This five day adventure will be run by Ice Axe Guides Andrew McLean and Joe St. Onge. We start this Backcountry adventure on March 14 as we are transported to the TornakYurt for two nights and then transported to the Coyote Yurt for two nights. This will be filled with great skiing in the Sawtooths, staying at some amazing yurts with great food, smooth logistics and unique adventure. This trip is intended for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Tornak Hut
Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the abundant downhill runs and high touring terrain around Tornak Hut. Tornak is nestled at 8,400’ in the Smoky Mountains of central Idaho. The terrain around Tornak is complex, allowing for turn-oriented skiers and riders to find the best aspect, elevation and angle for great skiing. You can see a short video of skiing at Tornak here. Tornak is a spacious wall tent that sleeps 14 people and is stocked with all of the necessary equipment and luxuries for a cozy stay in the mountains including: two wood stoves for heat, solar-power for light and charging widgets, a three burner propane stove for cooking, all pots, pans, and cookware to produce a feast, all tableware and cutlery, books, magazines, board games, bunks with mattresses, two covered outhouses, and a classic wood fired SAUNA! Bring your own sleeping bags, clothing, avalanche equipment and food.The approach to Tornak is 4 miles and a sharp 1,400’ elevation gain — or a gradual 10 mile approach on a logging road. Tornak can be connected with Coyote Yurt (a gradual 3.5 mile tour) for a high hut-to-hut trip, or simply be a destination for a fun weekend of turns and camaraderie! Tornak was recently remodeled to create backcountry hut opportunities for those with disabilities. The spacious hut is barrier free, allowing those in wheel chairs to maneuver independently. Depending on the particular disability, those approaching Tornak may use motorized options such as a snowmobile, snowcat or helicopter. Tornak has become a favorite destination for Sun Valley Adaptive Sports and for other independent groups and individuals with disabilities. Please contact us or Sun Valley Adaptive Sports for more details.
Coyote Yurt
Situated at 8,700’ high in the Smoky Mountains of central Idaho, Coyote Yurt is a terrific destination for intermediate or advanced skiers or snowboarders looking for excellent downhill ski opportunities. There are a great variety of ski slopes surrounding Coyote, from mellow powder bowls to steep corn descents and plentiful north facing burns, making Coyote a favorite among a loyal group of regulars.
Views of the magnificent craggy Boulder Mountains and the pyramids of the Pioneer Mountains greet Coyote guests right outside the front door, making for a truly awesome setting. One of our highest and most remote huts, the approach to Coyote is suited for experienced backcountry skiers with avalanche education. The route is 6 miles long, gaining 1800 ft. in elevation. The route finding can be tricky, so it is best to hire a guide if you are not sure about the route into the hut. A favorite option for Coyote skiers is to hire a snowmobile tow to the base of the final skin track, knocking off 4 miles of road and getting you to the goods quickly. Please call or email us to find out more about this option.
Coyote has 2 yurts that sleep up to 19 people. It has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay including: wood stoves for heat, Goal Zero solar powered lanterns for light and speaker for mp3 players, a three burner propane stove for cooking, all pots, pans, and cookware to produce a feast-including a dutch-oven and a propane grill, all tableware and cutlery, books, magazines, board games, bunks with mattresses, two covered outhouses, and a classic wood fired SAUNA! Guests need to bring only their own sleeping bags, clothes, food and avalanche safety equipment.
