Badger Pass Ski Area
Glacier Point Road
WELCOME TO YOSEMITEME!
WHAT TO DO
Value to Price
Skill Level
Supplies Needed
ALPINE SKIING/SNOW BOARDING
Accessibility
WHAT: The Badger Pass Ski Area has been providing downhill Alpine Skiing since 1933. It is considered the oldest ski resort in California and boasts having the State’s first ski-lift, an “upski,” that pulled 12 persons uphill on a sled-like vehicle by cables. The lodge, built in 1935, no longer provides overnight stays, but does house a lounge, a cafeteria, a ski shop, and ticketing and equipment rental services. Convenient lodging can be found about five miles away (a 20-minute drive) at the “Yosemite West” community where a variety of accommodations can be rented via vrbo or Scenic Wonders Property Management.
Snowboarding and other winter activities (cross country skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing described below) were added to this popular winter destination over time.
The Badger Pass lodge is at the 7,200-elevation level and the highest ski run starts at the 8,000-foot level, providing a vertical drop of 800 feet. The ski area has 10 modest and relatively short runs that will appeal to beginners, intermediate skiers, and families with younger children. A third of the runs are designed for beginners and two-thirds for intermediates. Five chairlifts (one triple-chair, three double-chair, and one handle tow for beginners) bring skiers and snowboarders to the top of the groomed runs.
To avoid standing in line for tickets, consider purchasing all-day tickets online prior to arrival. Half-day and lower-lift tickets can be purchased onsite (see below under HOW MUCH for rates). Ski and snowboard lessons and equipment rentals can be purchased onsite through the National Park concessionaire, Yosemite Hospitality (Aramark). Lockers for your valuables can be rented onsite.
The Badger Pass Ski Area School, in operation since 1928, provides skiing and snowboard lessons by skilled instructors for all levels of abilities. See HOW & HOW MUCH below for rates.
Quick Glance
WHEN: Badger Pass Ski Area is open from mid-December through mid-March depending on snow levels and slope conditions. Ski lift hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for a full day and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a half day. For an up-to-date recorded message on lessons and weather conditions call (209) 372-1000. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close. Tire chains are often required during winter weather alerts. Road conditions can be found by clicking here.
Consider midweek travel to make the most of your trip since ticketing, rental, and lift lines will be reduced compared to the weekends. The Ski School is open 8:30 am to 4:00pm and the Sport Shop is open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
WHERE: The Badger Pass Ski Lodge sits at the 7,200-elevation level and is located five miles east of the junction of Glacier Point Road and Wawona Road (Hwy 41). It lies approximately halfway between Yosemite’s southern entrance near Wawona (17.6 miles/25 minutes driving time) and Yosemite Valley (20.5 miles/30 minutes driving time). Badger Pass is also near “Yosemite West,” a private residential community that offers lodging options. Directions from Yosemite Valley can be found by clicking here.
A FREE SHUTTLE BUS can be used to travel to the Badger Pass Ski Area from multiple sites in Yosemite Valley. The shuttle schedule for winter 2022/23 is as follows:
First Run: Curry Village Registration area (8:05 am), Yosemite Transportation area across from Village Store (8:10 am), and Yosemite Valley Lodge (8:30 am).
Second Run: Curry Village Registration area (10:35 am), Yosemite Transportation area across from Village Store (10:40 am), and Yosemite Valley Lodge (11:00 am).
RETURN SHUTTLE TRIPS from Badger Pass day lodge occur at 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm and will include drop-offs at all three locations noted above.
HOW & HOW MUCH: Full-day lift tickets can be purchased ahead of time by going to the online booking window at TravelYosemite website (click here).
Full-day rates are $64.00 for adults (age 13+) and $38.50 for children (7-12). Children age 6 and under are free with an paying adult. Tickets can be picked up at the Badger Pass day lodge.
Graphic modified from the internet. Author unknown.
Half-day tickets and lessons can be purchased at the Badger Pass day lodge. Rates are $50.00 for adults (age 13+) and $30.00 for children (7-12). Additional rates are noted below (updated January 2023).
