Weekend in the Wilderness
Family Hut Trip near Winter Park, CO

Weekend in the Wilderness
Family Hut Trip in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Fall 2023

[Dates TBD in Late 2022]

Let’s get your entire family [yup, kids too!] into the backcountry for two overnights in the Colorado Rockies near Winter Park. We will be staying in a remote hut where every family will have a private room. Our days will be filled with family-oriented activities, outdoor adventures, and evening chill time.

Registration is open! There are ONLY three private rooms available for this retreat. Snag your spot with just a 50% deposit and get excited about a family vacation in the stunning San Juan Mountains.

Get Notified!

Are you ready for a hut trip?! Yea, me too…

Pop your contact information into the form to get your name on the list for updates on the hut trip. Including early access to Weekend in the Wilderness registration when it becomes available!

Have questions now? Shoot me an email today: heidi@adventurefeetfirst.com

But…what is a “hut trip” + why should we go on one?

 

A “hut trip” is an adventure that takes you to a remote hut, usually in the backcountry where some hiking is required and cell service may be non-existent. In most cases the hut is used as the “home base” for many hub-and-spoke adventures…which is exactly what we will be doing! The hut for the Weekend in the Wilderness is a large, remote cabin with a rustic version of “all the comforts of home”.

We will be staying in the Broome Hut located near Berthoud Pass between Winter Park and I-70. This hut is large enough to sleep up to 16 people in four private rooms. There are large common areas, a group dining area, a deck with views for days, and a full kitchen that will be the source of your catered meals.

Yes, huts are rustic but they are a very comfortable way to experience the backcountry. You will get to experience silent night skies, easy access to trails, and the “off the grid” feel of the backcountry while still having access to four walls, a roof, running water, and all of the basic “comforts of home”…the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

And why would you want to go on a hut trip into the backcountry? Let me share why I love hut trips, I bet some will hit home for you…

  • a great excuse to get “off the grid” without schlepping a ton of gear.

  • the perfect mix of silent night skies and a bed to sleep in.

  • doing laundry is not an option! [and neither is cooking on this retreat!]

  • the people who enjoy hut trips are “my people” and I love the connections we make in the backcountry.

  • life moves a bit slower and I get to watch my daughter discover a new version of the world she lives in.

If any of these reasons resonate with you a hut trip may be exactly what you need in your life. If you’re not quite sure if this is for you shoot me an email and we can chat about the logistics of a hut trip. Maybe it’s not your jam…or maybe a little more information will make you feel more comfortable with this type of backcountry adventure. Let’s find out!

This is what you can expect on this
Weekend in the Wilderness hut trip…

  • Unforgettable Memories

    Spend time with other outdoorsy, adventurous families and create unforgettable memories together.

  • A Family Vacation

    Let this retreat be your excuse to take backcountry adventure to the next level…stress-free, for everyone!

  • Backcountry Friendly Crafts

    Practice “upcycling” with eco-focused crafts that aren’t a burden in the backcountry.

  • A "Close to Home" Escape

    Our hut is just a mile from the trailhead and within two hours of the Denver Metro! So close…but so far [off the grid!].

  • Hiking Out The Door

    Choose Your Own Adventure…and head out for a scenic hike above treeline with views for days [weather permitting].

The Planned Itinerary

The minute details of the Weekend in the Wilderness are being fine tuned, whittled down, and smoothed out but the overall itinerary has been plotted out. Below you’ll find an example schedule so you can begin to mentally prepared for your weekend off the grid.

Oh, and for clarity, CYOAdventure stands for Choose Your Own Adventure and refers to the kid-friendly activity stations that will be available to you during each breakout session [morning and afternoon]. These activity stations are created to keep a wide range of kids happily entertained with a variety of things to do from outdoor exploring to craft projects to rainy day games. All materials will be provided and the final activity stations will be geared toward the ages of children registered for the retreat.

