In the winter, Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area is a hub of snow-filled fun in Yosemite. Go downhill skiing or snowboarding. Explore Yosemite on cross country skis or snowshoes, or let your inner child shine on the tubing hill.

When you rent one of the Yosemite cabins managed by The Redwoods In Yosemite, you’re only roughly 40 minutes (one-way) from countless days of fun at Badger Pass.

Let’s explore what Badger Pass has to offer.

When is Badger Pass Open?

The Badger Pass season is roughly mid-December through late March depending on conditions.

There is no snow-making at Badger Pass, so the start of the ski season has to wait until there is enough natural snow on the ground, both to make skiing fun and to protect the delicate plants below.

The two best ways to find out about conditions are:

  1. Call the road conditions hotline – 209-372-0200 (press 1 and 1 again to listen to the recording). If the road is open, the ski area is open, and vice versa except in very rare situations. You’ll want to do this anyway to learn what to expect for winter driving conditions and chain requirements.
  2. Hear detailed daily updates from the ski area about conditions, offers, and more by calling the Badger Pass Snow Phone – 209-372-1000. 

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding at Badger Pass

Skiier at Badger Pass Ski Area

Enjoy wide open ski runs at Badger Pass Ski Area

With 800 feet of elevation gain, the mostly gentle and open terrain at Badger Pass is an ideal place to learn to ski or gain confidence on the slopes. With 10 ski runs and 4 running chair lifts that all start from the same base area, it’s easy to navigate this ski area, and families and groups find it easy to coordinate because anyone can sit out for a run or two and then jump back in with your group when they loop back to the base. Plus, this family-friendly resort has family-friendly pricing.

Lift Tickets

Several kinds of lift tickets are available, and you can get them at the ski area or online through Yosemite Hospitality.

  • Full-Day (9 am – 4 pm)
  • Half-Day (Noon – 4 pm)
  • Lower Lifts (Turtle and Bruin – perfect for beginners)
  • One-Ride Ticket
  • (Children 6 years old or younger ski free with a paying adult)

Also, keep your eyes open for season passes and discounts including:

  • Senior Discounts
  • Military and First Responder Discounts.

Also check out the Yosemite Winter Club for discounts on season passes, lift tickets, rentals, lessons, ice skating sessions and skate rentals as well as a host of fun Winter Club activities.

Lessons and Rentals

Badger Pass has everything you need for a fun day on the slopes. Rent ski or snowboard gear, including helmets. And don’t underestimate the power of a lesson to get you started skiing or boarding or to level up your skills. Another option: free the heel and try telemark skiing with instructors at the Nordic Center, located just uphill of the main lodge area.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

man skate skiing on glacier point road

During the winter months, the Glacier Point Road is groomed for cross country skiing – both classic and skate skiing lanes. (You can also snowshoe at the edges of the groomed ski lanes.) Photo: Theresa Ho

If you think skiing at Badger Pass is fun, consider exploring more of Yosemite on cross country skis or snowshoes.

Snowshoeing is an easy way to get out into Yosemite’s winter wonderland. Just strap on the snowshoes and you’ll be out and about in no time. Meanwhile, cross country skiing combines the fun of exploration with the joy of gliding over the snow.

While there are several places in Yosemite to go cross country skiing or snowshoeing, Badger Pass has 90 miles of marked ski trails, including 25 miles of track groomed for striding and skate skiing. Wander through forested trails to mountain vistas and open meadows. Experienced skiers/snowshoers might also consider a trip to Dewey Point (7.4-miles/12 km) overlooking Yosemite Valley, out to Clark Range View (11.4 miles round-trip/18 km) with stunning views of the Clark Range, or even all the way to Glacier Point (21 miles/34 km round trip).

Lessons and Rentals

For cross country ski lessons and ski or snowshoe rentals, stop in at the Nordic Center, located across from and slightly uphill of the rental shop at Badger Pass.

Guided Excursions

family snowshoeing in Yosemite

Snowshoeing is an easy way to get around and explore Yosemite’s sights when there is snow on the ground.

Would you like a bit of company during your winter explorations? Ask about guided backcountry ski tours or snowshoe hikes while you’re in the Nordic Center. Not only do you have the benefit of an experienced local guide, but you’ll also learn a lot about Yosemite’s winter ecosystems along the way.

Also, check the Yosemite Guide to see when NPS rangers lead a 2-hour guided snowshoe walk from Badger Pass.

Snow Tubing

Sledding is not allowed at the ski area, but you can experience the thrill of sliding downhill on an innertube at the Snow Tubing hill at Badger Pass.

If you have your own sled, or are just looking for a place to play in the snow, we recommend the Goat Meadow Snow Play Area, less than 15 minutes from your Redwoods Cabin just outside the park boundary. In the right conditions, you can also find a gentle sledding hill and plenty of space for snow play in the Wawona Golf Course, right across the Wawona Road from the Redwoods in Yosemite Cabins.

 

Theresa moved to Yosemite on a rock climbing sabbatical in April 2003 and has been living full-time in Yosemite ever since. Currently, when not working as a marketing freelancer, you’ll find Theresa hiking, climbing, and skiing through Yosemite’s beautiful landscapes or experimenting with drawing toys and watercolors.