22 Jan 2016 08.08.54 PM
Enjoy a magical holiday at the Badger Pass Ski Area, a beloved ski area located amongst the enchanting wonderland of Yosemite Park. Badger Pass is the oldest ski resort in California, having just celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2015! For decades, families have been traveling to the scenic California winter hot-spot to learn to ski from top-notch instructors, hit the trails, and enjoy a fun day of winter activities.
[caption id="attachment_15040" align="alignleft" width="300"] Badger Pass Slopes Ski Area[/caption]
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING AT BADGER PASS
Badger Pass Ski Area is a a welcoming and reasonably-priced full-service ski resort that’s perfect for all levels and ages. While they do offer challenging, ungroomed ski trails, 85% of Badger’s slopes are devoted to beginner and intermediate levels.
Badger Pass Ski Area features ten runs and two terrain parks, with 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trials and another 350 miles of ungroomed trails. Typical temperatures range between 30 and 60 degrees. The ski area opens in the beginning of December and runs through mid-March, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ski Program
The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard School was the first ski instruction programs in the West, established back in 1928. Today, there are 25 skilled instructors, many of whom are members of the Professional Ski Instructors of America or belong to the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. These dedicated professionals have been teaching families to ski and snowboard for generations!
The Guaranteed Learn-to-Ski Program
The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard School offers an unbeatable package called the “Guaranteed Learn-to-Ski/Snowboard.” Perfect for beginning skiers and snowboarders, the price includes equipment rental, a beginner lift ticket, and as many lessons as you need. The program guarantees you ski or snowboard down the beginner trails your first day, or you can go again and again until you get the hang of it!
Also offered are private ski lessons, 1-2 hour refresher courses for novice and intermediate skiers, and similar beginner lessons.
Children’s Programs
Badger Pass
The Badger Pups program was one of the first children’s ski programs. It’s the ideal starting place for kids ages 4 to 6. With easy-to-navigate terrain, it’s the perfect to go if you want to start your kids out young or just let them enjoy a day of fun in the snow!
All Day Kids Camp
The All Day Kids Camp is also available on weekends and holidays. While you slide down the slopes, the little ones enjoy ski and snowboarding instruction, lunch, and snacks with equipment rental included.
Cross-Country Skiing
At Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area, you will find gorgeous and gentle ski trails where you can glide through over 300 miles of marked trails and groomed tracks. Breathtaking views of Badger Pass and Yosemite backcountry surround winter sport enthusiasts as they adventure across the snow-covered terrain.
Snowshoeing + Tubing
Another favorite family activity to enjoy is Badger Pass Yosemite Snow Tubing. Take the little ones for a safe and fun ride over soft, glistening snow and watch their faces beam with excitement. You can also rent snowshoes to explore the backcountry on your own or join one of the Badger Pass tours.
Backcountry Ski Tours
For a true winter wilderness experience, join the Yosemite Mountaineering School at the Glacier Point Ski hut or the Tuolumne Meadows, where fun awaits the more experienced skiier . You can enjoy one or two night trips to the Glacier Point Ski Hut, or set up a custom tour around the deep backcountry of Yosemite.
STAYING AND GETTING AROUND
Badger Pass Ski Area Shuttle Bus
Guests staying in Yosemite lodges can use the free and convenient shuttle bus to get in and out of the ski area. There are four separate pick-up and drop-off times to choose from, with the first bus of the day leaving at 8:05 and the last at 5:45. Pick-up locations are in Curry Village, Yosemite Village, The Ahwahnee, and Yosemite Lodge.
Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
Glide across glistening ice beneath the majestic scenery of Yosemite on the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink. Offering a beautiful view of the Half Dome and Glacier Point, this ice-skating rink is one you will never forget! Open from mid-November until early march, the Ice Rink is open 7 days a week, including holidays. After a long day of skiing or ice-skating, take a break by the outdoor fire pit where you can enjoy some s’mores or a delicious hot chocolate!
SPECIAL EVENTS AT BADGER PASS
Nordic Holiday Races
An annual tradition at Badger Pass Ski Area, and an event that is not to be missed is the Annual Nordic Holiday Race. Every February, participants of this 2-day event can choose from three different races or participate in them all. Included is an 18K classic, downhill telemark, and 38K free-style events. When the races end, there’s more fun to be had at the evening awards party where you can mix and mingle with cross-country skiers from around the country. Kids can race too, so long as there’s an adult accompanying anyone under the age of 10.
Nastar Races
NASTAR Races at Badger Park Ski Area begin in January, and take place between 1:00p.m. and 4:00 p.m. NASTAR, which stands for National Standard Race, includes a 35 to 40 gate course on Chipmunk Run. The race is well suited for those who want a slightly more challenging event with added obstacles such as two-foot plastic gates for racers to avoid as they zoom to the finish line. Winners are awarded a platinum, gold, silver or bronze metal, with the top-ranked racers qualifying to compete in the NASTAR National Championships.
Live Music
Badger Pass hosts Live Music throughout the winter ski season, so travelers can enjoy some lively entertainment when they need a break from the snow. Enjoy beautiful views of the frosted winter wonderland from the back deck while the band plays. You can also head inside to the Snowflake Room Bar to grab a cold drink or a nice hot chocolate for the kids while you recharge for another run down the slopes.
Yosemite Winter Club Events
Winter sport enthusiasts who join the Yosemite Winter Club can participate in even more fun! The YWC has been around almost as long as Badger Pass, with a rich history going back to 1928. Included in a membership fee are exciting activities like graceful, figure skating lessons or an opportunity to learn the basics of ice hockey. Membership for a family of 4 costs just $75, and comes with loads of benefits. The YWC also hosts annual events such as the Pray for Snow Party and the annual Snow Ball held at the Ahwahnee Hotel.
Badger Pass Ski Area is the perfect family-oriented ski-resort, where skiers and snowboarders of all ages can enjoy a fun day on the slopes, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Yosemite. There’s no better place to learn how to ski or snowboard then down the gentle slopes of Badger Pass under the guidance of their expert staff. Explore the backcountry, or participant in any one of the numerous annual events for an unforgettable vacation that is sure to be enjoyed by all!