Thirteen Things To Know About The Glacier Point Ski Hut Adventure

(Please note: the Glacier Point Ski Hut is closed for the 2023/2024 season). Pristine snowscapes, the solitude of nature on your terms, and incomparable vistas of the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra country. The Glacier Point Ski Hut captures the purest essence of Yosemite National Park like no other adventure can. At 10.5 miles one-way via a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes, the Glacier Point Ski Hut offers you a chance to enjoy the park the way John Muir and Ansel Adams must’ve seen it. Ultimately, you will be inspired and awed by the serenity and camaraderie that comes with the journey. 

But... before you go, here are thirteen things about the Glacier Point Ski Hut to make the most out of your trip.

A LOT of people spend only one night at the hut which is a shame. The 10.5 miles to the hut are enjoyable but the frosting on the cake is all the trails right next to the hut like Sentinel Dome & Taft Point. If you stay an extra night, you can enjoy the sights the next day without feeling rushed. Well worth it!

You don’t NEED to cross-country ski to the hut. You could take snowshoes if you wanted to. But, be sure to give yourself at least seven hours of time if you do hoof it.

It’s not until you reach mile marker six that you’re suddenly exposed to gorgeous views of the Clark range. So, just keep heading to the hut. The next glimpse of Yosemite's grandeur will be at Washburn Point, which is about a mile out from the hut. When you get there, you'll know what we mean!

It could be the 10.5 miles, but the hot meals prepared for breakfast and dinner are fit for a king or queen. Examples of the food they’ll serve include items like lasagna or enchiladas for dinner. For breakfast, expect fresh hot coffee, eggs, sausage, and toast. They also put out a smorgasbord of items to pack in your bag for lunch. Also, be sure to let them know ahead of time if you have any food allergies or preferences. The hut keepers are incredibly accommodating.

While the Nordic Center can provide tips on the trip, the Glacier Point Ski Hut reservations and questions should be done directly through Yosemite Hospitality. Be sure to call Yosemite Hospitality to ask questions and/or reserve via their website found here.  

Bears are still VERY active in the winter so any food that you have in your car needs to be taken with you or thrown out at the Badger Pass Ski Area. You don’t want to come back to a broken window.

Unless you’re an accomplished cross-country skier, be sure to leave as early as possible. If you’re renting gear at the Yosemite Nordic Center, we recommend getting there as soon as they open (8:30 am). If it only takes you four or five hours to get out to the hut, at least you can stop and enjoy the views along the way such as Washburn Point. And as an added bonus, you won't have to take out your head lamp and find the Glacier Point Ski Hut in the dark.

If you do rent ski gear from the Yosemite Nordic Center, be aware that they close at 4:00 pm. So, don’t be too leisurely on your way out from the hut. Give yourself a big enough buffer to bring back the equipment to them before they close.

10.5 miles is a serious distance especially in the winter. While a guided tour isn’t necessary, you should be prepared by printing out the distances & itinerary section under the Self-Guided Overnight tab. This will help track your progress and give you an idea if you need to speed up or if you have time to take a break.

The Glacier Point Ski Hut location isn’t obvious from the groomed trail. As you finish off the switchbacks, you’ll see a set of bathrooms that are closed. Veer to the RIGHT of them and the hut itself is about a hundred yards past them, overlooking the Yosemite Valley.

Even though you’re registered with the Park Service and the Hut Keepers know you’re coming, there’s A LOT of people that don’t make it. What this means is if you take too long and it becomes dark, they aren’t going to send out a rescue team to find you.

This is the wilderness except for the Glacier Point Ski Hut itself. Nearly the entire length of the trip, you'll have no cell service to call for help if something does happen. Be prepared by carrying enough food, water, first aid kit, and other necessary items if something goes wrong.

Be aware that the hut is only open from Friday – Tuesday. If you want to have the place a bit emptier, we suggest booking Sunday – Monday.

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