Firefighters battling a nearly 7,000-acre wildfire in Yosemite National Park have taken special measures to protect one of the park’s most historic backcountry skiing destinations. Crews have been installing protective fire-resistant wrap around Ostrander Ski Hut, an 85-year-old stone building that has provided shelter to cross-country and backcountry skiers for generations.
The National Park Service confirmed the protective measures on October 4 as the Dome Fire continued spreading through rugged wilderness terrain in the southern portion of Yosemite. Firefighters have been working to establish containment lines along the blaze’s eastern flank, where fire activity had raised concerns about the historic structure.
As of the latest National Park Service update on October 10, the Dome Fire had burned 6,829 acres and was 61% contained, with 935 personnel assigned to the incident. Fire officials reported no additional growth and minimal fire activity during the previous day, although stronger winds were expected to test containment lines over the weekend.
Protecting A Historic Backcountry Ski Hut
Built in 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Ostrander Ski Hut sits beside Ostrander Lake at an elevation of approximately 8,500 feet. The two-story stone building is located about 10 miles from Badger Pass Ski Area and is accessible during winter by a demanding backcountry journey.
The hut provides overnight accommodations for experienced cross-country skiers and splitboarders exploring Yosemite’s high country. Inside are bunk beds, a communal kitchen, a wood-burning stove and solar-powered lighting. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated by Yosemite Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service.
To protect the structure from the advancing wildfire, firefighters have employed a technique known as structure wrapping. The protective material uses a reflective aluminum surface to reduce exposure to radiant heat and airborne embers, helping prevent vulnerable portions of a building from igniting.
Firefighters have also been constructing handlines and deploying hoses around the fire’s eastern perimeter. The remote location has complicated suppression efforts, requiring helicopters and mule trains to deliver equipment and supplies to crews working miles from established roads.
According to an October 9 update, structure protection remained in place at Ostrander Ski Hut as firefighters continued working to strengthen containment lines.
Yosemite Firefighters Make Progress As Road Reopens
The Dome Fire began September 15 near Chilnualna Falls and grew beyond 5,000 acres by late September. The blaze has burned through difficult terrain, including portions of the area affected by the 2017 Empire Fire, where dead and fallen trees have created additional challenges for firefighters.
Containment has improved considerably over the past week, increasing from 40% on October 4 to 61% by October 9. Crews completed critical fireline construction along the eastern side ahead of stronger winds expected over the weekend.
In another sign of progress, Glacier Point Road reopened to visitors at 7 a.m. Saturday, October 10, after being closed because of smoke and firefighting operations. However, the National Park Service continues to restrict access to trails within the active fire area, including routes south and east of Glacier Point Road. The Buena Vista Trail also remains closed.
Winter Reservations Are Scheduled To Open October 12
The effort to protect Ostrander Ski Hut comes just as Yosemite Conservancy prepares for another winter of backcountry skiing. According to the organization’s current reservation information, the hut’s 2026-27 season is scheduled to run from December 23 through April 4, weather and conditions permitting.
Applications for the popular overnight reservation lottery are scheduled to open Monday, October 12, and remain available through October 18. The posted winter schedule is subject to change, and access to the hut remains restricted while the surrounding wildfire closure is in effect.
The historic structure has welcomed generations of skiers seeking an overnight refuge deep in Yosemite’s wilderness. For now, firefighters are working to ensure the building remains protected as they continue bringing the Dome Fire under control.
