Hyalite Warming Hut

Submitted by Doug Chabot on Fri, 03/31/2006 - 11:45
This is from the article I wrote in the SMCC Newsletter: "I talked with Jose Castro, Bozeman District Ranger, prior to writing this article. He said that the GNF [i]could[/i] be open to the construction of a ?warming hut? off the Hyalite trail if climbers thought it would be useful. He knows that these have been built successfully in Colorado and thought that if a volunteer organization (SMCC) wanted to fund, build and maintain it, the GNF may be agreeable. The first step is to get people?s feedback on this idea, and then if there?s a positive response we could organize a committee to pursue this. I set up a forum titled Hyalite Warming Hut in the Spray section of www.montanaice.com, so write any comments/ideas there."

so we've gone from feaking out over a few bolts to installing huts? while I'm sure it would be fun to kick in down at the shack, I for one don't support the installation of such a structure.

I for one am not in favor of a "warming hut", believing being out in the elements an integral part of climbing. However, some sort of rescue equipment might be a good idea. I was involved in a climber rescue up Hyalite a few weeks ago where a climber seriously injured himself in a fall. Along with the victim's partner, my partner and another climbing team we were able to get him down to the hospital in about 4 hours. Luckily there where other climbers in the area, which might not have been the case with much less activity since the road has been (mostly) undrivable. After the rescue, one of the climbers involved suggested stashing some sort of rescue equipment up there, be it tow-behind tobogan, stokes litter, or snow machine. Comments...

In light of the recent changes to the Gallatin National Forest Travel Plan, specifically winter access to Hyalite Canyon, this entire warming hut question takes on entirely new meaning. See the posts under the Hyalite Conditions Forum for more information. Under the current plan, a warming hut will not make much sense because so few people will actually ever get to use it. The existence of hut, however, might actually improve our chances of ensuring the funding remains in place for plowing the road since it shows a facility that could potentially be used by numerous user groups. Stay posted...

Given that Hyalite Canyon has an urban population close by, roads and several campgrounds and the Lions camp it is not that wild. My view is that a combination hut and rescue cache would a nice amenity for climbers. It wouldn't detract from my expereince and would be a nice little place to gather. I'm for it. Conrad

I agree that we should consider having [i]at least[/i] a rescue vessel of some sort (stokes litter etc). My personal vote would be for a ski patrol sled or similar sized sno-mo toboggan that could be hooked up to a sled. This was a key piece of equipment during a rescue late last season. This is a key point to consider as Hyalite has a much more remote feel after the road is undrivable or closed! :( Another thought down the road would be to not only have a rescue device stashed up the Main Fork, but to also have another one strategically placed up the E. Fork.

While I can understand people having differing opinions rather it be in regards to a warming hut, climbing leash-less or even the existence of this website, what I don?t understand is individuals who feel they have the right to impose their preferences on others. If you feel a warming hut would ?spoil? your wilderness experience don?t use it! If you feel motorized vehicles would ?wreck? your sense of adventure simply walk from your house! And if you believe that by shearing beta about routs and their conditions will ?foil? your sense of discovery then burn your copy of ?Winter Dance? and get off this site! Better yet, grow some thicker skin, get off your high horse and be a little more tolerant of the rest of us mere mortals.

It seems that if we are forced to have ski four or five miles in, a warming cabin would be much nicer meeting place, and much more useful. Also this going back to the acsess for next season. If climbers are made to ski in, I am sure someone is going to start building their own little hut/dry place. And after what happened last year...

Pete's comment is right on. As the times change - so do the ethics, appearently. A warming hut in hyalite, sounds lame, against it - but if there is one, it better have a coffee bar that sells stout expresso so I can sit inside and enjoy the viewscape while sipping on my expresso, talking shit about climbing. "Yeah man there I was, no gear, no rope - just pure unbridled terror was the only thing from keeping me off the ground," Johnny Bozeman said as he sipped his crapicino in Hyalite's new warming hut.

I'd have to side with Conrad on this one. This area is not a pristine wilderness area free of all structures. There are already 2 outhouses at the main fork trail head...Is it going to hurt to put up another small building? On the rescue supplies that would be MUCH appreciated. I'll pitch in 10-20 bucks (poor college student) for it if it comes to fruition.
Spray