Most yurts rely upon the users to help maintain these backcountry motels. Be prepared to shovel out the yurt, haul out your trash, clean the ashes from the wood stove and leave the place better than you found it.

A word of caution. Whenever heading into the backcountry, be prepared for backcountry conditions. Come prepared to sleep outside, if for some reason you can’t get the yurt open, you don’t make the needed mileage by nightfall, or you get lost. The approaches to most of these yurts are not family jaunts for a fondue party (with exception to the dinner yurts). The majority of the yurts are serious backcountry adventures and should be approached as such. Beacons, shovels and probes are recommended for all backcountry travel. WARNING: Remember that backcountry travel can often be dangerous and requires knowledge of avalanche safety; avalanche safety gear like beacons, shovels, and probes; as well as a knowledge of how to use that equipment. You are responsible for your own safety! Go to www.avalanche.org for current conditions.

When you make your reservations at a particular yurt, the owner or manager will supply you with the directions, maps and a key or combination to the lock for entry into the yurt. Most will give you a checklist of things to take as well.