Yosemite's Winter Wonders (& Deals!)

It’s snow time, and Yosemite National Park is ready! The Golden State’s beloved park has all kinds of winter sports, scenic adventures, and excellent deals. Badger Pass Ski Area is beginner- and budget-friendly. Go on a guided snowshoe hike to Dewey Point, where the panorama includes El Capitan and Half Dome. In Yosemite Valley there’s outdoor ice skating under a huge view of Half Dome at Curry Village Ice Rink—with a fire pit and s’mores kits. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park for easy access to all the adventures and a backdrop of majestic views. Yosemite Valley Lodge currently has a great Third Night Free promotion.

First Up (& Budget Friendly)

It’s California’s first ski resort, it’s family- and budget-friendly, and it’s right in Yosemite National Park! Those “in the snow” are already heading to Badger Pass Ski Area—newly opened for the season. The 10-run resort offers a hassle-free and fun time, with beginner-friendly terrain, plenty of intermediate runs, and a few trails for the experts. Everyone will be satisfied.

Lessons are available from top instructors. There’s also tubing and snowshoeing. Rent equipment onsite and fuel up at the historic cafeteria and lounge. When you’re ready to rest, kick back at the resort’s fabulous sundeck overlooking the snowy Sierra. Badger Pass is typically open through the end of March. Plan your perfect day there.

Tickets, Deals, and Information for Badger Pass

Simply Icesome!

Skating, s’mores, a fire pit, Half Dome … have an icesome time at the Curry Village Ice Rink in the heart of Yosemite National Park. The outdoor ice rink is one of the most scenic places to lace up the skates and put one blade in front of the other, gliding right beneath Half Dome. That’s a triple-Lutz view!

Rent your skates at Curry Village and take breaks at the fire pit, with s’mores kits for bonus sweetness amid the winter wilderness.

Curry Village Ice Rink

Guided Snowshoe Hikes to Iconic Scenery

With the assistance of modern snowshoes that are lighter and easy to fit over your winter boots, snowshoeing is one of the most fun and scenic ways to explore Yosemite National Park. The experts from Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service lead 3- to 4-mile (round-trip) snow hikes to some of the park’s best scenery. Rent snowshoes and book guided trips with the Yosemite Nordic Center at Badger Pass.

For those seeking a little extra adventure, there’s a guided 8-mile (round-trip) snowshoe hike from Badger Pass to Dewey Point. Through the meadows and forest you’ll go, with professional guides leading the way. The reward: one of Yosemite’s most impressive landscape vistas, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Mount Hoffmann, Mount Conness, and the wondrous Clark Range.

Guided Snowshoe Hikes in Yosemite

Stay Inside the Park

Make the most of your time by staying right in Yosemite National Park. Save on drive times and gas with great lodging deals. Yosemite Valley Lodge is currently offering a Third Night Free.

Curry Village has cozy cabins available on weekends and select midweek dates in February for the popular Horsetail Fall event (and its namesake outdoor ice rink under the watch of Half Dome). The Ahwahnee Hotel dining room is among the most memorable experiences you can have—whether treating yourself to a spectacular breakfast with a view or having dinner while peeking out the windows to see the stars shimmer on crisp winter nights.