Ostrander Ski Hut attracts backcountry skiers and snowboarders looking to ski the steep slopes in the cirque above Ostrander Lake. Along the way, enjoy stunning views, including 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. It is not recommended for novice skiers.
Hut Info:
Beds are single bunks, one bed per person. There is a common kitchen, two toilets, solar-powered evening lights (no electricity), and a woodstove for heat. Guests must provide their own food, water filter, sleeping bag, and personal gear.
Distance: 10+ miles, one-way
Elevation Gain: 2,500+ feet
Max Elevation: 8,500 feet
Experience level: Experienced skiers only. All routes require considerable stamina and cross-country skiing experience. It is not recommended for novice skiers. Climbing skins are strongly recommended. Snowshoes or scaled skis without climbing skins are not recommended.
A trip to the Ostrander Ski Hut is a wilderness experience. All routes to the hut are arduous and should only be attempted by experienced skiers. Winter weather conditions may severely limit your ability to make it to the hut in one day. You must be prepared to make camp and sleep on the way in or out if necessary. Your arrival to, and journey from, the hut will not be tracked. Wilderness travel requires self-reliance, and you should not be expecting a rescue. Everyone must be prepared for an unplanned night alone in the winter wilderness.
Have a question about Ostrander Ski Hut? Check out the list of FAQs at the bottom of this page to find the answer!
Booking info:
We’re excited to announce another winter season operating the historic Ostrander Ski Hut. We anticipate opening this winter on December 20, 2024.
Due to the popularity of the hut, a lottery will take place before reservations are released to the public. Lottery winners are awarded the opportunity to book a reservation before the general onsale. Winning the lottery does not guarantee you a reservation to the Ostrander Ski Hut.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- The lottery application window will be open from Monday, November 11, 2024, at 9 am (PST) until Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
- Any space remaining after this lottery will be released on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 am (PST) December 3, 2024.
Applying to the lottery:
Please read the following information carefully before applying to the lottery:
- Only one application per person may be submitted. Duplicate applications will be removed.
- The first lottery winners will be notified by email on November 19, 2024, at 9 am (PST) and provided a booking link to make one reservation. Duplicate reservations will be canceled.
- Subsequent winners will be notified in groups of 20 on: November 19 at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm; and November 20 and 21 at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm. The booking link will close at 8 am on November 22. No further reservations may be made after this time.
- Do NOT share the booking link. Sharing of the booking link will result in the lottery closing immediately and a new group of lottery winners being selected.
- The email used to make your reservation must match the email from your lottery application. Any reservations made by email addresses that were not lottery winners will be canceled.
- The name on your reservation must match the name on your lottery application and on the card used for payment.
- If you fail to comply with the rules of this lottery and your reservation is canceled, the 3.5% transaction fee is non-refundable.
- It is possible that your desired dates will not be available or will not be available for a group of your size. Winning the lottery does not guarantee you will secure a reservation for your desired dates at the Ostrander Ski Hut.
The lottery application window will be open from Monday, November 11, 2024, at 9 am (PST) until Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
Historic Ostrander Ski Hut
Nestled on the edge of a glacial cirque, beside stunning, crystal-clear Ostrander Lake (elevation 8,500 feet), Ostrander Ski Hut is a beacon for weary skiers intrepid enough to make the 10-mile trek from Badger Pass Ski Area. This historic building is a charming two-story stone structure beautifully crafted in 1941.
Learn about preserving this historic landmark.