Has anyone ever hiked the trek back to Ostrander Hut? I am reading about the difficulty of the Ski/Snowboard terrain there. Are they referring to the 10-mile hike to get there or is there actual Skiing and Snowboarding there at the Hut?
We have a trip planned there this winter..

Not sure what you are reading- but it will require a ski/snowshoe to get to the hut itself.

Probably should have done a little more research before making plans to make sure your skill level is appropriate for your outing. Just sayin...You don't want to get in trouble out there.

Anyways, my understanding of the difficulty--this from talking with a friend who's done it, reading a guidebook (hint, hint) and having hiked it in the summer--is that it's a difficult ski in (based on a grading system of easy/moderate/difficult). To tax my memory (so I might be a little off) It's a little over 6 miles from the road with about 1,600' of gain, with some long downhill stretches, both on open slopes and in the trees. Plus, you'll be skiing with an overnight pack. Do the math and figure whether you're up for it.

fatdad wrote:Probably should have done a little more research before making plans to make sure your skill level is appropriate for your outing. Just sayin...You don't want to get in trouble out there.

Anyways, my understanding of the difficulty--this from talking with a friend who's done it, reading a guidebook (hint, hint) and having hiked it in the summer--is that it's a difficult ski in (based on a grading system of easy/moderate/difficult). To tax my memory (so I might be a little off) It's a little over 6 miles from the road with about 1,600' of gain, with some long downhill stretches, both on open slopes and in the trees. Plus, you'll be skiing with an overnight pack. Do the math and figure whether you're up for it.

It's about 10 miles in and can range from an easy snowshoe/ski to downright arduous. If the snow is deep it's a real slog.

Once you're there you have a choice of any level of skiing to have your way with. You mention in your profile that you are not experienced. How many times have you been out in the winter? How do you plan to travel; by snowshoe or ski? What kind of shape are you in? Slogging through deep snow with a heavy pack can be very demanding.

10 miles is probably right. I didn't know the distance from where they gate the road in winter so just gave the distance from the usual trailhead. If you're intent on doing something around there, maybe do some shorter half-day type trips, like to Dewey Point, etc., or even the overnight to Glacier Point and stay in the lodge there. At least you'll have groomed tracks and lighter packs, etc. If that feels light, you can guage your readiness for Ostrander.

> maybe do some shorter half-day type trips, like to Dewey Point, etc., or even the overnight to Glacier Point and stay in the lodge there

If the road is groomed, the overnight at glacier point isn't all that arduous and is an ideal outing for novice skiiers/winter backpackers.
Remember you *will* need to bring fuel to melt snow for water.

For inspirational purposes only... Timmer's and crew doing a little backcountry skiing spring 2011:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbod9823TLs[/youtube]

Very tastey Hopper! Where is that?

Not sure, Deb. Looks like it might be the Rock Creek area. I can ask Tim and get back to you...

Does anyone recognize the ski hut @ 2:49?

The difficulty really depends upon the conditions. Expect to get to the hut after dark if you've never done it before.

Last year the snow was quite deep on the way back. My partner and I wouldn't have made it back to our car in one day had we not left with 5 other people at the hut at the same time. Even on skis I was sinking up to my knees in the snow breaking trail. Other times I've done it have been easier...

Yeah, I'm planning to Snow Shoe it and carry my snowboard for when I get there. But if I bring my Ski's I guess I could use them for downhill parts of the trail. However, Now that means packing Ski's+Boots+Snowboard+boots+SnowShoes + all the other gear I'm gonna need ??????? What do I do???

akozub wrote:Yeah, I'm planning to Snow Shoe it and carry my snowboard for when I get there. But if I bring my Ski's I guess I could use them for downhill parts of the trail. However, Now that means packing Ski's+Boots+Snowboard+boots+SnowShoes + all the other gear I'm gonna need ??????? What do I do???

Just bring your board! This way all you have to carry are your boarding boots in addition to the rest of your gear. I'm going to assume you're renting snowshoes?

From the sound of things I'm going to request you exercise caution in taking this trip.

1) What date are you going? The Sierra mid-winter can be very unfriendly to a novice. Ever blaze in near whiteout conditions somewhere you've never been before?

2) How many in the group? Are any experienced?

3) Are you going to pack a 4 season tent as a backup option?

4) what kind of shape are you in?

There are (3) in our group. None of us have any Snowshoe experience but all are expert ski and snowboarders. We all did the 17 mile roundtrip hike to the top of Halfdome recently. We're in pretty good shape. We're going in late Feb. so we'll have to pack some serious Snow gear in case we run into weather. Good suggestion on packing a tent too. and you're right I'll probably just take my board.

Well, like I mentioned before it could be a cakewalk or a real slog. 10 miles in snowshoes with a heavy pack through deep snow can make half dome seem like a trip to the kitchen. I'll assume you'll postpone if weather in very bad on the day you're to head out. Most likely you'll be following tracks of others and the route will be clear cut. Just remember not to snowshoe in the tracks of skiers. That really pisses them off!

I wish for you bluebird skies and powder abound.