7 Ways to Have Winter Fun in Yosemite

Ever consider visiting Yosemite during winter? Well, you should! Snow-covered peaks, glistening waters, and the thundering roar of waterfalls. Sure, spring and summer are great times to come, but here are seven ways to have winter fun in Yosemite, too.

Learn more about Badger Pass and why you should visit this winter. 

Did you know that Yosemite National Park is home to the OLDEST ski area in California? In fact, Yosemite has a long history when it comes to winter sports. Due to the interest of the Olympics coming to Los Angeles in 1932, it helped usher in the first chair at Badger Pass. Although they didn’t win the bid for the winter Olympics, this cozy ski area does provide an opportunity for families and friends to go downhill skiing, snow tubing, Nordic, and every other snow-filled activity you could imagine! Simply put, it’s your one-stop shop for wintertime family fun.

13 Things To Know About Cross Country Skiing To Glacier Point

Do you want a taste of what Yosemite was like when people such as Teddy Roosevelt and Ansel Adams visited? The ten-mile journey to the Glacier Point Ski Hut gives you that chance. As soon as the upper elevations of the park are blanketed with snow, the only way in or out is via human power... meaning you can enjoy all the views. Well worth the journey! (Please note: the Glacier Point Ski Hut is closed for the 2023/2024 winter season.)

Yet another amazing example of why you should visit Yosemite in the winter. While in the summer there’s a shuttle to get you to the Grove, in the winter, the road shuts down as soon as the first snow falls. Ultimately, it gives you a chance to experience Mariposa Grove under a tranquil setting no other time of year can provide. For those looking for more snowshoeing ideas, here are more options for where to go snowshoeing in and around Yosemite.

Learn why the Madera Wine Trail is one of the best kept secrets in California

Let’s be honest. Is there really a bad time to sip on a glass of wine? We don’t think so either. And what better way to celebrate winter than with a glass of award-winning port! It's the perfect accompaniment with your favorite dessert. For those unaware, the Madera Wine Trail is considered one of the best kept secrets in California wines. If you enjoy premium flagship wineries alongside small vineyards where you can actually talk to the winemakers themselves, this is a MUST.

Photo by: Local Freshies

Ice skating is the classic winter pastime, and when it comes to the best in the country, the Curry Village rink is always near the top of the list. Tucked away amongst the pines within Yosemite Valley, the views themselves are one-of-a-kind. Don’t worry about it being packed either. Even at its busiest times, they have a maximum capacity set to 70 people. And to finish the day off right, pick up a s'mores kit from the rental shack and roast them over the fire pit.

Even though Yosemite National Park is a must for all, its quiet neighbor the Sierra National Forest provides something it cannot. An opportunity to go off-roading into the wilderness. Skip the hassle of getting stuck and plan an adventure with Yosemite Adventure Company. No matter the time of year, they’ll be sure you get outside for some off-roading fun. The only thing that changes is the type of vehicle they will take. If there’s more than a foot of snow on the ground, they’ll hop onto a snow track. Otherwise, you can take a Jeep, ATV, or any other off-road vehicle.

Last, but definitely not least, is the opportunity to go for a hike. Even in the snowiest winters, the lower elevations of the park host a vast assortment of hiking opportunities including within Yosemite Valley. And with the winter snowfall comes the re-energizing of the creeks, streams, and rivers. Translation: The waterfalls which are the stars of the show are always flowing... at least a little.

We could keep going on and on about all the amazing Yosemite winter vacation ideas, but we’d rather have you find those little secret nuggets in and around the park for yourself. Let’s just say you won’t get bored.

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