1. Winter skiing activities in Yosemite are primarily
located at Badger Pass Ski Area..
2. The ski slopes are open from from mid-December through mid-March (weather permitting) and hours are 9 am to 4 pm for a "Full Day" and 12 pm to 4 pm for a "Half Day."
3. An up-to-date recorded message on lessons and weather conditions can be reached at
(209) 372-1000.
4. A free shuttle bus is available from multiple locations in Yosemite Valley to Badger Pass Ski Area. and back to the Valley.
5. There is no overnight lodging onsite at the Ski Area.
6. The Badger Pass Lodge is at the 7,200-foot elevation level.
Value to Price
Skill Level
Supplies Needed
NORDIC/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Accessibility
Cross Country/Nordic/Telemark Skiing in Yosemite can be enjoyed on 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of groomed track with most originating at the Badger Pass Ski Area (see map here), and some starting at the Crane Flat Winter Trail Area (see map here). Provided below is a breakdown of self-guided day and overnight trips, and a fee-based guided trip from the Yosemite Mountaineering School.
1. SELF-GUIDED CROSS-COUNTRY DAY TRIPS
WHAT: Self-guided, cross-country day-trips are fully supported at the Badger Pass Ski Area. Equipment rentals (at the Nordic Center), cafeteria-like food (at the “Lodge”), wilderness permits (at the Ranger Station), and other winter activities are also available at the Badger Pass Ski Area.
The Crane Flat Winter Trail Area also has marked trails but they are not groomed. There is a snow play area there as well but it does not have the services that are offered at Badger Pass.
WHEN: Snow conditions vary from year to year, however, generally speaking, the marked winter routes have enough snow from mid-December through mid-March. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close as occurred in March 2023 due to record snowfall. Call 209-372-0408 for current ski and snow conditions.
The Badger Pass Cross-Country/Nordic Center opens at 8:30 am for equipment rentals and closes at 4:00 pm.
WHERE: As noted in the “Alpine Skiing” section above, the Badger Pass Ski Area is located five miles east of the junction of Glacier Point Road and Wawona Road (Hwy 41). It lies approximately halfway between Yosemite’s southern entrance near Wawona (17.6 miles/25 minutes driving time) and Yosemite Valley (20.5 miles/30 minutes driving time).
Shuttle schedules from Yosemite Valley to the Badger Pass Ski Area can be found above in the “Alpine Skiing” section above under WHERE.
Crane Flat Winter Area can be reached via three of Yosemite entrances during the winter (Hwys 140, 120, and 41). It lies at the junction of Big Oak Flat Road and the Tioga Road (Hwy 140) about 16 miles from Yosemite Valley (30 minutes). Tire chains may be required from December through mid-March. Gasoline services are located at the intersection area year-round.
Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicular traffic during the winter beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area and provides a groomed trail to Glacier Point. The 21-mile roundtrip excursion is recommended only for experienced skiers in very good condition. The highly sought-out winter views of Half Dome and other snow-draped vistas of Yosemite’s back-country make this a truly rewarding trek.
HOW & HOW MUCH: Classic, skate, or backcountry ski equipment can be rented at the Nordic Center at the Badger Pass Ski Area as listed below (2023). The cost for Nordic ski lessons can be found below with more details at the TravelYosemite website (click here) or by calling (209) 372-8430.
2. SELF-GUIDED OVERNIGHT TRIPS: Glacier Point Ski Hut
WHAT: ALERT: Closed for the 2022-23 season. The Glacier Point Ski Hut is a small, rustic lodge built of stone and wooden logs that is located at Glacier Point. The Ski Hut accommodates 20 individuals in one sleeping room that contains 10 bunk beds. Additionally, supplied meals are served in a dining room with comfortable couches, restrooms, and a woodstove. The 21-mile roundtrip trek requires significant stamina and should only be attempted by experienced cross-country skiers. Reservations are required (see HOW below).
