The Summit Hut System consists of four shelters within the boundaries of Summit County Colorado. The huts are administered by the Summit Hut Association, a nonprofit entity. The shelters lie on public lands in the White River and Pike-San Isabel National Forests and are open to everyone via the reservation system.The Ken's and Section House huts lie on the summit of Boreas Pass at an elevation of 11,481 feet. Both structures were initially used during the nineteenth century and recently renovated through a cooperative project. They are open only for winter use, as Bores Pass Road provides vehicle access to the area during the warmer months. Ken's hut sleeps up to three people and the Section House sleeps 12 individuals. They both include a wood stove for heat, fire wood, outhouse and kitchen facilities. France's Cabin lies south of Breckenridge Ski Resort, on the eastern slope of the Ten Mile Range in the Crystal Creek drainage. It lies at an elevation of 11,264 feet and is open during the summer and winter seasons. The sleeping capacity for this hut is 20 during the winter and 14 in summer. Amenities include a wood-burning stove, cooking and eating utensils, cook stove, sauna, electric lights and indoor toilets. Janet's Cabin lies south of Copper Mountain Resort in the Gore Mountain range at the head of Guller Creek. It has a short approach from Copper Mountain and is often very crowded. This shelter is open only during winter and can accommodate up to 20 people. It is the connecting hut between the Summit shelters and the Tenth Mountain Division shelters. Amenities at Janet's Cabin include a wood-burning stove, cooking and eating utensils, cook stove, sauna, electric lights and indoor toilets. The terrain surrounding the Summit Huts should not be attempted by novice skiers, although some of the approaches are seemingly mild. Skiers should be prepared for harsh weather, including windy and white out conditions. The France's Cabin trek should be attempted by experts only, where as the other three shelters provide challenging terrain for intermediate and expert skiers.
Directions from Copper Mountain Resort: Backcountry travelers can gain access to Janet's Cabin via the K or L lifts on Copper Mountain.
Directions from Breckenridge Ski Resort: Access to Francie's Cabin can be gained via the base of Peak 9.
Directions from Boreas Pass Road: To reach Ken's and Section House huts, backcountry travelers should drive south out of Breckenridge to Colorado Road 10. Follow road 10 to the winter trailhead for Boreas Pass Road.
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