Now is your chance to sign up for the lottery to get your reservation to stay at the historic Ostrander Ski Hut. Due to the overwhelming amount of visitors and the limited space each year the Yosemite Conservancy holds a lottery for permits to stay at the historic ski hut throughout the season. To participate in the lottery you must fill out a registration form and have it back to the Yosemite Conservancy before the day of the lottery. This years lottery applications must be returned by 5:00 p.m. PST on Nov. 16. Starting on Nov. 28, remaining reservations can be booked by calling 209-379-5161. Reservation information, equipment lists and a description of facilities can be found at www.YosemiteConservancy.org/Ostrander.
The rustic two-story Ostrander Hut will be open from December 16th 2011- March 31st 2012. This historic ski hut is approximately 10 miles from Badger Pass Ski Area at edge of Ostrander Lake (8,500 feet in elevation) and all routes require considerable stamina and experience. The hut has no electricity or running water. Facilities include single bunks with mattresses, community cookware, a common kitchen, wood for heating, solar-powered lights for evening use, and two outdoor toilet facilities. Visitors must provide their own food, water filter, sleeping bag and personal gear.
“Ostrander Ski Hut provides visitors with the opportunity to have an unforgettable and breathtaking winter experience in Yosemite,” said Mike Tollefson, president, Yosemite Conservancy. “Along the routes to Ostrander, there are places of solitude and awe-inspiring views of Half Dome, the Clark Range and Mount Hoffmann.” Tollefson also described the backcountry skiing opportunities at Ostrander Lake. “The ski area around the Ostrander cirque offers many unique ski trails, including multiple descents off Horse Ridge,” he added.
Nightly rates are per person/per night as follows: Weekend Rates – $52(Fri/Sat/Sun), weekday Rates-$32(Mon-Thurs). Yosemite Conservancy members receive a $10 discount. Discount applies to member only, not the entire group. Yosemite Conservancy is proud to offer a discounted rate for all park employees. Yosemite employees pay only $15 a night on weekday night stays (Monday-Thursday).
Photo by Kelle Cruz.