Winter recreation is a growing activity on the Forest. One ski area, Pebble Creek, is located on the Forest on the west side of Mt. Bonneville near Inkom, Idaho. There are several snowmobiling and cross country ski trails on the Forest. Some of these trails are marked. Many others are snow covered roads that usually receive enough use to be readily identified. The Portneuf Range Hut System is one of the most exceptional features of skiing in Caribou. The hut system is made up of five yurt-style structures located in the mountains to the east of Pocatello, Idaho. Each yurt is outfitted with a wood stove, cooking stove, Coleman lantern, pots, axe and bunk beds. Ideal for back country touring, the Portneuf Range is known for its exhilarating wide open powder slopes and uninhibited cross country travel.

The huts are spaced so skiers can make hut to hut trips—or, if desired, parties can ski into one hut and make day trips with the hut serving as a base camp. Designed for all ability levels, the lower huts are easily accessible to beginning skiers and families, while the higher huts are oriented to more experienced backcountry skiers. The hut system is made possible through the work of many volunteers and the cooperation and assistance of the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department, Idaho State University Outdoor Program, Pocatello Nordic Ski Association and the Caribou National Forest.

The hut system is operated as a public, non profit system. To avoid conflicts, reservations for the use of the huts are required. For information on reservations contact the Idaho State University Wilderness Rental Center at (208) 282-2945. Idaho State Park & Ski stickers (available at cross-country ski stores) are required for parking at hut trail heads.

Route descriptions, maps and a hut manual are provided when making reservation for the huts. The difficulty of traveling to the huts can increase dramatically in bad weather or poor snow conditions. Even though route information is provided, it is strongly advised that you go on organized tours before undertaking your own tour. Organized tours are provided by the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department (208) 234-6232, Pocatello Nordic Ski Association (Box 4440, Pocatello, Idaho 83204), and the ISU Outdoor Program (208) 282-3912.

Here's a quick run down on the huts. . .

Moonlight Hut

Difficulty: Beginner to advanced beginner. This is the easiest trip into the hut system and is suitable for most ability levels. Always be prepared and treat hut tours with respect.

Distance, Route & Other: The route into the hut is two miles across rolling terrain. Total vertical rise is 400 feet. Moonlight is the largest hut (24' in diameter) and will hold 10-16 people.

Syringa Hut

Difficulty: Beginner to advanced beginner. Syringa, with an access route through undulating, open country, is another easy hut to reach. Although not difficult, treat the tour with respect. Since the route goes across open areas, make sure you know the route well.

Distance, Route & Other: The tour into the hut is two miles long and is across mostly open, rolling terrain. Total vertical rise is 700 feet. The hut holds six people. Use caution during times of bad visibility in the open areas of the route.

Inman Hut

Difficulty: Advanced beginner. This is a moderately easy hut to reach. The distance and elevation gain is slightly greater than the two previously described huts. Once again, however, for some skiers, this tour can be difficult, particularly in icy snow conditions. Be prepared and use good judgment.

Distance, Route & Other: The route to the hut follows a snowbound road for the first three miles. The last half mile is up a narrow hiking trail though heavy timber. The total distance to the hut is three and half miles with a vertical rise of 1000 feet. In unusually unstable snow conditions, there are several isolated snow slopes that can slide on to the road. The road is regularly machine groomed and is utilized by skiers and snowmobilers. The hut capacity is six.

Jackson Creek (Inkom -Pass) Hut

Difficulty: Advanced intermediate to advanced. Parties attempting the trip into Jackson Creek Hut should be experienced in backcountry skiing.

Distance, Route, Other: The tour to the hut involves a significant elevation gain (2,300 feet) over a 3.5 mile distance and crosses slopes which can be hazardous because of avalanches. It is highly recommend that you not attempt to reach the hut in periods of bad visibility. Skins are needed. Avalanche transceivers and shovels should be carried by all members of the party. Hut capacity is six.

McNabb Point Hut

Difficulty: Advanced. Parties attempting the trip into the McNabb Point Hut should be experienced in backcountry skiing.

Distance, route, other: The tour to the hut involves a 2500 foot climb over a four mile distance and crosses slopes which can be potentially hazardous because of avalanches. It is highly recommended that you not attempt to reach the hut in periods of bad visibility. Skins are needed. Avalanche transceivers and shovels should be carried by all members of the party. Hut capacity is six.

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