WHEN: Snow conditions vary from year to year, but generally speaking, the groomed trail to the Glacier Point Ski Hut is open from mid-December through mid-March. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close as occurred in March 2023 due to record snowfall. Call (209) 372-0408 for current ski and snow conditions.
The Badger Pass Cross-Country/Nordic Center opens at 8:30 am for equipment rentals and closes at 4:00 pm.
WHERE: The Glacier Point Ski Hut can be reached by skiing along the groomed track on the Glacier Point Road starting at the Badger Pass Ski Area. The Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicular traffic during the winter starting at Badger Pass. Click here for map.
HOW & HOW MUCH: Cross-country/Nordic equipment rentals are provided at the Badger Pass Nordic Center and are listed above. Additional overnight equipment for self-guided trips to the Glacier Point Ski Hut include a sleeping bag for $25 (located at the hut) and a set of Touring skis, Salomon boots, and SWIX poles that rent for $28 per day per person. An internal-framed backpack can be rented for $20 per night.
Lodging and meals cost $143 per night. Reservations can be made a year in advance through travelyosemite.com, the National Park’s contracted vendor. Click here to access the webpage and use the booking window to plan your trip. The lodging is on a first-come, first-served basis. More information can be acquired by calling (209) 372-8444.
All overnight guests must check-in at the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Center before the trip to the Glacier Point Ski Hut as well as the National Park A-frame building for the Wilderness Permit check and to obtain an overnight Parking Permit.
3. SELF-GUIDED OVERNIGHT TRIPS: Ostrander Ski Hut
WHAT: The Ostrander Ski Hut, built in 1941, is an historic, two-story stone structure originally used as a Ranger Station situated in Yosemite’s southeast back country. The Yosemite Conservancy restored the building in 2013 and now manages reservations for snow boarders and cross-country skiers wishing to lodge overnight. The beautiful, 20-mile round-trip journey from the Badger Pass Ski Area is not recommended for novice skiers or inexperienced winter wilderness sojourners. Skiing above Ostrander Lake on the bowl-shaped slopes provides an exhilarating experience for multiday stays.
The Hut contains single bunk beds for 25 individuals and the Hut caretaker. Unlike the Glacier Point Ski Hut, visitors must provide their own food, water filter, and sleeping bag. The Hut contains two toilets. The evening lights are powered with solar energy but no other electricity is provided. Reservations are required (see HOW below). Click here for a video that shares the rich skiing experience of one person’s trip to Ostrander Ski Hut along with a glimpse into skiing down the bowl-shaped ridge above Ostrander Lake.
WHEN: Snow conditions vary from year to year. For the 2022-23 winter season, the Ostrander Ski Hut opened on December 23 and closed on April 1, 2023. Severe winter weather could limit access to Badger Pass causing Yosemite to close as occurred in March 2023.
The Nordic Center at Badger Pass Ski Area opens for equipment rental at 8:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm.
WHERE: The Ostrander Ski Hut is located about ten miles from Badger Pass at 8,500-foot elevation and sits on the north shore of Ostrander Lake. According to Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada, three cross-country trails starting at the Badger Pass Ski Area can be used to reach the Ostrander Ski Hut. All trails have their own unique challenges and joys. A terrific topographic map of all three trails accompanied by trail guidance can be found at the “Ski Tour” website under "Badger Pass and Glacier Point Road" by clicking here.
HOW & HOW MUCH: Lodging cost $50 per night per person. Reservations can be made in mid-November so check the Yosemite Conservancy’s website for booking information by clicking here. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. A step-by-step online booking video can be viewed by clicking here.
All overnight guests must check-in at the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Center before the trip to the Ostrander Ski Hut as well as the National Park A-frame building for the Wilderness Permit check and to obtain an overnight Parking Permit.
