Badger Pass is a small and intimate ski resort tucked in amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of world-famous Yosemite National Park. Snow sports first found a home in Yosemite in 1928 when Jules Fritch, a Swiss skier, opened the first ski school near the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Since then, the park has blossomed into a renowned destination and millions of people each year flock to Yosemite to enjoy its stunning, one-of-a-kind vistas, unique geology, fantastic hikes and sweeping landscapes.

Badger Pass may be small but focuses its energies on the quality of skiing rather than the quantity. The season generally runs from December through March. In total there are ten runs, 35% beginner, 50% intermediate and 15% advanced. There is 800 feet of vertical to explore and two terrain parks to enjoy.

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The ski school is renowned and has been open since 1928. The instructors are PSIA or AASI certified and have years of experience. There are a variety of packages available including their “Guaranteed Learn to Ski/Snowboard Packages” which includes equipment rental, lift ticket and lesson. There is also the Badger Pups Downhill Ski Program for children, intro lessons for first-timers of all ages, next step lessons for intermediate level skiers and riders, as well as private lessons available throughout the season.

In addition to fantastic downhill skiing, a wealth of cross-country skiing is available, Badger Pass provides guests with instructors and guides if they so choose. In all, Yosemite has 22 miles (35 km) of groomed cross-country track and 90 miles (145 km) of marked trails. For those interested in cross-country skating there are more than 9 miles (14 km) of lanes.

While Badger Pass is a small resort, it has a lot of amenities available at the resort that ensure visitors have everything they need before, during and after hitting the slopes. There are several dining options on the slopes including quick grab-and-go meal options as well as a pub. There is a retail sports shop, an activity and information desk, lockers, ski repair shop, outdoor barbeque, first aid as well as a variety of guided snowshoe walks.

There is no longer slope side lodging offered at Badger Pass, but guests have an extensive array of wonderful lodging options in the area. Lodging options are numerous and Badger Pass offers several amazingly affordable stay and play packages each winter, from beautiful and historic inns to more modern and luxurious lodges in the area, there’s something to suit the most discerning tastes and limited budgets. Many of the lodgings in the area offer free shuttles to the ski area making it even more convenient to enjoy Badger Pass this winter.

The closest major cities to the ski area are San Francisco, California and Sacramento, California. Both have larger international airports with many flights arriving daily from all over the country. By car from San Francisco take the Oakland-Bay Bridge (Highway 80 East). Take Highway 580 East, following signs for Tracy/Stockton to Highway 205. Follow Highway 205 to Highway 120. Take Highway 120 into Yosemite National Park. From Sacramento take Highway 99 South to Merced. Exit onto Highway 140 East in Merced and follow into Yosemite.

However skiers and riders get there, a trip to Badger Pass, California, in beautiful Yosemite National Park, promises to be an extraordinary adventure.