Wing Ridge Ski Tours

Excellent backcountry skiing opportunities abound and the Wallowa Mountains of Northeastern Oregon are reputed for deep, dry, powder snow. Backcountry skiers of any skill level may find an experience to suit their desire, from gentle touring to advanced telemarking.

Guided tours focus on avalanche safety, wilderness ethics, and orient you to the terrain and snow-pack history. Transceivers, shovels, probes, and climbing skins are provided on guided trips. The skiing varies from moderate to strenuous and the terrain is rated from easy to difficult. Your guides plan day trips to match the group's interest and abilities. Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and uncrowded slopes with plenty of fresh air and exercise!

Warm, comfortable huts are available for your use after a long day of telemarking or touring in the nearby backcountry terrain of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Big Sheep and Wing Ridge Huts may also be rented for private groups.

Experienced guides are available and we offer safety equipment rentals.


Wing Ridge Ski Tours Huts and Ski Terrain

The Big Sheep and Wing Ridge Huts feature large wall tents with wooden floors, bunks for up to 12 people, wood stoves, plenty of firewood, white gas lanterns, propane cook stoves, cooking utensils and deluxe sleeping pads. Click on Hut Equipment for a printable PDF list of all equipment provided at huts. See the Terrain Profiles for location and elevation information, including a PDF map that can be downloaded. You can get a free PDF reader at adobe.com if you need one.

All you need to provide are your own skis and poles, backpacks, winter clothing and personal items; click on Personnel Equipment for a printable PDF list of recommended and optional gear to bring with you. On self-guided trips, food is your responsibility. The Big Sheep and Wing Ridge Huts each have a wood-fired sauna tent. (Bring your own towels!)

Ski Terrain ~ Big Sheep Hut

The Big Sheep Hut (elev. 6200 ft.) lies in a mountain valley with access to the high country. Touring and telemarking opportunities are unlimited. The backcountry is open, with forests and glades on slopes between 20 and 40 degrees. Several areas affected by a forest fire in 1989 offer great tree skiing in the burn. This hut is appropriate for snowshoers and beginner skiers, yet offers steep and challenging slopes for advanced groups as well.

Ski Terrain ~ Wing Ridge Hut

The Wing Ridge Hut (elev. 7200 ft.) is near the wilderness boundary, 2 miles west of the Salt Creek
Sno-Park. (Parking permits required). This hut provides access to pristine mountain basins above the timberline with stunning scenery. It is a steep 1,100 ft. climb (skins are necessary) on an unmarked trail to reach this hut. A guide is available to lead your group in. This hut is popular with advanced telemark or rondonnee skiers and snowboard riders.

Reservations are required for overnight stay at each hut. Trips are booked on a first-come first-served basis. Please contact us soon for rates, hut availability, or to receive an information packet.

50% deposit is required to secure your reservation. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.