Snow rarely sticks in Yosemite Valley, but the higher elevations are often buried in the fluffy white stuff. Winter’s cold and snow-capped mountains add a little more diversity to park activities. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skiing, tubing, and ice-skating are popular. Marked trails are available at Badger Pass, along Glacier Point Road, in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and around the Crane Flat area. Free ranger-guided snowshoe walks are also offered. The park’s newspaper, Yosemite Guide, features an up-to-date schedule of all ranger guided activities. Visitors receive a free copy upon arrival or it’s available for download at the park website.
Badger Pass (209.372.8430) is the oldest downhill skiing area in California. It has 5 lifts, and runs range from easy to difficult with an 800-ft elevation drop. Lift tickets cost $42/adult and $37/child for a full day on a weekend or holiday. Weekday rates are $35/adult and $30/child for a full day. Badger Pass also offers snow-tubing ($15/person, per 2-hour session). Rentals, lessons, and multi-day cross-country tour packages are also available. Badger Pass is usually open from mid-December through March (conditions permitting). A daily snow report can be found at: www.yosemitepark.com/DailySnowReport.aspx.
Visitors have been ice skating in Yosemite Valley since the 1930s. The Ice Rink at Curry Village (209.372.8319) is nestled below the foot of majestic Half Dome and Glacier Point, right in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is open from mid-November until early March. A 2.5-hour session costs $8/Adult, $6/Child, and $3 for skate rentals. Visit www.yosemitepark.com for more information on the park’s winter activities.