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Cross-country ski trip to Glacier Point in California
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Cross-Country Trek to Glacier Point

Experience Yosemite's winter magic on a cross-country ski trip to Glacier Point, which towers 3,200 feet above the valley floor. Enjoy stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Country. Choose a day trip  for an unforgettable adventure. Not for beginners—plan accordingly for this 21-mile roundtrip trek! 

The Glacier Point

The Glacier Point Ski Hut offers rustic winter comfort with a charming dining area, cozy sofas, indoor bathrooms, a woodstove, and bunk beds.
Embark on a 21-mile roundtrip day trek from Badger Pass to Glacier Point, a 4-5-hour one-way cross-country trip. This is for experienced skiers only. This is not a trip novice skiers should attempt.

Join a skilled guide for a memorable cross-country ski trip to Glacier Point! Enjoy group dinners, roaring fires, and a leisurely return—choose one or two nights at the cozy Ski Hut. This trip begins at 9:00 AM, departing from Badger Pass Ski Area Cross-Country Center. Previous cross-country skiing experience is required. This tour is unavailable while the Glacier Point Ski Hut is cosed.

Rates

Pricing depends on the length of the trip and the number of people in your group. Rates include your guide, sleeping at the Ski Hut, and all meals. Ski rentals and gratuities are not included.

Rates One-night (Two Days) Two-nights (Three Days)
2 People $452 each $562 each
3 People $437 each $547 each
4+ People $423 each $533 each
Trip Registration & Medical Form

A Trip Registration & Medical Form (PDF) must be completed and delivered to the Badger Pass Ski Area Cross-Country Center prior to your trip.

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

Reservations require full payment. Cancellations 30+ days before arrival receive a full refund minus $10 per person. Cancellations 14-30 days before arrival receive a 70% refund. No refunds are given for cancellations within 14 days unless the space is resold, minus a 10% fee. No refunds for weather or snow conditions. Yosemite Mountaineering School     may cancel at any time, offering a full refund. Rates are subject to change with National Park Service approval.

Travel to Glacier Point Your Way

Experienced skiers are welcome to ski to the Glacier Point Ski Hut without a guide and enjoy a memorable stay, including dinner, an evening by the fire, a bunk bed, breakfast the next morning, and lunch for the ski back. Reservations are required, and meals and lodging require a minimum of six guests. We can combine individuals to form groups when possible. Please note that equipment rentals and gratuities for the lodgekeeper are not included in the rate. Overnight stays are unavailable while Glacier Point Ski Hut is closed.

  • Rate: $143 + tax per person per night 
  • See Deposit & Cancellation Policy below 
  • For more information, call 209.372.8444
Important Information

Winter conditions can be severe, and poor planning may lead to life-threatening situations. Always plan ahead and be prepared for blizzard-like weather. Pack extra food, water, and more layers than you think you'll need. Before starting your trip to the Glacier Point Ski Hut, all guests must check in at both the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Ski Center and the National Park Service A-frame. The National Park Service will issue the required Wilderness and Parking Permits. 

Distances and Itinerary 

The journey from Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point spans 10.5 miles of intermediate rolling terrain. At over 7,000 feet in elevation, with reduced oxygen levels, you'll be carrying a backpack with all your gear. In stormy conditions, you may need to break trail. Intermediate skiers in good physical condition should plan for 4 to 5 hours of skiing each way in good weather. However, poor weather can extend the one-way trip to as long as 10 hours. With short days and cold nights, you must be prepared to ski in the dark and potentially spend the night outdoors in case of an emergency. This route is not recommended for novice cross-country skiers. 

Schedule your trip, and keep track of your progress while following these essential tips:  

  • Always keep track of your time and be aware of how much energy you have, so you make good decisions and stay safe.  
  • Establish cut-off points and if you're not at a specific point by a certain time, turn around and go back so you can make it to shelter before night falls. 
  • Dinner is served nightly from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. After which, there will be some food available, but not a prepared meal. 
  • The chart below will give you a sense of ski times from point to point.  
Destination Miles Time Description
Badger Pass Ski Area Parking Lot 0.0 0 All uphill path to Summit Meadow
Summit Meadow 1.4 10 1/10 of the way
Bridalveil Creek Campground 3.2 15 Downhill from Summit Meadow
If 2 hours to here = turn around
Bridalveil Creek Bridge 3.7 20 1/3 of the way
Horizon Ridge Trail 4.9 30 Start of long uphill trail
Mono Meadow Trailhead 5.8 40 1/2 way, 2 more miles uphill before it flattens
If 3 hours to here = turn around
Clark View 6.1 50 Lunch spot; watch for snow slides onto road
Saddle at Summit 7.7 75 Top of long uphill trail, flat to Sentinel
Sentinel Dome Parking 8.9 80 One last short uphill trail
Top of Hill Before Switchbacks 9.2 90 Down to Glacier Point. Watch your speed.
Glacier Point Hut 10.5 100 You made it!
Emergencies & Rescues

Emergencies are handled by the National Park Service—dial 911 for assistance. Be prepared to spend the night outdoors, as unprepared skiers are the most common issue. If you have a hut reservation but decide to turn back, notify us to avoid unnecessary search efforts. Cell service is poor near Badger Pass but improves closer to Glacier Point. Use the phones at Badger Pass before departing (dial 9 first) and leave a message if calling after hours. 

