Eating At The Hut

Is the water safe to drink?

Water is collected from either snowmelt or Russet Lake, depending on the season. It is the responsibility of guests to treat their own drinking water. The hut has bleach that guests may use to treat water.

Is there a place I can store food to keep it cold or frozen?

Yes. There is a black metal box at the end of the deck which can be used to keep food cold in the winter. This box isn’t rodent-proof, so be sure to leave your items in the plastic bins provided or bring your own.

What type of coffee brewers are at the hut?

We have Moka pots, french press, and pour over cones (but you need to bring your own filter).

If there is an empty bunk next to my friend, can I take it?

Please use your assigned bunk. Guests often arrive late in the evening, and it’s important for everyone’s bunk to be available to them when they arrive. If you have a concern about your bunk, speak to the Custodian.

I booked two nights but I didn’t get the same bunk for both nights. Can I stay where I am for the second night?

Please use your assigned bunk. If you stay in the bunk that you had for the first night, you will be in someone else’s bunk for the second night.

What should I do if I leave crumbs or dirt on the floor?

Clean it up. Guests are also encouraged to clean up dirt on the floor. Brooms and dustpans and a vacuum are provided in the food storage area.

How should I clean up after myself after eating?

Cooking stations should be cleaned promptly, especially during dinner time. Do your dishes, wipe down the area with cleaning spray and towels provided, and clean out the sink and strainer in the sink. After eating, wipe down your table.

Do I need to sign up for a cooking station for breakfast or other meals?

No. Our cooking station sign up is only being used for dinner, as most guests want to eat around the same time and these meals are more time-consuming.

How much bleach do I add to the dish rinse water?

Only a small splash is needed.

What do I do if the dishwashing water is dirty?

You can pour it down the sink and make it again according to the instructions on the wall posters.

Is there cooking oil or butter at the hut?

No.

Hut Etiquette

Can I play music?

No, to respect other guests in the hut please do not play your music.

Can we turn up the heat?

The hut is maintained to a specific temperature. Reference the guest manual.

Can we turn the fireplace on?

Due to the excessive use of propane, the fireplace only comes on in rare circumstances as noted in the guest manual. The fireplace can only be turned on by the custodians – please do not tamper with it.

Will my boots dry in the drying room?

The drying room is heated to 10 C. Remove all snow and ice from your boots before bringing them in.

Can I bring my skis in the hut so my bindings don’t freeze?

No.

What should I do if I see that we’re out of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bleach, etc.?

Inform the custodian and they will replace it.

Can I light candles?

No. Not even birthday candles.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes. There is a lost and found bin in the entry vestibule on the shelf with the crocs.

Can I take the books from the library shelf?

Guests are encouraged to enjoy the books in the hut, but do not take them home. These books are donated by local guides, donors, guests, and custodians and are meant to remain in the hut.

What should I do if I spill water on the floor?

Clean it up. Water left on the floor makes a mess and could potentially damage the floor over time. Guests are encouraged to use the mop provided in the food storage area to clean up spills.

Leaving the Hut

When do the quiet hours end in the morning?

Quiet hours end at 8:00 am.

Can I leave behind shelf-stable food that I didn’t eat? Someone else might want it.

No. Please pack out all the food that you brought.

How else can we help cleaning?

Remember to pack out all food. Volunteer to pack out garbage another guest left behind. Sweep out your bunk area in the morning. Wipe down the toothbrush area. Wipe out your food cubby. Fold any clean rags from the drying rack. Wipe any smudgy windows with Windex (under the sink) and a rag. Ask the custodian if there’s any additional tasks you can help with.

Check out is 10:00 am, but I want to go skiing without having to carry all my stuff with me. Can I leave things at the hut and retrieve them later?

All of your items must be out of the hut by 10:00 am. You may leave your belongings on the outside deck if you are going out for the morning. You may not re-enter the hut after check out unless you have a reservation for that night.

What route should I take to leave? Musical Bumps or Singing Pass?

Route choice is informed by each individual’s ability, weather, and travel conditions. Since these factors vary widely, we cannot provide guidance regarding route choice.

Other Questions for Inquiring Minds

What happens with the gray water?

Gray water is collected in tanks downstairs, mixed with urine, and gradually released to the septic field.

What do the custodians do?

Custodians are here to help guests check in, find their bunk, and understand the rules and etiquette. Custodians also perform various maintenance tasks. They are not here to clean up after all guests; the hut is user-maintained.

How long are the custodians up here for?

It depends. Volunteers have some flexibility on how long they would like to stay. Often it is only one night, but can be several nights if they bring up more food.

What perks do custodians get?

Most custodians are here to give back to the outdoor community. They contribute their time to help guests, perform maintenance, make repairs, clean, ferry supplies, and a plethora of other things. The perks tend to be intangible, like the gratification that comes by keeping this special place running, by being part of an amazing custodian community and making new friends. But also sleeping in the room with a door.

Can I donate to the hut?

Yes! https://spearheadhuts.org/take-action

Do you accept tips?

You can donate to the hut at https://spearheadhuts.org/take-action

When was the hut built?

Construction was completed in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hut wasn’t in full operation for the first two years. Finishing touches have been added since, such as solar panels in 2024.

How does propane get delivered?

Propane is delivered by helicopter.

How do other supplies get delivered?

Everything is delivered by helicopter.

Can I swim in Russet Lake?

Yes, but it’s cold. Since the lake is the campground’s water source, don’t pee in it.