Where do I meet for the trip?

The meeting point is the Badger Pass Ski Area Cross Country Center; confirm time on your reservation.

No — this is a self-guided trip for experienced skiers; participants must manage navigation and safety without a guide.

Do meals and lodging require a minimum?

Yes; meals and lodging require a minimum of six guests. Operators may combine individuals to form groups when possible.

Is equipment rental available?

Equipment rentals are not included in the rate; rentals may be available locally but should be booked in advance.

What safety skills are required?

Proficiency with avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, and backcountry decision-making is required; participants should be comfortable with long ascents and variable snow.

Are gratuities included?

No — gratuities for the lodgekeeper are not included and are customary for good service.

Glacier Point Ski Hut: Self-Guided Overnight from Badger Pass | Ski | Self-Guided Tour

Self-Guided Overnight Trip to Glacier Point Ski Hut offers a compact, high-mountain winter escape starting at the Badger Pass Ski Area Cross Country Center in California. Designed for experienced backcountry skiers comfortable touring without a guide, the itinerary sends you up a classic Sierra skintrack to a rustic ski hut perched above the valley floor. Expect a day of sustained ascent through lodgepole pines and whitebark stands, broad snowfields that give way to a windswept ridgeline, and an evening spent in a communal bunkroom with a hot dinner and the glow of a woodstove.

The hut experience focuses on simple comforts: shared bunks, a fireside common room, breakfast before dawn, and a boxed lunch for the return run. Meals and lodging require a minimum six guests, so reservations are essential; equipment rentals and gratuities for the lodgekeeper are not included. Skiers should be prepared to manage routefinding, pacing, and snow conditions independently - this is an opportunity to put solid touring technique and avalanche awareness to use while enjoying a remote overnight.

What makes this trip special is the combination of accessible logistics and authentic mountain solitude. The Badger Pass Cross Country Center functions as a reliable meeting spot with maintained trails, yet the route quickly moves into less-traveled winter terrain where wind-sculpted cornices and exposed granite ledges reveal long sightlines. The hut occupies a striking position relative to the surrounding peaks and offers a rare overnight vantage for skiers who want to extend their day into a full backcountry experience.

Because the outing is self-guided, pack deliberately: bring a functional touring setup, an avalanche kit, layered insulation, and emergency overnight supplies even though the hut provides bedding. Weather in this part of California can shift fast; clear winter mornings can become heavy snow afternoons, and the return ski benefits from mid-day warming. Parties can be combined to meet meal minimums, so solo travelers with strong skills can still book when slots open.

For anyone who already tours comfortably on varied snow and wants to sample hut-based winter travel without a guided group, this trip is a compact, unforgettable way to translate a long day into an intimate alpine night. Reservations are required to secure space at the Glacier Point Ski Hut; check availability ahead of travel and plan equipment logistics from the Badger Pass Ski Area Cross Country Center.

Plan for early starts and conservative turnaround times; allow extra daylight for tricky descents and boot drying at the hut. While meals are part of the stay, bring personal snacks and a thermos. Remember that equipment rentals are available nearby but should be booked in advance. Lodgekeeper gratuities are customary to reward good service. Bring a small repair kit and extra straps.

About Badger Pass Ski Area

Badger Pass Ski Area, located in Yosemite Valley (Mariposa), California, is a seasonal mountain recreation area specializing in downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country experiences.

It operates primarily in winter (typically mid-December to mid-March) and provides lift-ticket options including all-lift day passes, lower-lift day passes for Turtle and Bruin, and half-day tickets. The area offers rentals, lessons, friendly on-site staff, and a sunny sundeck, creating an accessible destination for families and beginners.

Badger Pass also maintains an extensive cross-country network with roughly 90 miles of trails, highlighted by a scenic 21-mile route to Glacier Point. Snowshoe rentals and guided snowshoe hikes showcase winter landscapes, including a moderate discovery snowshoe hike of 3 to 4 miles suitable for participants aged ten and up.

For overnight adventures, the Ski Hut at Glacier Point is available via guided and self-guided ski trips. Guided itineraries include one-night/two-day and two-night/three-day options with group dinners and hut accommodations. Self-guided overnight trips include dinner, a fireside evening, breakfast, and lunch for visitors who bring navigation and backcountry skills. The Next Step Lessons package offers daily downhill skiing and snowboarding instruction for ages seven and older, focusing on skill progression and confidence building.

As part of Yosemite's winter offerings, Badger Pass Ski Area combines downhill lifts, cross-country trails, lessons, and hut-based overnight trips to deliver a range of family-friendly and backcountry winter experiences. Park staff and seasonal mountain teams follow National Park Service guidelines for visitor safety and trail maintenance, ensuring responsible winter recreation in Yosemite and community stewardship.