This is why your Weekend in
the Wilderness will feel like a vacation…

All The Little Details, Including Meals

  • If you’ve never been on a hut trip [or at least, not with kids] you may have questions about where to start…I have you covered! The Weekend in the Wilderness retreat includes a virtual Hut Trip 101 workshop, a detailed packing list, and a to/from road trip guide.

  • Don’t stress about how you and your family will spend time in the backcountry…I have it all planned out for you, with your kids in mind. This includes all meals at the hut and four structured breakout sessions [and multiple “mountain weather” contingency plans, just in case!].

 
 

AFF Adventures & Frosted Flamingo Art

  • There will be four breakout sessions designed as “Choose Your Own Adventure” blocks of time. The available activities will be geared toward the ages of children registered and there will be fun indoor options if the weather is unfriendly.

  • Be ready if [when?] weather rolls in! There will be crafts and activities pre-planned for “rainy day” fun…even if it doesn’t rain. It will be kid-focused but as an adult with an insiders scoop I think the grown-ups will enjoy it too!

 
 

Flexible Itinerary & Private Rooms

  • The daily itinerary is designed to provide structure while also allowing each family unit to maintain their daily routine [including naps!].

  • The hut is laid out with five private sleeping rooms. Each family unit will have their own private sleeping room to store their gear and partake in quiet time. There are also large community areas for socializing, including a deck with a view!

 
 

Are you ready for a family adventure!?

The Cost of Adventure…

In an attempt to allow for [and encourage] a wide range of adult-to-kid ratios the pricing is broken into three options — the adult cost, the child cost, and the infant cost.

During the registration process you will select the number of individuals you have in each category. You will be assigned a private room based upon the number of people in your group — keep an eye on the form to see the number of each room size.

 

Per Adult Cost

  • For the purposes of this adventure an “adult” is anyone over the age of 12 years old. At least one “parental unit” must be registered with each private room. Each adult registered is $275 which includes all aspects of the retreat, including CYOAdventure activities alongside the children.

    Adults 13 years and older: $250

Per Child Cost

  • They say kids eat less and sleep more…right? Ha, either way, the cost for tiny humans is lower than adults as outlined below. This registration fees includes all aspects of the retreat.

    Children 2 years to 12 years: $175

Per Infant Cost

  • The smaller the human…the less space they take up? But they do still count toward the space we have available and will need to have a designated bed space in the hut.

    Infants under 2 years: $100*

    *This does not include full meals for the infants under the age of 2 years old - if your infant requires a full meal please register them as a child age 2 years to 12 years.

Don’t stop adventuring…let your tiny human be the catalyst for change in how you approach your adventures together.

Hey, hi, hello…I’m Heidi and I have taken a winding road to get to the life I am currently living and loving. Many things have changed over the years but seeking adventure and sharing adventure have always been essential for me. And now I want to share adventures with you and your family.

I am a certified Wilderness EMT and I have spent the past 10+ years roaming the frontcountry trails and venturing into the backcountry throughout the United State and Europe. I have experience co-hosting and planning retreats as well as attending retreats.

The Weekend in the WIlderness retreats were unknowingly born with my daughter…I want to show her the world and i know there are many families out there who feel the same way! Let’s go adventure!

 

Meet Your Host, Heidi!

 

Let this be your excuse to venture out with your tiny human in tow…

FAQs

  • Anyone with young children and a desire to get the whole crew into the backcountry! Yup, you!

    If you’re not sure if this really does include you shoot me an email at heidi@adventurefeetfirst.com and we can chat specifics.

    The overall schedule will be flexible enough to accommodate your nap schedules and the final Choose Your Own Adventure activities will be geared to the ages registered for the event.

    My daughter will be in attendance at 16 months old.

  • The hut has five private rooms with sleeping space for 3 to 6 people. Each family will be able to book their own private room based upon the space they need.

    There are large common areas, including a large dining area, for group gatherings in the hut. There is a full kitchen that you will have access to. All meals will be provided but you are welcome to whip up your third coffee or extra snacks if you choose to do so.