4. YOSEMITE MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOL GUIDED TOUR: Glacier Point Ski Hut
WHAT: The Yosemite Mountaineering School provides guided tours to the Glacier Point Ski Hut as well as custom tours. Tours can be designed to accommodate all levels of skiing ability and endurance, and can be for a few hours or overnight. The expert guide provides information about Yosemite’s natural history and wildlife during the tour. ALERT: The Hut is closed for the 2022-23 winter.
The Glacier Point Ski Hut tour is typically one- or two-night trip led by an expert guide. As noted above, the Glacier Point Ski Hut is a small, rustic lodge built of stone and wooden logs that is located at Glacier Point. The Ski Hut accommodates 20 individuals in one sleeping room that contains 10 bunk beds Additionally, supplied meals are served in a dining room with comfortable couches, restrooms, and a woodstove. The 21-mile roundtrip trek requires significant stamina and should only be attempted by experienced cross-country skiers.
WHEN: Tours begin at 9:00 am and depart from the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Center. Snow conditions vary from year to year, but generally speaking, the groomed trail to the Glacier Point Ski Hut, which follows the Glacier Point Road, opens from mid-December through mid-March. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close as occurred in March 2023 due to record snowfall. Call (209) 372-0408 for current ski and snow conditions.
The Badger Pass Cross-Country/Nordic Center opens at 8:30 am for equipment rentals and closes at 4:00 pm.
WHERE: The Glacier Point Ski Area Hut Tour groups meet at 9:00 am at the Cross Country Nordic Center which is located across from the lodge at the Badger Pass Ski Area. The Badger Pass Ski Area is located five miles east of the junction of Glacier Point Road and Wawona Road (Hwy 41). It lies approximately halfway between Yosemite’s southern entrance near Wawona (17.6 miles/25 minutes driving time) and Yosemite Valley (20.5 miles/30 minutes driving time).Wilderness Permits and Parking Passes will be provided by the Mountaineering School through the National Park Service.
Shuttle schedules from Yosemite Valley to the Badger Pass Ski Area can be found above in the “Alpine Skiing” section above under WHERE.
HOW & HOW MUCH: The rates listed below require at least three people in a tour group. Groups can be combined to ensure that a trip occurs. The fee includes the cost of your guide, sleeping accommodations, and all meals.
Reservations can be made through the TravelYosemite website (click here) or by calling (209) 372-8344. ALERT: The Glacier Point Ski Hut is closed for the 2022-23 season.
Value to Price
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Supplies Needed
SNOW SHOEING
Accessibility
Snow shoeing in Yosemite can be enjoyed via four different ways. These include: 1) Self-guided hikes, 2) Free Ranger-guided hikes, 3) Mountaineering School Guided trips, 4) Naturalist Guided hikes provided by the Yosemite Conservancy, and 5) a Special Self-guided Overnight Trip to Snow Creek Cabin Each are described below:
1. SELF-GUIDED HIKES
WHAT: You can venture forth on your own by exploring marked trails with either your own snowshoes or rented snowshoes from the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Center (open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm daily--see chart below). See the HOW section below for more detail on rental equipment. As a reminder, any overnight trips must have a Wilderness Permit, which can be obtained at the Badger Pass Ranger Station. Ranger Station.
WHEN: Snow conditions vary from year to year, however, generally speaking, the marked winter routes have enough snow from mid-December through mid-March. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close. Call 209-372-0408 for current ski and snow conditions.
WHERE: It is recommended that all snowshoeing trips use the marked trails that emanate from the Badger Pass Ski Area (see map by clicking here) or the Crane Flat Winter Trail Area (see map by clicking here). Nevertheless, most areas of the Park are open for Snowshoeing such as the Sequoia Groves (click here for Mariposa Grove Trails), but automobile or shuttle access may be limited or non-existent due to road closures.
HOW & HOW MUCH: If you wish to rent snowshoes from the Nordic Center at Badger Pass, it opens at 8:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm daily. Snowshoe rentals rates are noted below:
2. RANGER GUIDED HIKES
WHAT: You can accompany a Yosemite Ranger on a free, two-hour, snowshoe-guided tour starting at the Badger Pass Ranger Station (the A-Frame building). A moderately strenuous hike of about one mile can be expected so this walk is not recommended for children under ten years of age. An excellent summary of this hike with photos can be found at the New City Adventures webpage.
