Backcountry Yurt Trip
What it takes
Guided backcountry yurt trips combine winter wilderness with the comfort of a heated yurt — wood stove, bunks, and a cook. Access is typically by snowshoe or ski touring (3-8 miles), with day trips from the yurt into surrounding terrain. Popular in the Tetons, Colorado, and Utah, these trips offer a taste of winter backcountry without the full commitment of winter camping. The guided format includes avalanche awareness, route-finding, and group meals.
What Makes This Hard
The Real Challenge
The approach. Carrying a weekend pack through deep snow for 3-8 miles at altitude is harder than it sounds — especially if you're breaking trail after fresh snowfall. Snowshoe fitness is different from hiking fitness; your hip flexors and quads do double duty lifting each step. The yurt is the reward, but you have to earn it.
Where People Struggle
Underestimating the approach with a pack in snow. What takes 2 hours on a summer trail takes 4 hours in winter. People also underpack for cold — yurts are warm but the privy is outside at -15C.
Key Numbers
- Approach
- 3-8 miles on snow
- Duration
- 2-4 nights
- Temperature
- -5 to -20C
- Cost
- $200-$500/night
Gear Essentials
- Snowshoes or touring skis (often available for rent from the operator)
- Insulated water bottle — water freezes in 30 minutes at -15C
- Extra warm layers for evenings — yurt stove cycles between hot and cooling
- Headlamp — winter days are short, you may arrive in the dark
Terrain & Conditions
Snow-covered forest and meadow trails. Avalanche terrain may exist on day trips (guide manages risk). Temperatures -5 to -25C. Deep powder after storms. Trail may be broken or unbroken depending on timing.
How Backcountry Yurt Trip Compares
- Harder than
- Dog Sledding (more physical effort, self-propelled travel)
- Comparable to
- Snowshoeing (similar fitness, but multi-day with wilderness camping comfort)
- Easier than
- Ski Touring / Backcountry Skiing (guided, heated shelter, no tent)
Practical Logistics
- Best time to go
- January-March (reliable snowpack, cold enough for good conditions)
- Permit / registration
- None for guided trips. Self-guided yurt reservations through the operating system.
- Getting there
- Teton yurts: drive from Driggs/Tetonia ID. Colorado: varies by system.
- Accommodation
- Heated yurt with bunks, wood stove, and cooking facilities. Bring sleeping bag.
- Typical cost
- $200-$500/night (yurt rental); $400-$800/person guided (food, guide, transport)
- Guide
- Recommended for first-timers. Includes avalanche awareness and route-finding.
Injury Prevention for This Adventure
These are the most common injuries for snow athletes over 50. A few minutes of targeted prehab each week can keep you on track.