What
to Bring | What
is Freight Hauling
| Where
to Drop Freight |
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift Certificates
| Costs | Planning
| Elevations,
Distances and Skiing times
Getting Started
If you read all of the information
in this info sheet you will have a good idea about what you will need to enjoy
a stay in the Rendezvous Huts. If you have
a
freight
haul or think that you might want
one, remember that we ask that you make a reservation for this service
at least one week before your stay.
What to Expect
The Rendezvous area of the Methow Valley in North Central Washington is one of the finest Nordic skiing areas in the country. Our snow is dependably dry, our weather reliably sunny, the terrain varied, the scenery breathtaking. If you ski Nordic style -- whether you're an intermediate or an expert -- you owe yourself at least one trip to the huts of Rendezvous Outfitters. This is a semi backcountry experience and even though this is a groomed trail, snow and weather conditions can change rapidly and you should be able to ski all conditions.
Our huts
are simple and cozy frame buildings that sleep 8-10 people.Cassel
Hut is the smallest. Each is equipped with a full Kitchen (propane
cook stove, pots, pans, utensils) a wood stove heater and fuel,
sleeping pads, propane lights, and a sanitary outhouse.
As of 2007
we have torn down Fawn Hut and built a new hut on the south end
of Grizzly Mountain. Grizzly Hut is a similar ski in as Cassel
Hut. Enjoy our new luxury.
Rendezvous' five huts (except Rendezvous and Gardner) are located on average at 8 kilometer intervals (5 miles) along the Outfitters' 37 kilometers (21 miles) of groomed trails. You may ski the hut and trail system from one point to another, or travel loops on interconnecting trails. There is a TRAIL PASS FEE for every day that you ski the trail system. Passes are sold at several different establishments in downtown Winthrop and around the Valley.
Heifer Hut is the easiest hut to reach from the trailhead, about a three hour
ski from the Cub Creek parking area. We recommend it as a first night's stop
for beginners and families.
We've designed the Rendezvous system to be safe and fun. Off-trail skiers that
plan to go off track skiing (Tele or touring) are responsible for recognizing
backcountry hazards and how to navigate off trail. The Green Trails Map #52
- Mazama covers this area.
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What to Bring
Equipment: The Rendezvous system has machine groomed classic and skating platforms which are maintained by the METHOW VALLEY SPORTS TRAIL ASSOCIATION, off-trail touring, snowshoeing and telemark skiing are also primary activities in this area that can be enjoyed while staying in the Huts. Specialized equipment is recommended for all off-trail skiing and knowledge of backcountry hazards and the problems that can go with it.
Supplies:
Our huts are fully equipped with kitchen gear and single and double
sleeping cushions. Bring only your sleeping bag, clothing, flashlight
or headlamp, and personal items.
Food: Skiing the Rendezvous
is an exhilarating experience that really works up appetites. Since you
won't be packing pots and pans, stoves, utensils
or sleeping pads, you'll have plenty of room for lots of food (pasta, breads,
cookies and cheeses are favorite standbys.) While libations are permitted
at the huts, we recommend you drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to
avoid fatigue and dehydration. Expect to drink about two quarts of water
per person per day. You have two options for water at the Rendezvous huts:
either haul your water in, or melt snow over your hut's wood or gas stove.
Our rule of thumb is that 12" of snow equals about one inch of water.
Dogs are Optional: Dogs allowed on all Rendezvous Ski Trails and in all the Huts!
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Freight Hauling
Freight Hauling
is a service we offer our customers to haul their food, extra skis,
and any other type of gear that they might need for a stay at the
huts. Currently we have two freight machines in service and two
freight sleds which are 7 feet long and 3 feet wide. It can be packed
2 layers high with coolers and boxes on the bottom and duffel bags
or backpacks on top. If your load is too large to fit in the sled
or weighs over 300 pounds, you will be charged for an extra freight
haul. Generally, that means enough food and gear to keep eight people
satisfied for about four days, or a party of four skiers happy for
eight days. Our freight haulers ask that you pack food neatly
in boxes and clothes in duffels or backpacks/ bundle extra ski equipment
securely. Insurance regulations permit us to haul only
supplies-- no riders, please.
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Where to Drop Freight
We ask you to bring
your gear up to the Cub Creek Parking Lot. One of the snow machine
drivers will be there waiting for you or there will be a sign
where to put your gear if the driver is already out on a haul.
We ask that you have your gear there no later than 10:00 am. If
you are going up from the Fawn Creek side of the Rendezvous Trail
System and want a freight haul, this will have to be set up in
advance so that the driver can pick up your gear at MVSTA by 9:30am
that day. If you would like to schedule a later time for freight
hauling or are running late, please call so we can plan accordingly.
800-257-2452 or 509-996-8100.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the charge
for freight hauling work? The price charged for this is the price of each haul.
Do we need a key to get into the huts? No the huts are open and there is no need to check in once you have made your reservations and paid for your stay.
Do you need a Snowpark permit? No, not to park at an MVSTA Trailhead.
No one checks up on you at the huts unless you have a freight haul or unless we are up cleaning the huts.
If you need any info on weather conditions and or what is groomed in the Valley
any time during the winter please check out the grooming report or call MVSTA at 800-682-5787.
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Gift Certificates
You can
give an adventure gift to a friend with a gift certificate from Rendezvous
Huts!
Fill out the form on
the gift certificate page and send us a check.
We will mail the gift certificate to the recipient for you. |
 |
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Costs
Trail passes and hut rentals are separate costs. Freight hauling is optional. Consult the price page
for package descriptions and prices, and freight hauling charges.
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Planning
The Rendezvous' groomed tracks -- and all machined ski trails in the Methow Valley -- are maintained by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association. MVSTA is a private non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting cross country skiing and other environmentally sound trail recreation in the Methow Valley. MVSTA Trail Passes are required for every day you ski the Valley's machine groomed tracks -- including the Rendezvous'. Single, three day and season passes are available. Please respect MVSTA rules of trail courtesy, skiing safety, and trail closures.
If you forget gear, no sweat: Winthrop Mountain Sports, in downtown Winthrop, has extensive selections of skis, accessories and clothing to rent or buy and a well-informed staff to help.
Refer to
the Distances Table to help you plan your
itinerary along the Rendezvous trail system. Times are based on
a typical group of intermediate skiers, carrying 25 pound packs,
traveling from one destination to the next. Your times may vary
slightly.
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