Those who frequent the Frisco Peninsula know that a lot of work has been done at the popular recreation area over the last several years. 

From constructing sprawling new trails to making improvements to the bike park, the town of Frisco is making sure that the peninsula is a place that people can explore all year round.

The town of Frisco is currently looking into a new addition to the Peninsula Recreation Area. In a Frisco Town Council work session on Tuesday, June 10, council members and town staff discussed the possibility of putting a backcountry hut on the peninsula. 

Leading the topic of discussion was Frisco Nordic and Trails Manager Pete Swenson as well as the executive director of the Summit Huts Association Greg Guevara. 

According to Swenson, the hut/structure project has been on Frisco’s radar as a potential project since it was outlined as part of the 2019 Master Development Plan.

“This did not just come out of thin air,” Swenson said. “… If you haven’t enjoyed a master development plan, it outlines everything you think you would like to do in a projected timeline of about 15 years. … If you have something in a master development plan, it gives you the ability to do it.”

In April 2025, the town of Frisco began discussions with the U.S. Forest Service about the possibility of adding a winter structure — such as a hut or yurt — on the Frisco Peninsula. Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service and Summit Huts, the town ultimately decided that constructing a year-round rental hut would best serve the community and visitors.

After identifying a suitable zone on the peninsula for the project, Swenson, Guevara and town staff surveyed a site just off the Excelsior Trail. The location was found to not only be spacious enough for the hut, but also relatively secluded.

“Where the upper arrow is, is pretty close to the highest point of the peninsula,” Swenson said. “That is where we would put the hut. It slopes away slightly to the south.” 

The hut is expected to be accompanied by three parking spaces which would be located on Recreation Way near the “Boneyard” — which Frisco currently utilizes as an area to store snow in the winter. 

A barrier gate will be constructed outside of the Boneyard which is expected to cost between $5,000 to $7,500. 

“There are three parking sites in front of the gate that will have some very clear signage saying the spots are for hut users only,” Swenson said. “The idea is the town will be in charge of plowing and maintaining the parking, allowing access to the hut.”

Once parked, guests will travel north for a little over a mile and climb approximately 185 feet to the hut.

The construction, management and operation of the hut would be the responsibility of Summit Huts with the organization paying a concessionaire fee to the town of Frisco (5%) and the U.S. Forest Service. The hut can only be privately booked in advance, and each booking would include a trail pass in the winter. 

The work session meeting was meant to field comments and concerns about the project before writing up a decision memo. Like any major project, several council members brought up a variety of concerns, but for the most part the hut was met with enthusiasm and support.

One of the major concerns brought up about the potential hut was if the peninsula is the right location for a “backcountry” structure. 

While many of the cabins Summit Huts oversees are located deep in the backcountry, Swenson and Guevara argue that the peninsula hut would provide a more accessible option for families, groups, the elderly and those with disabilities. 

“This is 365 days a year,” Swenson said. “It is an amazing location. I could see the local mountain bike team wanting to go up there to rent it, trail runners would love it. Any family looking for a short, accessible hike — it’s perfect. The focus would definitely be on Nordic skiing.”

“Coming up with possibilities for new cabins are few and far between,” Guevara said. “…That is the initial impetus. It is an opportunity. Secondarily, one of the big parts of our mission at Summit Huts is how we can increase access to the backcountry? How can we expose more people to backcountry experiences?”

Other chief concerns included the potential danger of the hut becoming a party hub due to its proximity to the parking lot and the town. Members of the council agreed that steps would need to be taken throughout the construction process to deter people from partying or being too loud throughout the duration of their booking.

Town staff will now work with the Forest Service and Summit Huts on a decision memo and concessionaire agreement. Both documents will be reviewed and approved by council at a later date.

At the earliest, construction of the hut would begin in 2027.