If you’re a big fan of back country, winter camping on ski’s or snowshoes then you’re not going to want to miss the Ostrander Ski Hut lottery. Originally designed as a european style ski hut right here in Yosemite it’s one of the most beautiful places to stay in the park in winter and still have a warm bed to sleep in.
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 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. Initial reservations are awarded based on a random lottery system which takes place November 17, 2011. Lottery registration forms and additional information is available on the Yosemite Conservancy website, www.yosemiteconservancy.org. Beginning November 28, 2011, the remaining dates will be available by calling the reservation office at (209) 379–5161, Monday through Friday 8:30–
4:30.
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.