Around the Hut
Deep, dry San Juan powder in every direction, from mellow glades to committing alpine lines.
Backcountry skiing
The OPUS Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers, and mountain bikers. Located between the towns of Telluride and Silverton, near the top of Ophir Pass at 11,765 ft., the OPUS offers access to some of the best backcountry skiing in the U.S. Perched at treeline on sunny south-facing slopes, ski terrain of all aspects and ability levels, alpine lakes, and 13,000 ft. peaks surround the OPUS.
Ski traverses north to Red Mountain Pass or south toward Lizard Head Pass challenge the most intrepid ski mountaineers and include some of the best alpine terrain in Colorado's northern San Juan Mountains.
Snow and terrain: the snow in Colorado is legendary, and the OPUS Hut is no exception. High peaks combined with an arid climate mean the snow falls as cold, dry powder. The hut sits at treeline, with low-angle glades below and open slopes above — intermediate powder skiing can be found out the back door of the hut. Venture a little further into Paradise Basin to sample some of the best alpine skiing around.
Avalanche safety: everything described above is uncontrolled backcountry avalanche terrain. Every member of your party needs a beacon, shovel, and probe, and the training to use them. Groups that are not familiar and comfortable with travel in avalanche terrain are strongly advised to hire one of the local guide services — the skiing is better with someone who knows the snowpack anyway. Current conditions and our winter policy live at opushut.com/policy.
Ski gear rental
Local shops renting alpine touring gear:
- Ridgway Adventure Sports — ridgwayadventuresports.com
- Jagged Edge Telluride — jagged-edge-telluride.com
Guided days
A guided touring day is a great option for mixed-ability groups or anyone new to the terrain. Please contact one of the local guide services directly:
- Mountain Trip — Telluride, CO
- San Juan Expeditions — Silverton, CO
- San Juan Mountain Guides — Ouray, CO
The deck & the sauna
Not every hour here needs an objective. The deck faces the long view down the valley, and it's where afternoon soup, trail gossip, and sunset all happen. When the light goes, the wood-fired sauna takes over — steam, a cold plunge in a snowbank or a splash of mountain water depending on the month, repeat. Bring a headlamp for the walk back; the stars are part of the amenity.