Ostrander Ski Hut is open from mid-December through the end of March. Dates of operation will be announced on this website in October.
Ostrander Ski Hut
Because of the uniquely isolated location of Ostrander Ski Hut there is no electricity or running water at this rustic ski hut. The accommodation includes single bunks with mattresses, community cookware stocked in a common kitchen, wood for heating, solar-powered electric lights for evening use and two outdoor toilet facilities.
Visitors must provide their own food, water filter, sleeping bag and personal gear. Water is collected from the lake in a cistern and must be personally filtered before use.
Please view the suggested equipment list.
Reservation Process
Ostrander Ski Hut’s operational dates, nightly rates and reservation lottery date change annually. Each year in mid-October this site is updated, providing information for the upcoming season. If you would like to receive an annual email announcement, please send your name, address, phone number and current email address to:
ostrander@yosemiteconservancy.org
Lottery
Due to Ostrander’s popularity, early reservations are awarded based on a random lottery system. The Ostrander Ski Hut reservation lottery is held in mid-November. The lottery date will be announced in mid-October.
The lottery request forms may be mailed or faxed to:
Ostrander Reservation Office
P.O. Box 545
Yosemite, CA 95389
Fax: (209) 372-0739
The overnight rates are due and payable with your reservation request. Reservations will not be confirmed without payment.
Once you have confirmed reservations, NO REFUNDS will be given (with the exception of park and/or road closures).
Reservations by Phone: (209) 379-5161
The reservation office will reopen in mid-November and a reservation assistant will be available Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Fees
Overnight fees are non-refundable, unless a cancellation is due to road closures, and/or park closures. No refunds are given for lack of snow or inclement weather. Changes can be made to existing reservations if there is an available date during the current season.
The overnight rates cover the total costs for Yosemite Conservancy to manage and operate the hut. Nightly rates are per person/per night as follows:
Weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun night) - $55
Midweek (Mon – Thurs night) - $35
Discounts
If you are currently a Yosemite Conservancy donor you will receive a $10 per night discount. Discounts are given to the donor only, not the entire party. Donors at the $25 gift level and greater are eligible. To become a Yosemite Conservancy donor, click here. Benefits expire on 12/31.
A $15 youth rate is available Mon – Thurs for visitors 25 years old and younger. Photo ID required.
First-come, first-serve users: You are required to pay in advance either through the reservation office or at the Badger Pass Ranger Station (credit card only). No cash will be accepted at the hut.
Group Sizes
The Ostrander Ski Hut houses a maximum number of 25 people. Large groups are welcome, but the limit for a single party is 15 people. Yosemite Conservancy employs a hut keeper to live at Ostrander during the winter ski season in order to maintain the hut and for emergencies. The hut keeper is not responsible for cleaning up after guests; visitors must pack out all their trash.
Permits
All visitors must pick up a free wilderness permit at the Badger Pass Ranger Station. Designated overnight parking is available at Badger Pass. The license plate number must be printed on the permit.
Guided Ostrander Trip
If you're interested in arranging a Custom Adventure to Ostrander Ski Hut with one of our expert leaders, please email adventures@yosemiteconservancy.org
The Skiing
The Ostrander Hut attracts backcountry skiers and snowboarders looking to ski the steep slopes in the cirque above Ostrander Lake.
Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Half Dome, the Clark Range, and the northern part of the park, including Hoffmann, Dana and Conness peaks. The ski hut is approximately 10 miles from Badger Pass and all routes require considerable stamina and cross-country skiing experience. Novice skiers should not attempt this trip. Departures for the ski hut should take place by 9:00 am to arrive at the hut during daylight hours.
There are three different routes to the hut; Bridalveil Creek, Horizon Ridge Trail, or the Merced Crest Trail. See directions
There is also a free brochure (including map) of winter trails in the Glacier Point Road area. See brochure
Warning
Visitors to backcountry cabins have an increased risk of exposure to potential disease causing vectors. To help reduce exposure to such risks, all food must be stored in the rodent-proof bins provided in the kitchen area. Please thoroughly clean food-preparation areas after each meal. For more information please visit the website of the California Department of Public Health.
Equipment Rentals
Ski and snowshoe rentals are available through the Yosemite Nordic Ski School at Badger Pass (209-372-8444). Climbing Skins are highly recommended, but are not available for rent in Yosemite National Park.
Road Conditions
From mid-December though early April, the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road is plowed to the Badger Pass ski area where trails begin. During the winter months visitors are required to carry chains for all vehicle types. Chains may become mandatory on park roads at any time.
Helpful Links
California Department of Water Resources Snow Page
Station ID – STR