Yosemite Conservancy manages the ski hut and is committed to maintaining Ostrander Ski Hut for future generations to enjoy. It offers an exceptional opportunity to experience this breathtaking winter landscape and enjoy a tranquil wilderness experience.
“I’ve been coming to Ostrander for five years and this area never fails to turn-on its ‘winter magic’. Powder is everywhere, people are nowhere and there are sweeping views of Clark Range from Buena Vista Peak. … I can usually smell the hut before I see it and once inside that chugging fire, the kettle on the stove and those warm smells of dinner cooking are the perfect welcome. My group also goes sledding by the moonlight and shares in the music and games that fill this granite hut in the evenings.”
-Lissie Kretsch, Frequent Ostrander Hut Guest and Fan
How Can We Work Together to Preserve this Unique Ski Hut?
All revenue from overnight fees is used to operate the ski hut. The Conservancy has also established a reserve account to ensure essential maintenance is carried out on the ski hut. Your support is vital in helping the Conservancy continue this work.
Please support this work by including a donation in addition to your modest nightly rate when returning your form, or consider becoming a donor to Yosemite Conservancy.
Discounted Youth Rates
As part of Yosemite Conservancy’s effort to encourage a new generation of visitors to the ski hut, it is offering a discounted rate to visitors under the age of 25. Introducing youth to the wonders of the park not only makes for a great skiing vacation, but also sets the foundation for the next generation of caretakers who will go on to protect this magnificent place for future families to enjoy. The youth rate of $15.00 is available weekday nights (Mon-Thurs) only.
Short History
Ostrander Lake Ski Hut, completed in 1941, was the last building erected in Yosemite by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The construction of the hut was the recommendation of the Yosemite Winter Activities Committee, which was founded by Dr. Donald Tresidder to “encourage and develop all forms of winter sports and to advertise and exploit the great advantages, beauties and healthy benefits of winter in the Sierra Nevada to all lovers of outdoor life”.
From the club came an explosion of winter sportsmanship in the park from toboggan runs, ice skating, dog sled rides, sleigh riding, skijoring, hockey games, and the bigger dream of hosting the1932 Winter Olympic Games. The latter goal lost to Lake Placid, but served as a jump start to visitor’s interest and involvement.
National Park Service rangers staffed the cabin starting in the 1960s, but by 1974 demand for the hut grew too large and Yosemite Conservancy, in conjunction with NPS, took over stewardship and management of the hut.
The Ostrander Lake ski hut remains a significant recreational, historical, and cultural resource.
