Yosemite Blog

How to Have a Perfect Day at Badger Pass

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:30:00 -0600

How to Have a Perfect Day at Badger Pass

What would a winter in Yosemite be without skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area? The two have remained united when it comes to exploring the beauty the cold and snow offers visitors. We opened our doors at Badger Pass Ski Area to learners and locals in the winter of 1935. Badger Pass has everything for a perfect winter day: transportation, accessible runs, affordable lift tickets, and easy to rent equipment and lesson signups.

When the weekend rolls around, why don’t you spend a day at Badger Pass Ski Area? We also won’t tell anyone if you decide to play hooky and spend a day on the slopes.

Before Arriving

Wake up well rested and ready to have an enjoyable day in the snow. Head over to the Yosemite Valley Lodge for a breakfast burrito from Basecamp Eatery, before the last shuttle bus picks you up at the Lodge entrance at 8:30 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. The scenic bus route takes about 40 minutes before arriving at Badger Pass. Check out our previous blog post here for more information regarding specific shuttle pick up times.

Gear and Preparations

No equipment? No problem! The rentals are on the first floor of the day lodge. Employees will help find a pair of skis or a snowboard best suited for you and boots to fit accordingly. If you bought your lift ticket ahead of time, you can pick it up at the front desk. This is a great time to get your equipment adjusted if you are not completely comfortable; making sure your helmet is buckled, jacket zipped, boots are tight, or modify anything bothering you. Now you are ready to head out to the slopes!

Beginner Friendly

For brand new skiers or snowboarders, Badger Pass offers Turtle, our tug lift. This lift helps, if you are a beginner, to understand what it feels like to be attached to something gliding across the snow. The Turtle area has practice cones to develop basic skills. Afterwards, you can learn how to ride a traditional chairlift. The Bruin chairlift helps gain experience with downhill speed.

Bruin is designed for our newest ski and snowboard students. The lift moves at slower speed, so you can take the time you need to learn how to get on and off the lift. Once warmed up, channel your inner John Muir and venture into the unknown... the land of harder runs. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge as a Beginner or Intermediate athlete, try out your newly learned skills on runs such as Eagle or Rabbit.

Our Favorite Runs

Experienced skiers enjoy riding the Eagle chairlift. Looking for a slightly longer run to take full advantage of Yosemite’s surrounding beauty? Perhaps try the following route: take the Eagle chairlift up to the top, then make a left-hand turn like you are about to head down the main run. When you see signage for Eagle, Rabbit, and Beaver, split off, and continue to the farthest side of the hill, down Beaver. This route has some slow sections perfect for admiring the snowcapped trees. The well-groomed and quiet terrain feels like you have the whole run to yourself.

Getting off the lift, on the right-hand side, explore cutting through the forest; options here to take black Wildcat down to the bottom, or blue Chipmunk. Ending on Chipmunk places you in an advantageous position to ride the Badger lift.

The Badger lift has access to Grey Owl, Badger, and connects back down to the beginner hill, Bruin. The views where Badger meets the top portion of Bruin cannot be beaten! These runs are shorter, but great if you like to catch speed. Just make sure to be aware of your surroundings when you shred near other learners and share the space!

Something for Everyone

If downhill sports don’t entice you, try out cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Trail recommendations, guided snowshoe tours, maps, and gear are all available at the Nordic Center.

For families we have a small tubing area, where the little ones can play and slide, while older siblings take ski or snowboard lessons.

Even if you are not participating in the sports at Badger Pass, you still have access to the day lodge and its added ambiance. We have food options available and a Sport Shop for some light shopping and souvenirs. Keep warm with hot cocoa available for purchase inside and spend the day watching people come down the mountain. The lodge is a perfect location to cheer on your loved ones as they successfully crush their first blue or black run!

No matter what activity you choose, there is always fun to be had in the snow! Yosemite in the winter is a magical place like no other, leaving your family awestruck by the beauty.

Helpful Tips for Your Next Visit to Badger Pass

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0600

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