Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Fortune Peak Huts (Teanaway)

Tow in behind the snowmobiles from 29 Pines sno-park to the Beverly campground (halfway point) was exciting on the hard packed frozen road. Skinned the remaining 4 miles to the hut, 700' gain, easy peasy. I did a hut and camp orientation for the team, then an afternoon tour was enjoyed. Second day with a casual midmorning start, toured up the road to Esmeralda Basin/Longs Pass trailhead and headed into the basin, encountered eight stream crossings in this year's low snow coverage and Pineapple Express events. Alternate routes could be explored, though requiring additional time to find snow bridges. Firm conditions lower and softening snow upon gaining some elevation and being in the bright sunshine, as we toured towards Fortune Peak. Good turns to be had by all, bit of a firm luge track on the lower exit, though much more open forest and not nearly as tight as say the Commonwealth Basin exit at Snoqualmie, we returned to the hut at sunset. Our second full day (Wednesday) saw an earlier start to gain a much higher ski off Fortune Peak, and WOW, was it ever worth it! another night in the wood fired sauna after dinner was a perfect finish to the day. Great soft snow, fun turns, what a fantastic day. Our final morning gave way to packing, cleanup, and a casual exit down the road back to the cars. Normally would have skinned and skied some of the slopes on our way out, though the low snow coverage on the lower elevation south facing slopes was not to be this year. My fourth year at the huts, and they did not disappoint.