Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut

GPS Coordinates: 51°45' 48"-117°52' 36" NAD83 11U 439500 5735079

For more detailed information, view these printable pages on Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut

Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut, Adamant Range, Selkirk Mountains Photo by Chuck O'Callaghan Outstanding backcountry skiing and granite mountaineering. Access is by helicopter, as recently the road used for approaching in the summer was washed out.. Class A, sleeps 20.

There is a very good reason why the ACC has held its General Mountaineering Camp in the Fairy Meadow area on four separate occasions since 1981 - the place is awesome! The Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains provides climbers and backcountry skiers with a wealth of fantastic opportunities.

The peaks here are mainly granitic and there are several classic routes of various lengths and difficulty to challenge all types of climbers. In winter the snow comes early and in huge quantities, allowing for a myriad of touring and ski-mountaineering possibilities that are second to none. "The Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut is one of the great backcountry ski destinations in Canada. The snow is deep, the runs are excellent and the hut is very comfortable." (Summits and Icefields - Columbia Mountains, by Chic Scott, page 54).

Winter Ski Season Information

Photo: © John Derick

Built in 1965 by the ACC as a project proposed and largely overseen by William Putnam, the hut has since seen extensive renovations which have transformed the two-storey wooden building into a deluxe backcountry destination indeed! With a complete propane system which includes an oven for baking, two very efficient woodstoves and a fully stocked cooking area, comfort is guaranteed. There is sleeping space for 20 on the second level and a spacious common room with adequate space for hanging gear. A large and very hot wood-burning sauna is an absolute treat on those clear, cold winter nights!

Accessto the Fairy Meadow hut is by helicopter only, as recently the approach has been plagued with the road being washed out, and a vehicle approach has been eliminated.

For a great review of the summer climbing potential around Fairy Meadow, visit http://www.angelfire.com/on4/fairymeadows01. Thanks to Dwight Yachuk of the Ottawa Section for this contribution!

Reference material available

We hope you will be one of the "lucky groups (that will) get to spend a week skiing in this paradise" (Summits and Icefields - Columbia Mountains, Chic Scott, page 50.)

If the following information does not answer all of your questions, please contact the Facilities Administration Manager at the National Office, .

2009 Information:
Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut Ski Season Information 2009/2010	PDF
Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut Lottery Rules and Timeline 2009/2010	PDF
Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut Emergency Procedures	Adobe PDF
Map to WINTER helicopter staging area	WINTER map
Helicopter Safety Document	PDF

To enter the 2009 / 2010 Hut Lottery for the Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut - Click HERE