  • This Weekend in the Wilderness Retreat takes places at a remote mountain hut in the Colorado Rockies between Winter Park and Berthoud Pass. The following things are included with your registration:

    • Two nights in a private room at the remote hut

    • Three days of structured activities, both outdoor and “rainy day”

    • All meals at the hut [2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners]

    • Everything needed for Choose Your Own Adventure activities

    • Directions for self-guided hikes near the hut

    • Hut Trip 101 Workshop [virtually available via video and PDF]

    • Complete packing kid-friendly packing list

    • Road trip directions with kid-friendly breaks via Google Maps

    • Answers to all your planning and packing questions [seriously, I am making myself available to you to ensure you feel fully prepared!]

    With all those perks included in your retreat registration I do want to point out there are a few items that are not included:

    • Transportation to/from the trailhead [near Winter Park]

    • Optional Lunch in Idaho Springs on Sunday, after we leave the hut

    • Extra snacks [and alcohol] at the hut - available for purchase

  • Yes. We will be adhering to the following COVID precautions:

    • All participants [10+ years old] must be fully vaccinated and boosted upon arrival at the hut with proof of vaccination [actual card or photo of card]

    • All participants [2+ years old] must have proof of a negative COVID test taken within 4 days of arrival at the hut [PCR test preferred]

    If you have any questions about these requirements please reach out to me via email prior to registering for the retreat. I will update this information if the requirements change.

  • Due to the unique configuration of the mountain hut we will be staying in there are a few extra steps to registration. I have outlined them below:

    Step One: Fill out the registration form on the registration page and hit “register”.

    Step Two: Check your email for confirmation, a link to the 50% deposit, and a detailed questionnaire to ensure the retreat is geared to your family. This confirmation email is sent manually by me and may take up to 48 hours to arrive.

    Step Three: Get excited about adventure…and keep an eye on your email for more information on the Hut Trip 101 Workshop, packing lists, and more.

    Step Four: Pack up your gear, load up your car, buckle in the family and arrive at the trailhead on Friday morning for a weekend in the wilderness!

    A refundable 50% deposit is due upon registration to confirm your private room and individual tickets. This deposit can be made via Zelle [with the option to pay via credit card with an additional 3% processing fee]. The 50% deposit is refundable, less any processing fees, until September 13, 2022.

    The remaining 50% of the registration fee is due in full on September 13, 2022. This is 45 days prior to the start of the Weekend in the Wilderness retreat. If you need to cancel for any reason after September 13, 2022 the registration fees are nonrefundable.

    Your registration fees can be transferred to another family but they will need to submit their own registration questionnaire. There may be additional fees if the transferring family has a different family configuration than what you originally registered with. Please contact me directly via email with any questions regarding transfers as they must be submitted and approved by me to ensure the continuity of the retreat as a whole.

  • Ugh, I’m sorry! Sometimes life happens and your adventure plans don’t quite pan out. It sucks and I’m sorry.

    On the plus side the 50% deposit you made to call dibs on your private room and individual tickets is fully refundable [less any processing fees] until September 13, 2022. Cancellation must be made in writing. Do not consider your room and tickets cancelled until you have heard from me directly confirmation your cancellation.

    If you need to cancel after the final payment on September 13, 2022 the registration fees are not refundable.

    However, you will have the option to transfer your registration fees to another family. This family will need to complete a registration questionnaire and there may be additional fees if their family configuration is different from what you originally booked, but they will be allowed to attend the retreat using your private room and your individual tickets.

    Have concerns about last minute cancellations? I would recommend trip insurance. Yes, even if you live in Colorado. Yes, even if this is “just a weekend trip”. Trip cancellation can save your bacon [and bank account].

    Still have concerns or questions? Shoot me an email at heidi@adventurefeetfirst.com.

  • That’s great…that means you’re really thinking through the details and I am here for this!

    Reach out to me via email with any questions you have. If we need more space to chat we can move the conversation to a phone call or Zoom meeting. Ultimately I want to ensure you feel comfortable with your decision.