Happy New Year !

Monday, December 30th, 2013

May the new year bring many magical, safe, backcountry days !

Crystal in Paradise

Thanks for all the great times in 2013

Chief Mel Whippin’ up some goodness

Sunrise on South Lookout Peak

A Little Beta While We Wait – The Real Deal

Sunday, December 15th, 2013

A little beta while we wait for the next dump. Wise up y’all !

We see group after group lug pounds and pounds of food and booze to the hut each year. Dragging 80 lb. sleds up the 3.5 mile road route to the hut. Then dragging half that back down in trash and extra crap. We provide food and all the blankets you need at the hut so you don’t have to do that.

Tip : Buy your meals at the hut and take a more exciting route to the hut.

Mels Perfect Pizza

Come in from the Telluride ski area, Red Mountain Pass, Ice lakes basin ……. Get a map ! make your own route !

Ronjas Couloir – Drops into Ruby lake from Columbine Lake

Paradise Basin in the foreground – Clear Lake behind.
Showing route into Clear lk. fr. Swamp Canyon.

San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act

Saturday, December 7th, 2013

Support the San Juan Mountains Act. Some might imagine that huts and wilderness don’t go together. Obviously, huts can’t be built in wilderness areas, but huts do help to protect the environment. By increasing the awareness and appreciation of the surrounding wild lands, those who might not spend time in the mountains can become comfortable with the wild and learn to defend it. This is the mission of the OPUS. You may have assumed it was all about partying and skiing.

Clear Lake ridge; Ice Lakes Basin

Clear Lake Basin

Paradise Basin

Goldenhorn shoulder – Ice Lakes Basin

Clear Lake Basin – Entry Ramp

Going through old photos yesterday I came across a few good ones of the front yard, which will all be protected under the proposed wilderness study area. In fact everything on the south side of Ophir Pass road would be protected.

Evening in the Mountains

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Being out in the mountains in the evening is a magical experience. Skiing at sunset, watching the tips of the peaks in their last glow as the chill of night slides in.

A Taste of what’s to come

Monday, October 28th, 2013

Took a break from firewood stocking over the weekend for a few early season turns with papa Vago – amazingly good for end of October.

Special thanks to Capt. Barry Kennedy for pullin’ through when needed – please conserve firewood, it don’t come easy or cheap.

Snow Report – 13″ Base and more on the way

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

Winter has come early to the OPUS. Thirteen inches of settled base on the sunny side of the valley and more snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Wahooooo !!

Season Opener

Friday, October 4th, 2013

Grab your helmet and body armor, Seasons on !

Just a Tickle

Sunday, August 11th, 2013

Sneffels, Teakettle, Potosi, from Silver Basin

Snow on the peaks , the berries are ripe, Mushrooms in the woods. Just sends a tingle up the spine, doesn’t it.

It’s gonna be a good one !

Clear Lake – Sweet short hike

Thursday, July 25th, 2013

3.2 miles ; 2.5 hours each way

Leaving the Opus Hut take the paradise basin trail to the alpine tarn under the east face of Lookout Peak. Follow grassy slopes over the ridge south into Clear Lake.