The weather here in northern California has been soggy to say the least. So Wednesday morning when I woke up to blue bird skies, I didn't feel much like going to work. I had just bought some ski gear a few days before and of course was itching to try it out. The only problem was i had never before skied. So where to go? After studying a few maps, I settled on the Peter Grub Hut. 3 to 4 miles of cross country and what should be mild navigation. I called my buddies at the local search and rescue to let them know my plans and agenda. This area has a reputation of swallowing people up.

I got a late start but should have enough time to make it but all has to go just right. I always like to keep the adventure level high.


I had tracks to follow but they stopped after about a mile. At this point I had no idea where to go. The map was leading me to make a left turn but my gut was telling me to make a soft right. Right it is then. All fresh powder and my skis where sinking down about 6 to 8 inches. I thought to myself "this is why its called Sierra Cement".


Everything was covered and it was a beautiful day. The one big mistake i made was too much clothing. I had anticipated that it would be much colder. Also, I am extremely inexperienced at this type of activity. I was working much to hard and began to be drenched in sweat.

I was told that when you climb a ridge you will then be looking down to Round Valley where the hut is located. I came to my first significant climb and thought, "almost there". But I was wrong. Then I came to an even steeper climb and thought once again, "almost there". This viscous circle played over and over again.


Soaking wet, out of breath, and no reserves left in the tank, I finally get a view of where I need to be. Its about 4p.m. now and the sun will be gone soon. No time to enjoy the views. I locked in the heels and headed down. I made it an impressive 20 feet before I face planted in the snow. The non conformist in me prefers to be self taught. After several tumbles and many expletives, I was in the valley... but no hut in sight. The bottom immediately drooped out of my stomach and the urge to panic was knocking at the door. Its got to be over in those trees, that's where i would put it. But no!!! Maybe there. Wrong again. Now the knocking was more like a battering ram just about to force its way in. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere it appeared...


Finally, at last!!! I needed a fire badly. Tons of wood, however, none was sized to fit in the stove. I grabbed the wedge and hammer and went to work. Soon it was starting to warm. I hung up the wet clothes that dripped on the floor and put on dry ones.


Next out came the Crown Royal. Time to relax buy my aching muscles would fight to prevent it as much as possible. Easy fix... more Crown Royal!!! I had the hut all to myself. By now the sun was gone. The lighting system was not functional. They have also removed the beds. The wood burning stove also needs some TLC. The fire proof seals around the door has been removed so the stove sucks air really bad. This causes the fire to burn to hot and burn through wood too quickly. The temps dropped below 10 that night. I bedded down in the kitchen so I could nurse the fire through the night. Morning finally came...


I ate some breakfast and then set out on some chores. The door to the back wood shed had been left open and snow had piled up. After a bit of shoveling, I could get the door shut. I then split some more wood for the next group. This got my blood flowing and helped wake me up. Swept the floor a bit also. now time to pack up and head home.


This place was amazing. The whole experience was amazing! I decided to take a different way out, that was less steep for the climb out, and meet up with my tracks on the top. Once I located my tracks and was looking at nothing but down hill to the car, I took of the skins. Still fell a lot but had fun. Made it back to the car in 2 hours. Not a record setting pace but remember... first time on skis.


Peter was a native of the bay area. He died at the age of 19 while on a bike tour of Europe from heat stroke. His family and friends loved him so much and wanted a way to memorialize him that all could share. The Peter Grub hut was finished in 1939. It is now operated by the Sierra Club. I have often wondered how i wish to be remembered when I pass. This place has surely planted a seed.