Yosemite Winter | Yosemite National Park Winter Lodging & Activities

Family friendly, open and easy to get to, Yosemite Mariposa County is winter's clear choice.

Just 2-3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and 5 hours from Los Angeles, and sitting at mostly lower elevations, Yosemite Mariposa County's mild climate is easy to access. Once you arrive, a stay in California's Gold Country makes for easy access to Yosemite and the High Sierra via Highway 140, the historic "All-Weather Highway", where winter adventure awaits.

Is It Worth Visiting Yosemite in Winter?

YES! Winter in Yosemite is magical, and spending the winter months in Mariposa County is both charming and nostalgic. Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area is planned to open in mid-December, weather permitting, offering affordable and family-friendly ski and snowboard lessons with plenty of fresh snow to carve and play in.

If hitting the slopes isn't for you, take a snowshoe hike through Mariposa Grove or even just take a brisk hike through lower-elevation Yosemite Valley. One-stop in Mariposa County this winter and you'll agree, it's the clear choice for winter adventure.

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Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area, California’s Best-Kept Slope Secret

Badger Pass is a great place for kids or adult novices to learn how to ski or snowboard, all at a fraction of the price of some of the large resorts throughout the state. Season passes are on sale now.

Gliding down hills on two feet not your thing? The ski area is also home to a tubing run which provides a fun and easy way to hit the slopes. Badger Pass is also a great jumping-off point for snowshoe hikes to Dewey Point and cross-country ski runs to Glacier Point. One visit to Badger Pass in Yosemite will leave you itching to come back for more fun in the snow.

Yosemite National Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area is an amazing family ski and snowboard destination. Photo by: Trey Clark

Bonus: Warm up after the snow fun with a trip to a local gallery or museum. Get ready to marvel at the masterworks of the great photographer, Ansel Adams, and other artists at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley. Or, take the time to connect with the rich history of the Mariposa County region at museums like the Mariposa Museum & History Center.

The Winter Escape You're Dreaming Of

Winter in Yosemite Mariposa County means a more serene park, more wildlife to see and best of all, more beautiful views of Yosemite. Not to mention the visual wonder, the Natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall in February.

It also means you don't have to deal with the snow if you don't want to. Lower-level elevation areas in the Gold Country bring warmer temperatures and great access to hiking, exploration, beautiful vistas, and wildlife viewing. Visit Yosemite Mariposa County and take in the giant sequoias, gorgeous waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite's valley floor in all their frosted glory. Take a look at some of our stories for extra inspiration.

Guide to the Natural Firefall Build Your Own Winter Itinerary Yosemite Mariposa for the Whole Family Winter Photography Tips Getting to Yosemite in Winter Winter Snowshoeing Romantic Winter Getaways Badger Pass Ski Area

Holiday Events

Mariposa County and Yosemite in winter are hosts to a number of different charming holiday events and activities. From Thanksgiving feasts and decoration workshops in November to mid-December Christmas Tree Lightings, you’ll have an unforgettable experience when visiting Yosemite for the Holidays.

April 1 - April 2

April 8 - April 9

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Events Calendar

Yosemite Mariposa County Information

Make the most of your time as you explore Yosemite with all the information your need to know before arriving. Learn about requirements for tire chains, sledding areas near the south entrance of the park, ice skating at Curry Village with views of Half Dome, and more!