WHEN: Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday starting at 10:00 am. Snow conditions vary from year to year, however, generally speaking, the marked winter routes have enough snow from mid-December through mid-March. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close. Call 209-372-0408 for current ski and snow conditions.
WHERE: Meet the Ranger at the Badger Pass Ski Area Ranger Station located at the “A-Frame” building to the right of the lodge.
HOW & HOW MUCH: There is no charge, however, reservations and registration are recommended ahead of time by calling (209) 379-1899 since space and snowshoe availability are limited.
3. MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOL GUIDED HIKES
WHAT: Two hikes are offered through the Yosemite Mountaineering School as described below:
“Discovery” Moderate Hike: A professional guide will lead you on this 3-to-4-mile hike that details the Yosemite winter ecology. The hike lasts about three hours and begins at the Badger Pass Nordic Center. Children need to be at least ten years of age and be accompanied by an adult.
“Adventure” Strenuous Hike: A professional guide will lead you on this strenuous 8-mile (round trip) snowshoe hike to Dewey Point which begins at the Badger Pass Nordic Center. This beautiful hike through the Yosemite Wilderness will cover different terrain, including meadows and mixed conifer forests that ends at Dewey Point. From there, a view of many of Yosemite’s well-known landmarks can be seen, from El Capitan to Half Dome and to the Clark Range. Children need to be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult due to the distance and duration (full day) of the hike. A nice summary of this hike with video/photos can be found at Outhiking.com.
WHEN: Wednesday, and Saturday starting at 10:00 am. Snow conditions vary from year to year, however, generally speaking, the marked winter routes have enough snow from mid-December through mid-March. Severe weather could cause Badger Pass to close. Call 209-372-0408 for current ski and snow conditions.
WHERE: Both hikes start at the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Center.
“Discovery” Moderate Hike: Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 9:00 am and 1:00pm.
“Adventure” Strenuous Hike: Sundays, Wednesday, and Fridays at 9:00 am.
HOW & HOW MUCH:
“Discovery” Moderate Hike is $60 which includes the price of snowshoe rental. Book reservations by clicking here.
"Adventure" Strenuous Hike is $95 which includes the price of snowshoe rental. Book reservations by clicking here.
4. NATURALIST GUIDED HIKES
WHAT: You can reserve a personalized snowshoe walk, either half- or full-day, with one of the Yosemite Conservancy’s naturalist guides. This may include basic techniques of snowshoeing or exploring a giant sequoia grove or on a longer trip to Dewey Point from the Badger Pass Ski Area. A current winter schedule can be found by clicking here.
WHEN: When snow conditions are suitable, usually from mid-December to mid-March
WHERE: This depends on where you would like your trip to be. Customization of your trip allows for greater freedom to choose your destination.
HOW & HOW MUCH: To apply for, or to a make an inquiry for a custom adventure with the Yosemite Conservancy, complete the following form found by clicking here. Prices are noted in the chart below:
* Click the link above to inquire regarding the cost for 7+ persons.
5. SELF-GUIDED, OVERNIGHT SNOWSHOE HIKE TO SNOW CREEK CABIN
WHAT: The Snow Creek Cabin is a ski “hut” originally designed in 1929 in the fashion of a Swiss mountain chalet. Built as part of a loop for ski touring, its popularity never caught on in comparison to the winter activities at the Badger Pass Ski Area where ski-lifts provided easier access to skiing compared to the challenging hike to the Cabin. It closed in 1934. Interest in the hut prompted greater use in the 1970’s, but the NPS closed it down again in 2000 due to disrepair. Thanks to preservation efforts in 2006 by the Yosemite Conservancy, the “chalet” opened for winter use in that year and remains available for those willing to make the strenuous, seven-mile, winter trek up the Snow Creek Trail.
