It isn’t a new fad, but the art of splitboarding is on the rise. Away from the crowds, using your own man-power (women-power) and finding the most perfect, untouched lines. Living in Colorado we are blessed with the 10th Mountain Division hut system. 34 secluded cabins all around this state to go adventure out to with friends.
Last week I had the great opportunity to go to my second hut trip to Vance’s Cabin. It was an easy 3 mile hike in with only 700 foot elevation gain over the trek. With 16 friends in tow, we skinned up through the Lodgepole Pine trees from Ski Cooper’s parking lot in Leadville, Colorado. The day was a high of 50 degrees, with blue bird skies and no clouds in sight.
p: Nate Cordero
p: Carlo Constantino
p: Carlo Constantino
After a few hours, as we kept the crew of both splitboarders, snowshoers and touring skis all together we made it above the cabin. It was time to switch over and transform our skinned skis back into our snowboards. The first line shredding down was a ton of fun, and ended right at Vance’s front door. A big beautiful log home with solar panels to source the electricity and a wood stove to keep it cozy and warm.
With three levels, Vance’s cabin is extremely spacious and welcoming. A huge back deck also kept the party out in the sunshine. A kicker was built to keep the fun going with a sketchy run in mazing around the trees. We cheered, drank and a few backflips were thrown into the mix.
Kelley airing over the jump
p: Carlo Constantino
Hunter Frutchey getting inverted
p: Carlo Constantino
Being back in the woods at this cabin is a wonderful thing. It’s humbling being among the silence of nature. Grey Jays visited the porch as we collected snow to melt for drinking water and cleaning the dishes. A simpler life of hoofing it. Hammocks decorated the trees and smiles were spread all around.
Grand Slam
p: James Delaney
Hobbit Hole
p: James Delaney
As night rolled in, the clear skies of the day had become speckled with brilliant, stunning stars. Late night photo shoots continued for hours as we all kept our eyes to the sky in search for shooting stars.
p: James Delaney
The next morning the crew was slow moving. We pack our bags back up with our sleeping bags, hut slippers, left over snacks and the trash we needed to pack back out. Skins were reapplied and the hut was swept clean. After the last few group pictures, the group started trekking back up the hill that was our first run down in the beginning. Though, after getting to the top and soaking in the mountainous views we realized it would be mainly downhill back to the car. The skins came back off, set the boards and strapped in. The thrill of our final run of the trip kept the smiles from ear to ear.
p: James Delaney
Jaime Del Pizzo cruising through a pow field
If you have any questions about using the 10th Mountain Division Hut System, splitboarding, special equpiment needed for these treks or other please leave a comment or e-mail VNTRbirds at the address below!
[email protected]
p: Nate Cordero
Words: Kelley Wren
Photos Contributed:
Kelley Wren
Carlo Constantino
Nate Cordero
James Delaney