Early April 2007 brought Inner City Outings leaders together for what has become an annual event:  a Nordic ski trip to one of the Tenth Mountain Division ski huts.  The 10^th Mountain Division was a group of U.S. soldiers who trained with very old style and heavy equipment to fight in the Italian mountains during World War II.  Following the end of the war, the facilities like Camp Hale found another recreational use:  hosting cross-country skiers wanting to ski in Colorado’s wonderful backcountry.

 The 13 ICO leaders and kids skied or snow shoed uphill starting near Turquoise Lake (Leadville) at 9400 feet.  Carrying the group’s food, supplies, and extra gear, we slowly climbed to the 11,400’ Uncle Bud’s hut.  Uncle Bud’s looks out at the north end of the Collegiate Peaks – directly at Mount Massive.  The entire group enjoyed the food, conversation, skiing, boarding, and snowshoeing. 

 When we got ready to leave, Mother Nature had blessed us with 6” of new powder.  All in all, it was quite an adventure!