Laid-back Winter Fun at Badger Pass

If you are looking for an easy going, affordable and uniquely located ski and snowboard mountain, look no further. The Badger Pass Ski Area is the ultimate winter destination for an unforgettable time. Bring the whole family, and don’t forget about your friends, because this spot is not only novice friendly – it offers a range of activities to accommodate a variety of visitors of all ages. Peacefully snowshoeing among the towering pine trees with a thermos of hot cider or racing down the ski slopes to name a few, Badger Pass Ski Area is family favorite. Plus, Badger Pass is a located inside Yosemite National Park so finding numerous hikes and epic views just beyond is effortless. There’s much to do in Yosemite, especially in the winter. Yosemite winter activities bring visitors from all over the world to see Yosemite Valley in a whole new light: covered in soft, glistening, snow.

Since opening in 1935, Badger Pass Ski Area has been a favorite ski destination for generations of winter adventurers. Fewer crowds, family-friendly, and a dedicated skilled staff combine to make a day at the Badger Pass Ski Area fun and fulfilling. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from mid-December through late-March (weather permitting), Badger Pass Ski Area is accessible by vehicle or via free shuttle bus from all Yosemite Valley lodging. After a day of winter fun in the snow, enjoy a hot chocolate or hearty meal on the deck of the ski area offering amazing views of Yosemite Mariposa County. Indoor seating is also available.

Downhill Skiing ““ With five lifts, spacious groomed runs and quick access to the slopes, Badger Pass Ski Area has been the learning ground for generations of skiers. As 85 percent of the slopes available are beginner to intermediate level, including several runs that are perfect for the first-time skier, this resort is the perfect place to take the family for a low-key holiday. Plus, lift tickets and ski equipment rentals are available on site.

Explore the Yosemite Winter Sports School

• The Yosemite Winter Sports School, established in 1928, teaches both beginner’s basics and refresher courses through group and private classes. A variety of learn-to-ski packages are available daily for both children and adults. For more information, contact the Yosemite Winter Sports School Desk at 209-372-8430.
• The Badger Pups Program for children ages four to six is designed to accommodate the needs of preschool students and introduce them to downhill skiing. The Pups program includes group ski lessons and rental equipment.

Snowboarding ““ Badger Pass Ski Area is a great place to learn the secrets of snowboarding. Riders will find enhanced terrain, plenty of room to practice new maneuvers and up-to-date rental equipment and instruction. Beginning, intermediate and advanced instruction is available from qualified instructors who make learning and improvement fun and easy. Snowboarding equipment rentals are available at the rental shop. For more information, call 209-372-8430.

Snow Tubing ““ Snow tubing is a fun snow play activity for the whole family. Two-hour snow tubing sessions are offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., weather dependent.

Cross-country Skiing ““ Beginner cross-country skiers find the 25 miles (40 km) of the machine-set track at Badger Pass Ski Area  a great way to start, and 90 miles of marked trails leave plenty of room for exploration and improvement. Founded in 1970, Yosemite’s Cross-Country Ski School is managed by PSIA-certified instructors who teach all ski levels and also lead ski tours into the Yosemite backcountry and overnight excursions to Glacier Point. Skiers may rent striding, skating and Telemark equipment at the school. For more information and equipment-specific rates, call 209-372-8444.

Overnight Cross-Country Ski to Glacier Point Ski Hut““ A guided ski trip on intermediate groomed terrain through Yosemite’s magnificent snow-country takes skiers to the rustic accommodations of the beautiful stone-and-log Glacier Point Ski Hut. Overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, this ski hut is located 10.5 miles beyond Badger Pass Ski Area along Glacier Point Road. The Alpine-inspired hut features wood heat, indoor lavatory facilities and sleeps up to 20 skiers dormitory style. Meals are included on both one-night and two-night trips. Call the Nordic Center to make reservations at 209-372-8444 or reserve online at here.

Snowshoeing ““ With snowshoes and powder snow, visitors are set for some great hiking in Yosemite’s winter wonderland. National Park Service naturalists lead snowshoe walks several days a week from the Badger Pass ranger station. Each walk takes approximately two hours, and participants will learn about snow physics, as well as plant and wildlife adaptations in winter. A fee is charged for the guided snowshoe walk. For those interested in exploring on their own, snowshoes may be rented from the Yosemite Nordic Center, or from Yosemite Valley Lodge when conditions permit. Guided snowshoe trips and full moon snowshoe walks at Badger Pass Ski Area are also available.