Helpful Tips for Your Next Visit to Badger Pass
Good news Badger Pass family! We already thought the 2022/23 season has been a momentous year for snowfall, and groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted another 6 weeks of winter. Now, there is no excuse not to spend a day on the slopes at Badger Pass!
Badger Pass is a fan favorite because of our affordable rates, great hills, low wait time, and overall dedication to ensuring you have a fun time! We compiled all our best tips to make your Badger Pass experience as easy as possible. By the time summer rolls around you will still be thinking fondly of all the winter days up on the hill, enough to keep the stoke alive until next season.
Take the Complimentary Shuttle
Take a break; our shuttle is not only convenient, but it’s also free! Our shuttle runs 7 days a week. Visitors pick up the shuttle in Yosemite Valley, at one of our lodges. The first stop picks up from Curry Village registration at 8:05 a.m., followed by Yosemite Transportation at 8:10 (located across from the Village Store, there is a small gazebo with a bench underneath), and the last stop is the Yosemite Valley Lodge, departing at 8:30 a.m. For those who like to sleep in, the second run starts service at Curry Village registration at 10:35 a.m., Yosemite Transportation pickup at 10:40, and the last bus departs from the Yosemite Valley Lodge at 11 a.m. The return shuttle picks you up from the day lodge at Badger Pass, at 2 and 4:30 p.m. For a full breakdown of the shuttle times, head here. On the way back to your accommodations, relax your legs and enjoy the beautiful views as you pass through Tunnel View on the descent back into Yosemite Valley.
Parking
If you choose to bypass the shuttle and drive your own vehicle to Badger Pass, our parking is close to the Lodge and free. There is plenty of space for you to park. The parking lot is located on a slight hill. The lot often has icy patches, heed with caution and bring appropriate footwear possible.
Stay Safe and Up to Date
Before heading into Yosemite National Park, we highly recommended checking the current weather and road conditions. Also, note federal law requires carrying chains in your vehicle during the winter season. Being located at elevation, weather and conditions can and do change frequently. To find out the latest conditions, call the road condition number at 209-372-0200 then press 1, and 1 again; this is the best way to stay updated with the most current information. When in doubt driving on mountain roads, go slow and turn out safely into designated turn out areas.
Guests skiing and snowboarding at the wonderful Badger Pass Ski Area
Food + Shopping
There is food available for purchase inside the Badger Pass Lodge. The menu is very family oriented and has easy go-to items such as burgers and fries and even breakfast options for those first on the hill types. Additionally, there are vegetarian options, hot beverages, and beer sold here. Forgot your beanie, goggles, or gloves at home? The Sport Shop is the spot to pick up last minute (or additional) gear you need to comfortably enjoy the snow or grab a Yosemite souvenir to remember your trip fondly with.
Book Your Tickets in Advance
All-day adult lift tickets start at $62 and children's tickets at $35. If skiing isn’t your thing but you still want to try out the winter sports located at Badger Pass, we have snowshoeing and tubing! The Nordic Center, located at Badger Pass, has guided snowshoeing tours. Our tubing is best a great activity for the little ones. There are two tubing sessions, from 11 am to 1 p.m., followed by a second one which starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
Lessons
Those interested in ski or snowboard lessons can take a class from our expert instructors. We offer both private and group lessons. Lessons are first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early and get signed up for the day! All tickets, including season passes are available online here.
What About Sledding?
During the early stages of winter sports in Yosemite, there was toboggan sledding located at Camp Curry. Today, there is no sledding permitted at Badger Pass (or at Camp Curry), so we can prioritize safety for everyone on the mountain and trails. Our designated areas are uniquely curated for each individual snow activity. This makes sure there is space for everyone to enjoy Bager Pass! Snow activities at Badger Pass are a terrific way to explore Yosemite in the Winter. Don’t believe us? Plan your visit to Badger Pass today and experience this for yourself. We’ll see you on the slopes soon
