Yosemite’s winters are simply enchanting – a breath of clean crisp air and soaring granite cliffs decorated in snow. Take advantage of this extraordinary season in Yosemite with some of our favorite winter activities. Here are some of the best reasons to make plans for a magical snowy getaway in Yosemite this winter.

Winter’s beauty in Wawona Photo: Theresa Ho

1. Ski/Snowboard at Badger Pass

The Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area serves as the hub of winter snow activities in Yosemite. With 4 main lifts and 10 runs this little ski area packs a lot of family-friendly downhill value into a small space. You can rent equipment, take ski or snowboard lessons, grab lunch from the grill, and nab a few essentials from the store.

2. Cross-country ski or snowshoe to Dewey Point.

Yosemite has some of the most scenic terrain on the planet, and it’s open for winter exploration with just a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes. One of the most popular winter destinations, Dewey Point is a 7-8 mile round-trip ski, but rewards the effort with spectacular views overlooking Yosemite Valley. From Badger Pass, you can also tap into some of the shorter trails through the forest and out to views of snow-capped Sierra peaks or wide open snow-covered expanses.

View overlooking Yosemite Valley from Dewey Point in winter. Photo: Theresa Ho

3. Cuddle Next to the Fireplace.

No matter where your winter adventures take you, it is an absolute luxury to return to your private cabin and curl up next to a blazing fireplace. Add in a cup of tea or hot cocoa and a board game to enjoy amazing quality time with your loved ones. Guaranteed to make lasting memories.

4. Witness Frozen Waterfalls and Rivers.

Once we get the first rains of the season, the waterfalls and rivers become recharged with flowing water. On cold nights, the waterfall spray turns into a delicate lacework of ice that is Jack Frost’s work on a large canvas. As the ice melts again in the warmth of the sun the ice breaks free from the cliff to come tumbling down with cracks booms and crashes. It’s a daily winter spectacle that is more than worth a gander.

Frozen ice laces the cliff beside Upper Yosemite Fall in winter

5. Go Ice Skating at an Outdoor Rink.

While beautiful, the rivers in Yosemite Valley rarely freeze enough to skate on. Instead, we recommend gliding across the ice at an outdoor ice skating rink.

There are three outdoor ice rinks to choose from in the Yosemite area.

• Curry Village: You can’t beat the scenery from the Curry Village ice rink. Located in Yosemite Valley, Curry Village has an incredible view of Half Dome and Yosemite’s famous cliffs and is a must-do Yosemite winter experience. Once you’re done arcing across the ice, it’s time to unlace and unwind. Make sure you have supplies for s’mores. Gather around the fire pit with your family and roast a few marshmallows for a post-ice-skating treat.
• Fish Camp: Located outside of the park boundaries, Tenaya at Yosemite operates a covered outdoor rink with views of the Sierra National Forest. You’ll also find a fire pit to warm up and enjoy a s’more or three here.
• Bass Lake: Located a bit further afield, a new ice rink is scheduled to open in November of 2024 near Bass Lake.

6. Ski or Snowshoe Through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Here is yet another uniquely Yosemite winter experience not far from the doorstep of your Redwoods In Yosemite vacation rental cabin. Wander in awe through these red giants topped in a shawl of white snow. Rental snowshoes are available locally at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite or at Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area.

Enjoy a wintery view of Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias with skis or snowshoes. Photo: Theresa Ho

7. Set your Inner Child Free with Snow Tubing and other Snow Play.

Take it from us, a fun sledding hill is a delight at any age. The Goat Meadow Snow Play Area, less than 15 minutes from your Wawona cabin, provides a great sanctuary for snow tubing, building snow people, or having a spontaneous snowball fight. Laughter and snow go hand in hand here in Yosemite. In the right conditions, you can even go sledding right in Wawona on the golf course.

Playful snow fun calls to young and old alike. Enjoy easy sledding on the Wawona Golf Course across Hwy 41 from the Redwoods In Yosemite cabins.

8. Explore Yosemite’s Hiking Trails in Peace and Quiet.

While snow is the name of the game at higher elevations, you can often find perfectly hikeable trails at lower elevations. Yosemite Valley trails and boardwalks are often plowed to make exploring easy, and you’ll find there are still many gorgeous places that walk to.

Check out our tips for hiking in Yosemite in winter for suggestions on how to prepare for winter hiking. A few extras can make your hike even more comfortable – like waterproof hiking boots if you have them, or a warm change of socks if not. Snow spikes for your shoes, or a pair of hiking poles can help with traction on hard packed snow too

9. Perfect your Winter Photography Skills.

Yosemite is easy on the eyes in any season, but winter holds a particular beauty all its own. With a sky full of ever-changing clouds and a landscape blanketed in white, the scene is perfect to post on social media. Just be sure to check the weather and layer up while waiting for those ideal panoramic shots.

Fresh snow sets the stage for delightful wintry pictures. Photo: Theresa Ho

Horsetail Fall: The Natural Firefall.

Speaking of photography skills, there are a few weeks in the later part of February when the sun can strike the edge of the “natural firefall” at Horsetail Fall, turning its waters into a stream of molten gold. This event typically draws photographers from around the world.

Note: The Redwoods in Yosemite guests don’t have to worry about this, but due to the popularity of this natural event, entrance reservations can be required if you’re not staying inside the park during this period.

Frazzle Ice

Another unique winter phenom that is fun to see in timelapse is Frazzle Ice.

10. Take a moonlight stroll and look for moonbows.

The sun sets early in the winter, but between blankets of soft white snow and the pale granite cliffs, Yosemite all but glows in the light of the moon. If you get the conditions and the angles just right, you can even catch moonlight forming shimmering moonbows across some of Yosemite’s refreshed waterfalls.

Bonus: Get Great Lodging Deals

One more for good measure. You know another thing that is magical here in winter? The great deals on Yosemite winter lodging!

The Redwoods In Yosemite cabins are located in Wawona, close to snow play, ice skating, and the winter adventures at Badger Pass. The Mariposa Grove is so close that you can practically ski or snowshoe from here! Relaxing and private, these fully-equipped vacation homes and cabins border the wild and scenic  South Fork of The Merced River, the Wawona Swinging Bridge and Chilnualna Falls (the second highest vertical drop waterfall in Yosemite). Many of our homes are pet-friendly, making it possible to bring the whole family for your winter retreat. You can also look for cabins that feature spa tubs, private decks, and BBQ’s for a true home away from home experience.