The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) has operated a yurt in the Uintah National Forest for over twenty years under a permit issued by the Kamas Ranger District. TUNA was the original permitee in this national forest. The Forest Service has allows TUNA to keep the yurt up, all year round and on a permanent platform. Thus the yurt can be used year-round for such activities as hiking, camping, mountain biking, horse packing, skiing, etc.

The original TUNA yurt was located in the North Fork. In 1999 the yurt was moved to its current location along the Norway Flats road, approximately 11 miles north out of Kamas on the Mirror Lake Highway. The yurt overlooks a spectacular view of Boulder Creek with its beaver ponds, summer trails and excellent ski slopes (slopes range in the 30-35 degree range). A wonderful place to spend time ski touring, turning, adventuring and enjoying the backcountry.

tuna yurt

Work Parties

Yurt Work Parties Work parties for yurt maintenance are scheduled, as needed, during the calendar year, usually during the late Summer/early Fall. If you want to volunteer to work on the yurt, please contact yurt@utahnordic.org or visit the TUNA website. Work trip participants receive discounts on yurt rental fees and priority in making yurt reservations. Work trip participants must be active TUNA members.

Reservations and Classes

To register for certification or to reserve the yurt, click here.

Location/Access

The TUNA Yurt is located in Norway Flats, in the Western Uinta Mountains. The Norway Flats trailhead is 10.5 miles up the Mirror Lake Highway from Kamas; approximately 30 minutes from Park City or 1 hour from Salt Lake. The ski in to the Yurt is approximately 3.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 1000 vertical feet. The trip can usually be made in about 2-3 hours, although factors such as deep snow and heavy loads may require more time. The yurt is regularly used by families with children.

Skiing/Snowshoeing Opportunities

The Yurt sits at an elevation of 8600 feet, and is located on a flat bench surrounded by mature aspen and pines. It overlooks Boulder Creek and several small ponds. There is excellent ski terrain below and to the East of the yurt, with 300 to 400 foot vertical slopes ranging from 30 to 35 degrees only minutes away. More extensive turning opportunities are abundant in the area above the yurt. Moderate touring/snowshoeing is also abundant in the Norway Flats area, as well as more moderate glade skiing.

Amenities

The TUNA yurt is 18 feet in diameter with a covered deck/storage area. It can comfortably sleep 8 (the maximum size party allowed). It is equipped with 8 bunks, a wood stove and a supply of cut and split wood, a propane cooking stove and lamps, and cooking equipment (pots and utensils). There is a year round spring 100 feet from the yurt.