Hi rpm,
It sounds like you couldn't get reservations for the Pear Lake hut. Too bad! You might consider this: Travel to the hut, and camp close by. You could bum some space inside to warm up by the stove and prepare your meals, but camp outside. Last time I was there that is what someone did. And you might get lucky if there are any no-shows.
All I can add is that it is a pretty good slog all the way to Pear through the snow. Make sure everyone in your party is in good shape. Even people going into the hut are supposed to take full winter camping gear, because some don't make it -- due either to foul weather (with whiteout, it would be almost impossible to find), or due to people being out of shape.
The time I got to stay inside, it was very noisy at night. A single room with about 12 beds.... people coughing, snoring (and worse!), getting up to use restroom. If I went again, I'd definitely take earplugs! The one advantage, though, is you can warm up and dry out inside.
I went in on X-C skis (rented, with worn out skins). They were probably faster than snow shoes, but nearly uncontrollable on the descent through heavy snow in the forest. I fell so many times, I am glad I got out without twisting a knee or worse.