The Cabin can host six campers only and no advanced reservations can be made. A Wilderness Permit is required for overnight stays and can be secured from the Yosemite Village Visitor Center.
The Cabin contains a kitchen with a wood-burning stove, a storage area for supplies, two rooms upstairs with bunks in each room. Visitors must bring all of their own supplies, including pots and pans, cook stove, food, lamps, and sleeping gear. The National Park Service recommends going with someone who has been there before due to the difficulty in finding the Cabin.
WHEN: Generally speaking, the Cabin is open from mid-December to mid-March depending on snow depth. Typically, it follows the opening and closing dates for the Badger Pass Ski Area.
WHERE: The Cabin can be reached from Yosemite Valley starting at the trail to Mirror Lake. The Snow Creek Trail has over 100 switchbacks and gains about 4,100 feet in elevation. Plus, the trail can be challenging to follow after a few days of freshly fallen snow. About 1.6 miles after the footbridge over Snow Creek, one must veer off the trail toward Mt. Watkins and follow yellow and orange metal trail markers placed on trees above the snow level. The NPS webpage says, “Be prepared for a seven-mile (11 km) one-way trip with 4,000 feet (1,200 m) of elevation gain, much of it covered with snow, necessitating skis or snowshoes. You’ll need expert navigational skills: there is no marked trail to the cabin. Even if you plan on traveling during a sunny day, you must be prepared to navigate in stormy weather and/or at night using a map and compass because weather can change quickly . . “
A topographic map to the Cabin can be found at AllTrails.com by clicking here.
HOW & HOW MUCH: There is no charge for use of the Snow Creek Cabin. However, a Wilderness Permit is required for overnight stays in Yosemite’s back country. Please go to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) to obtain a Wilderness Permit either on the day of your trip or one day before. There is no charge for the Permit during the winter. The Ranger providing the Permit will give you the combination to the lock on the door of the Cabin.
Snowshoes or skis will likely be required to navigate the trail during Yosemite’s snow months when the Cabin is available (mid-December to mid-March). Always be prepared for changing weather patterns in the wilderness. Please store all food items securely in the storage provided at the Cabin to deter rodents and bears.
You can check weather patterns for the Yosemite Valley area by clicking here.
Value to Price
Skill Level
Supplies Needed
SNOW TUBING
Accessibility
WHAT: Badger Pass Ski Area has a separate area for snow tubing. The runs are short, and, as noted in the photo at the top of this page, there is no conveyor belt so tubers must walk back up the hill to start each ride anew. Children must be at least 42 inches in height and 50 pounds in weight to snow tube.
Reservations can be made online (see below under HOW), but rented tubes must be picked up before each session or they will be rented to other tubers.
WHEN: Tubing sessions are dependent upon having enough snow (typically mid-December through mid-March). When snow is plentiful, two sessions occur per day: From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
WHERE: Tubing occurs at the Badger Pass Ski Area to the left of the ski runs. Additionally, tickets and tubes must be picked up at the Nordic Center rather than the Lodge area.
As noted in the skiing section above, the Badger Pass Ski area is located five miles east of the junction of Glacier Point Road and Wawona Road (Hwy 41). It lies approximately halfway between Yosemite’s southern entrance near Wawona (17.6 miles/25 minutes driving time) and Yosemite Valley (20.5 miles/30 minutes driving time).
HOW & HOW MUCH: Tickets and tube rentals are $30.00 (USD) for each two-hour session. Reservations can be made ahead of time online by going to the TravelYosemite website and completing the information in the online booking window (click here). If no tickets are available online, then that indicates that the conditions for snow tubing are not sufficient.
The TravelYosemite website request tubers follow the tubing rules noted below:
1. One person per tube.
2. One person per lane at one time.
3. Lane must be clear before tubing.
4. Children must be at least 50 pounds and 42 inches in height.
5. Tubing is only permitted on the designated tubing hill.
6. Listen to the tubing attendant on the tubing hill at all times.
7. Failure to follow these rules will result in surrendering your tube(s) without a refund.