As I exited the yurt that morning, I was greeted by soaring peaks bathed in hues of pink. After a generous breakfast, my five companions and I skinned up a ridge where we skied numerous 1,000-foot, powder-laden shots off either side. That evening, we ditched our headlamps because a full moon cast the landscape in a brilliant, shimmering white light. And that was just Day 1.

My first yurt trip was a smash success. Five friends and I each paid a mere $30 per night for three nights in a yurt and three days of incredible backcountry skiing. A yurt trip is the least expensive and arguably most fun way to backcountry ski.






Our yurt was a white cylindrical hut with a cone shaped roof that sat entrenched in the deep snowpack, blending in nicely with its surroundings. Three sets of bunks, a wood burning stove and three stovetop burners allowed us to sleep, eat and live like royalty over a long weekend. If you’re willing to pack it in and out, it’s fair game. Hint: Take lots of food and drink.






Book now for next season because spots go fast. Here’s an outfit a few of us BackcountryStore.com employees have used and highly recommend: Rendezvous Ski and Snowboard Tours, (877) 754-4887, skiyurts@yahoo.com. Consult this comprehensive list of backcountry yurts in North America and Europe for trip planning.