Deposit & Cancellation Policy 

Reservations require full payment. Cancellations 30+ days before arrival receive a full refund minus $10 per person. Cancellations 14-30 days before arrival receive a 70% refund. No refunds are given for cancellations within 14 days unless the space is resold, minus a 10% fee. No refunds for weather or snow conditions. Yosemite Mountaineering School may cancel at any time, offering a full refund. Rates are subject to change with National Park Service approval. 

  • Acclimatization
    To make your cross-country ski trip to Glacier Point more enjoyable, we recommend staying in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 feet) before and after your adventure. This allows for a more relaxed start and helps you acclimate to the altitude. Additionally, increase your water intake several days before your trip to stay hydrated, adjust to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations, and speed up the acclimation process.
  • Equipment Rentals
    • Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bags (already at Glacier Point): $25.00 per night.  
    • The North Face Internal Frame Backpacks: $20.00 per day.  
    • Rossignol Touring Skis, Salomon Boots, and SWIX Poles: $28.00 per day (for the set).
  • Getting to Badger Pass Ski Area

    Free bus service from Yosemite Valley to Badger Pass Ski Area departs from:

    • Curry Village at 8:05 AM
    • The Ahwahnee at 8:15 AM
    • Yosemite Valley Lodge at 8:30 AM

    Two, afternoon buses will return guests to their hotels in the Valley, departing The Badger Pass Ski Area at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM daily.

    Shuttle Information

  • Leave No Trace

    To keep Yosemite National Park pristine and wild for future generations, we practice the Leave No Trace® philosophy—and encourage guests to follow our example. Together we can make a difference.

    Learn More

  • Meals at Glacier Point Ski Hut

    All meals are provided with your Overnight Guided Glacier Point ski trip, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Please let us know well in advance if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements. Of course, all guests are welcome to bring their own meals and snacks.

  • National Park Service Safety Reminders

    Here are safety reminders that could save your life:

    • Short days mean that you might not be able to travel as far as expected.
    • Let someone know where you are going.
    • Keep track of all members of your party—stay together.
    • Watch for hypothermia—slow movements, peculiar behavior, unintelligible speech. Warm victims of hypothermia immediately.
    • Stay on trails.
    • Get the weather forecast and be prepared for the unexpected.
    • Carry proper food and gear for unexpected bivouac.
    • Carry and drink plenty of water - If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
    • Clothing: Use only wool and synthetic, because they are warmer when wet and dry more quickly.
    • If someone needs help, send someone to ski to Badger Pass Ski Area or to Glacier Point Ski Hut (two skiers best).
    • Call 911.
    • If possible, leave someone with the person in trouble.
  • Recommended Equipment & Clothing

    Weather at Yosemite National Park is highly unpredictable, and it's essential that you dress in layers and pack for both sunshine and blizzard-like conditions. We recommend packing the following:

    • Sleeping Bag (good to 20 degrees) - Let us know if you would like to rent one of our sleeping bags
    • Touring Skis, Boots, and Poles
    • Internal Frame Backpack - Backpacks can also be rented
    • Gaiters
    • Tee Shirt
    • Booties or Hut Shoes (optional)
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunblock (maximum)
    • Wool or Synthetic Hat
    • Sun Hat
    • Ski Gloves
    • Goggles
    • Headlamp or Flashlight
    • Waterproof Storm Gear
    • Wool or Synthetic Pants
    • Light Long Underwear
    • Turtleneck (zip front)
    • Wool or Blend Socks
    • 2 One-quart water bottles (full)
    • Bandanna
    • Personal Medications
    • Quick Energy Food
    • Moleskin/Foot Care Items
    • Shelter (If not with a Guide)
    • Map & Compass (If not with a Guide)
    • Waterproof Matches (If not with a Guide)
  • Weather

    In the mountains, weather is highly unpredictable. One minute it can be relatively warm and sunny, and the next you can be skiing in blizzard-like conditions. Be prepared for any weather you may come across. Daytimes can be in the 60s and nighttime lows can dip well below 0 degrees. You can check the weather using the National Weather Service forecast or calling the National Park Service at 209.372.0200, press 1, then 2 for the local weather forecast.

    National Weather Service Current Conditions

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