Wendy Thompson Hut

The Wendy Thompson Hut should be on everyone's bucket list when visiting the Pemberton area. In the winter, the hut provides comfort for up to 16 people and allows groups to tackle more remote objectives, such as Mount Marriott. In the summer, it can provide shelter on a rainy day. The hut's location and amenities are some of the best in B.C.

The hut is organized by the Alpine Club of Canada, Whistler section. Given its popularity, a reservation is required to stay at the hut. The website details how to make reservations. A new reservation system is being implemented as of May 2019. Check the website for the latest on how to reserve. Reservations open up 6 months in advance and are refunded if the avalanche rating during your trip is high or extreme for Avalanche Canada's South Coast Inland region.

To get there, head north on Highway 99 out of Pemberton toward Lillooet (aka Duffey Lake Road). The parking lot is opposite a public works shed about 17 kilometers after the road leaves the valley bottom. Be aware this road can be treacherous in the winter. The trail/road starts 300 meters west of the parking. Stay left at the intersection 200 meters up the road and again at 1 kilometer. Beyond the end of the road, the trail is marked by orange diamonds following the creek up the drainage. A sign at the start of the forest provides information on avalanche safety to access the hut. The summer route ascends on the left side of the creek.

The entrance has a mudroom to transition from ski boots to the hut-supplied crocs. There are solar panels providing power to LED lighting and USB charging ports. Cooking equipment is provided in the kitchen—check the website for the latest on stove availability and condition. A wood stove is available during the winter. Use the firewood conservatively as there is a limited supply and the loft heats up quickly. For some evening fun, there are games such as cribbage and jenga and maps for planning daytrips from the hut.

Many trips are possible when starting from the head of the Marriott Basin. Easy day trips include Peak 2300 to the southwest and the Marriott subpeaks to the north. Longer trips to Mount Marriott, Cayoosh Mountain, and Mount Rohr can also be attempted. Evaluate avalanche conditions carefully when venturing beyond the immediate area around the hut.

While you're visiting, check out the book detailing the history of the hut. The hut is named in memory of Wendy Thompson, a ski patroller and paramedic killed during a patient transfer in 1995. The hut was built in two phases: an initial build in 2000 and an extension in 2015. The efforts of volunteers to make the hut a reality was incredible.

The Wendy Thompson Hut is one of the best huts in southwest British Columbia for backcountry skiing and hiking.  Also in the area is Keith's Hut on the south side of the road.