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:
Season dates: December 22, 2023 – April 6, 2024
Nightly Rate: $50/per person, per night
Reservations for the Ostrander Ski Hut 2023-2024 season will be first released by a lottery. If you are successful in this lottery, you are awarded the opportunity to apply for a reservation before reservations are released to the general public. Winning the lottery does not guarantee you a reservation to the Ostrander Ski Hut.
Lottery dates: 9 am (PST) Monday November 13, 2023, to 11:59 pm (PST) Tuesday November 14, 2023.
Lottery winners will be notified on Thursday November 16, 2023, and have 24 hours from the time of notification to make one reservation.
Any space remaining after this lottery will be released on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 am (PST) Tuesday November 28, 2023.
Before submitting an application to the Ostrander Ski Hut lottery, please read the following information carefully.
- Please only submit one lottery application per person. Duplicate lottery applications will be removed.
- If you are successful in the lottery, 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.
- Please ensure you use the email with which you applied to the lottery to make your reservation. 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 that you use to make payment.
- Please make one reservation only. Duplicate reservations will be canceled.
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 a reservation for your desired dates to the Ostrander Ski Hut.
Once the lottery has opened, a link to Apply to the Ostrander Lottery will appear here.
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.