. The Hut system was establihed a long time ago to give back country skiers (back country skiers don't use ski areas but climb to the destinations and ski down, usually staying in one hut for a few days before moving on or going home) a place to sleep and eat witout having to camp in the snow (which I hate and won't do anymore). The hut's typically can sleep up to 16 people, since we have only three in our group we will be sharing the hut with one or probably more groups. We will be going in with full packs and heavy touring skis, plastic boots and cable bindings, the kind of stuff that allows you to climb and then ski down just about anythig safe. We also are carrying full winter survival gear so If by chance we can't make the hut we will be able to survive pretty comfortably. We use adhesive mohair 'skins' that attach to the ski bottoms to give you a lot of grip for climbing, better than snowshoes. We are a strong and experienced group and do not ski avalanche paths but we do carry avalanche beacons and small shovels just in case. You have to reserve space about six months in advance to get a spot in some of the nicer Huts like Peter Estin.
See you Wednesday eve.
Cheers,
Fred
