As the season’s first snowfall blankets the meadows and mountains, Yosemite National Park is transformed into a winter wonderland full of exciting adventures and winter activities for you and your family. Whether you’re planning a trip to partake in the high-elevation snow sports or seeking easier winter fun closer to the valley floor where heavy snowfall isn’t required but winter magic still awaits, the park offers something for every weather scenario and activity preference.
Explore our top winter experiences in Yosemite and prepare to have a winter adventure you’ll never forget.
Snow Sport Activities in Yosemite
High-elevation adventures at Badger Pass Ski Area offer classic Yosemite winter experiences, from downhill skiing and snowboarding to miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The area also features a family-friendly snow-tubing hill, making it easy for all ages to enjoy the snow.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Badger Pass Ski Area is Yosemite’s snow-covered hub for downhill skiing and snowboarding, offering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere throughout its typical mid-December to March season (conditions permitting). With a mix of green, blue, and black runs, five lifts, and a manageable vertical rise, it’s an easy place to learn or sharpen skills, and visitors can book ski lessons, rent gear, and enjoy daily operations that usually run from morning to mid-afternoon. Parking is available on-site, and a winter shuttle often connects visitors from Yosemite Valley, with a cozy day lodge offering food, warm drinks, and a place to thaw out after time on the slopes. Down Hill Skiing & Snowboarding
Know Before You Go: Winter driving conditions can change quickly, and chain controls may be in effect. Always check current road status and weather conditions before heading up Glacier Point Road.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Skiing and snowshoeing are two of the most popular ways to experience Yosemite’s winter, offering quiet, snow-covered landscapes and access to high-elevation viewpoints that feel completely transformed this time of year. These activities suit a wide range of experience levels and allow visitors to explore the park at a slower, more immersive pace.
Downhill & Cross-Country Skiing: From the gentle groomed runs at Badger Pass to miles of cross-country trails leading toward Glacier Point, skiing offers a classic Yosemite winter adventure with options for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing provides an easy, accessible way to explore snowy terrain, opening up quiet forest routes and scenic overlooks without the need for technical skills.
Learn more about Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in Yosemite.
Snow Activities in Yosemite
Not headed up the mountain? There are still plenty of winter-friendly experiences to enjoy in and around Yosemite Valley. From ice skating beneath Glacier Point to gentle snow play areas and scenic winter hikes, you can embrace the season without venturing into higher elevations.
Snow Tubing and Sledding
Sledding and snow tubing in Yosemite are delightfully simple, high-smile winter options that are perfect for families or anyone wanting carefree snow fun.
Goat Meadow Snow Play Area, located just off Highway 41 between Fish Camp and Yosemite’s South Entrance, is a laid-back snow-play area where gentle sledding and tubing runs fan out from the parking lot. There are also nearby cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that wind through forested logging roads.
At Badger Pass Ski Area, families can also enjoy a dedicated snow-tubing hill that provides a fun tubing experience in a more developed resort ski resort setting.
Ice Skating
Glide across an outdoor rink beneath Yosemite’s soaring granite walls for a magical winter moment. The Curry Village ice rink sits in Yosemite Valley with Half Dome and Glacier Point in view, operating from mid-November through early March, weather permitting, with multiple daytime and evening sessions. If you’re staying near the park’s south entrance, Tenaya Lodge also offers a charming 80×40-foot covered outdoor rink surrounded by pine forest, with cozy fire pits to warm up nearby. Both ice skating rinks are fantastic options.
Winter Hiking
Winter hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Yosemite, offering peaceful trails, crisp mountain air, and striking views framed by snow-covered cliffs and forests. Many lower-elevation routes remain accessible year-round, giving visitors the chance to explore familiar landscapes in a completely fresh way. With a bit of preparation, winter hikes reveal Yosemite at its most serene and quietly dramatic.
Other Winter Activities
Stargazing
After exploring Yosemite’s snow sports and winter hikes, here is a more leisurely way to enjoy the season. Experience winter stargazing in Yosemite, where crisp air and quiet meadows create ideal conditions for taking in bright constellations. Away from the city lights, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of Half Dome silhouetted against the night sky and see the winter stars with exceptional clarity.
Winter Photography
For easy winter photography in Yosemite, head to accessible spots such as Cook’s Meadow, Sentinel Meadow, Tunnel View, and Valley View, all of which offer stunning compositions without long approaches. Clear nights, sunrise, sunset, and new-moon conditions provide the best light and contrast against snow-dusted granite. Bring warm layers, a red-light headlamp to protect your night vision, and a tripod to keep images sharp in low light.
How to Prepare for Winter in Yosemite
With a bit of preparation, you can look forward to a smooth and enjoyable winter trip to Yosemite.
Check Conditions First
Look up the weather, road conditions, and National Park Service alerts before you drive. Tire chains may be required even when skies are clear, so always bring a set that fits your vehicle.
Pack the Essentials
Dress in warm layers and wear waterproof footwear with good traction. Bring gloves, a hat, a headlamp, water, snacks, and a phone battery or charger. A simple car kit with a blanket, ice scraper, and small shovel adds extra peace of mind.
Know What to Expect
Winter days are short, surfaces can be icy, cell service is limited, and parking and shuttle options are reduced. Drive slowly, stay on signed winter routes, and be aware of seasonal closures such as those on Glacier Point Road.
Stay Flexible
Confirm operating hours and any temporary closures before heading out, and keep a backup plan in case a storm moves in.
For more helpful guidance, see our Winter Travel Tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed on Yosemite trails in winter?
Pets are welcome in Yosemite year-round, but winter conditions such as snow, ice, and limited trail access make it important to follow park rules and keep pets leashed at all times. For detailed guidelines on where pets are allowed and how to keep them safe, see the Yosemite National Park pet regulations page.
What part of Yosemite is open in winter?
Yosemite is open year‑round, with key areas like Yosemite Valley and Wawona accessible even in winter, but high-elevation routes such as Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are often closed due to snow and ice.
For tips on visiting Yosemite in winter, including what areas are open, winter activities, and travel advice, see the Visiting Yosemite in Winter page on NPS.
How busy is Yosemite in winter?
Winter is one of the quietest times to visit Yosemite. It is an ideal time to visit if you are looking for more solitude and a serene snow-frosted landscape. Holidays tend to bring a noticeable increase in visitation, but still much calmer than the busier summer months.
Explore more experiences around Yosemite Mariposa County.
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