10th Mountain Division Hut Association

Fritz Benedict, a World War II soldier who trained with the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale in central Colorado, envisioned a connected system of backcountry shelters after returning from the war. Formed in 1982 to honor those soldiers and their pursuit of excellence, self-reliance, and love of the outdoors, the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association manages this network from its Aspen headquarters. The association oversees 38 huts spanning the Colorado Rocky Mountains, linked by 350 miles of suggested routes. Winter visitors access limitless playgrounds for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing directly from the hut doors. Summertime opens up mountain biking, hiking, and climbing opportunities in remote alpine settings characterized by meadows, valleys, and forests. Guests gather around massive dining room tables to share meals and stories, fostering connections away from modern distractions. The huts promote environmental appreciation and stewardship of public lands through their design and operation. Membership in the nonprofit supports affordable fees, provides a regularly published newsletter, includes a gift, and grants early access to the winter reservations lottery. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity.