Summer FAQ’s
q: What is your canceling/rescheduling policy?
A: Please understand we are a small business with a limited season for operating, therefore cancellations affect us greatly and we must adhere to our cancellation policy. We suggest you consider carrying a policy with a travel insurance company to insure your trip
Cancellation- Foul Weather: We do not guarantee the weather; therefore there is no refund because of foul weather. A rental party has the option of hiring an SVT guide to show the party safe routes of travel.
Cancellation- Wildfires and smoke: We cannot guarantee clear skies during the summer, however if we cancel a trip due to wildfires in the area, we will make every effort to re-schedule without penalty.
The 50% deposit on the hut rental reservation is nonrefundable. The balance is due 30 days prior to trip departure. Payments can be made with any major credit card. If we have already collected the balance and you cancel with more than 30 days’ notice, you will receive a Full Refund, less the deposit.
If you cancel between 30 days and 2 weeks, we refund half the balance, not the deposit.
If you cancel less than 2 weeks before your trip, no refund. (This includes cancellation due to sickness or emergency)
We understand things come up and want to work with you and make sure you can get out to the huts. The deposit is nonrefundable, but is transferable. If you cancel with more than 30 days’ notice, your 50% deposit may be used for another trip in the same season, weekdays only.
Cancellation due to Epidemics and Pandemics: The above policies apply to cancellations due to pandemics or epidemics. We will work with you to transfer your reservation fee and reschedule if there is situation that requires us to close the huts due to public health needs.
Q: What amenities are at the huts?
A: The cozy huts are all equipped with wood stoves, pre-cut firewood, a sauna or hot tub, a complete kitchen, propane cooking unit and propane, bunk beds with sleeping pads, solar lanterns, games, magazines, toilet paper, paper towels, all cleaning supplies and covered outhouses. The renter is responsible for bringing food, personal gear, sleeping bag, and avalanche gear. We provide a list of ski runs and maps in our information binder at each of the huts.
Q: Can I take my dog to the hut?
A: We do allow people to bring dogs to the yurts in the summer only. Please be courteous to future renters by picking up after your dog.
Q: What is the check in/out time?
A: The check in/out time is 12:00 noon. We ask that you do not arrive before noon and that you are packed up, cleaned up, and have followed the check-out procedures posted at the yurt on the day of your departure. We do maintain the yurts, but it is up to the renters to leave the yurts in the condition they would like to find them.
*Are the routes to the huts marked or maintained?
No, routes are not maintained or marked, map and compass skills are essential. You can buy detailed topographic maps at Backwoods Mountain Sports and The Elephants Perch in Ketchum, or at the SNRA north of town. Please keep in mind that even shorter trips with minimal elevation gains can become very challenging in poor weather conditions or if you have to break trail through fresh snow. We highly recommend hiring a licensed guide if you have any uncertainty on the location and/or approach to the yurt. No refunds will be given if you don't find the yurt.
*Can/should/do I have to hire a guide?
If you or anyone else in your party has NOT been into the particular hut/yurt before, you may hire a Hut Rent Guide to ensure your safe arrival. The guide will lead you and your group safely and efficiently in to the hut and then provide you with a yurt hut-life orientation. They can also update you on trail conditions and suggest different routes.
*Is it customary to tip my guide? What would be the appropriate amount?
As Mountain Guiding is part of the service industry, where guides work hard to meet your personal goals and objectives, it is customary to tip your guide if you are happy with their service. Gratuities are not required and should reflect a level of excellence in the guiding service. If you choose to tip, 10-20% of the total fee is standard, similar to other services like eating out at restaurant. If you are member of a group, you may choose to pool tips with other group members or tip individually. Gratuities are best paid in cash (not credit card). If you are working with a guide team, gratuities are given to the Lead Guide, with instruction if the gratuity is intended to be shared.
*How long does it take to drive/ mountain bike to hike to Coyote Yurts?
Driving: From Ketchum to below the yurt is 27 miles and takes approximately 1hr 20 min. Once you get to the parking area, the yurt is approx. 0.33 miles and should take about 15 minutes to hike.
Mountain Biking or Hiking to Coyote Yurts: It is possible to hike or bike to the yurt from a variety of trails. If you choose to use one of these trails to get to or leave the yurt, be aware that most are over 10 miles to a trailhead and are not always well marked or signed. Bring a map and have an adventure! Possible Trails: Oregon Gulch, Warm Springs Ridge from Adam’s Gulch or Hulen Meadows, Osberg Ridge, Alden Gulch, Lost Shirt Gulch, Easley Gulch, or Rooks Creek.
*How long does it take to drive and hike to the Pioneer Yurts in the summer?
Driving: The driving approach to the Pioneer Yurt is up the East Fork of the Big Wood River to Hyndman Creek Trailhead, approximately 30 minutes from both Ketchum and Hailey.
Hiking/Biking: From Hyndman Creek Trailhead to the yurt is 3.5 miles and 1800' elevation gain. Bikes can be used for the 1st 2.5 miles but should be stashed and locked in the meadow before the final mile and 1000' gain to the yurt. The last mile of the trail is too steep and officially closed to bikes. Hikers typically take about 2 hours and bike/hike combo tends to be about 20 minutes faster on the way in and significantly faster on the way out.
*What do we do for water?
Coyote Yurt: We provide large water jugs for your use while at the yurt. We suggest that arrive with full capacity water bottles on day one and use approximately one jug a day.
Pioneer Yurt: Water can be collected from the nearby stream, which, although is pure snow-melt, we recommend purifying before consumption. Please bring a water filter or other purification system. We provide one that stays at the yurt as well.
What is the Coffee System used at the huts?
We use a drip-filter system for coffee. We provide the plastic cone filters and the paper filters plus an insulated carafe to keep it hot for big groups. Simply boil water on the stove and pour it through the filters into the big carafe.
*Will my cell phone work at the huts?
A cell phone is helpful in an emergency, but cannot be relied upon. Cell reception is fair at Coyote but poor beyond the yurt. We provide a solar Goal-Zero USB charging station, make sure to bring your own cord. Cell phones do not work at Pioneer Yurt, but one can get cell coverage with a 45 minute hike up to the Peanut.
*Is it okay to carry a cooler with ice to Coyote Yurt?
You can bring a cooler with ice to Coyote Yurt, just keep in mind you will have to carry it the ½ mile uphill from where you park. We recommend backpacking your food, beverages and ice packs to the yurt and using the 2 coolers provided. We do not recommend carrying a cooler or ice to the Pioneer Yurt as the approach is over 3.5 miles and 1800' elevation gain.
*How do I make a hut reservation?
To make a reservation visit our website, click on your desired adventure and visit the ‘BOOK NOW’ button. You may also give us a call in the office at 208-788-1966 or email at info@svtrek.com. We will collect a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total trip cost to hold your dates. We accept all major credit cards, checks or cash.