Yosemite Ski Ski Vacation Guide

Badger Pass is a truly intimate ski resort that allows families and friends the excitement of great skiing without the hustle and bustle typical of other resorts. The skiing is great, the crowds are small, and the resort has plenty of off-slope activities to explore throughout the winter. Located in the pristine Yosemite National Park, a ski vacation at Badger Pass ensures a plethora of excitement and natural beauty.

Ski Levels

The resort is small relative to most resorts in the west, but that only serves to accentuate its intimate allure. There are nearly 100 acres, 800 feet of vertical and more than 10 runs, not to mention an average of 300 inches of snow annually. There are runs for every ability level, 35 percent are suitable for beginners, 50 percent for intermediate, and 15 percent for advanced. There are also extensive cross-country ski tracks, both groomed and ungroomed that whisk guests deep into the beautiful alpine backcountry for which Yosemite is famous.

For those looking to learn to ski or hone some basic skills, Badger Pass has a variety of great lesson packages available including their “Guaranteed Learn to Ski/Snowboard Packages,” which includes equipment rental, lift ticket, and lesson. However, there are many others to choose from, such as their Badger Pups Downhill Ski Program for children, introductory lessons for children and adults, next step lessons for intermediate level skiers and riders, as well as private lessons available for those seeking a one-on-one experience.

Après Ski

There is no slope-side lodging available, but there are several choices in Yosemite National Park, from quaint historic inns, comfortably basic motels, and hotels to grand modern lodges. There is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Lodging options are numerous and the area offers several affordable packages each winter. The ski resort doesn’t offer overnight accommodation, but the area does have a wealth of amenities including dining, rentals, and retail ski and snowboard shops, lockers, an information desk, a day lodge, and much more. While the resort is small, it has everything one would expect to find at one of the larger resorts. A vacation at Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park offers skiers and riders the chance to enjoy quality mountain skiing in a stunning setting. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy one of North America’s most astounding parks this winter. Yosemite is easy to reach and even has its own airport, but the roads are well maintained throughout the winter making it easy to reach by car, bus, or even train. It’s a truly beautiful place that is a genuine delight to visit.

Yosemite Ski Snowboard Vacation Guide

Rider’s Guide

There are ten runs and nearly 100 acres to ski and snowboard in about 300 inches of powdery snow each season. The ski area is small by west coast standards, but the quality of terrain, the abundance of snow, and the small crowds more than make up for its size. It is ideal for beginner and intermediate riders, but everyone’s guaranteed to find terrain that is challenging.

Parks and Pipes

The upper park is the smaller of the two terrain parks, with features perfect for children, beginner, and intermediate riders. There are a wide variety of unthreatening boxes, jumps, and rails to enjoy. The lower park caters more toward the intermediate and advanced rider and freestyle skier with larger jumps, longer rails, and bigger boxes.

Out of Bounds

The most popular activity is to cross-country ski in the area. The hundreds of miles of trails make it possible for guests to explore some of the best views the park has to offer and to really enjoy a true backwoods experience. There is also a sizeable skating track, full moon snowshoe walks and other guided and unguided adventures to explore.

Hangout & Hookup

The Snowflake Room is the ski area’s pub on the slopes and is a great meeting place during and after a fantastic day of riding. There is a lovely assortment of cuisine and an extensive drink menu. The Snowflake Room features great views of the ski area and has amazing pictures of the first skiers at Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area when it was known only as Badger Pass, which serves as something of a museum and homage to the history of snow sports. The area also has several great accommodations, with bars and great après ski locations perfect for relaxing and unwinding with friends and family. Yosemite is not renowned for its nightlife and is low-key in comparison to bigger ski resorts, but there are plenty of options for those looking for a mellow end to the day.

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