The Mercury News

Laid Back Winter Fun at Badger Pass Ski Area

-

If you are looking for an easy going, affordable and uniquely located ski and snowboard mountain, look no further. The Badger Pass Ski Area is the ultimate winter destinatio­n for an unforgetta­ble time. Bring the whole family, and don’t forget about your friends, because this spot is not only novice friendly – it offers a range of activities to accommodat­e a variety of visitors of all ages. Peacefully snowshoein­g among the towering pine trees with a thermos of hot cider or racing down the ski slopes to name a few, Badger Pass Ski Area is family favorite. Plus, Badger Pass is a located inside Yosemite National Park so finding numerous hikes and epic views just beyond is effortless.

Badger Pass Ski Area

Since opening in 1935, Badger Pass Ski Area has been a favorite ski destinatio­n for generation­s of winter adventurer­s. Fewer crowds, family-friendly, and a

dedicated skilled staff combine to make a day at the Badger Pass Ski Area fun and fulfilling. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from mid-December through late-March (weather permitting), Badger Pass Ski Area is accessible by vehicle or via free shuttle bus from all Yosemite Valley lodging. After a day of winter fun in the snow, enjoy a hot chocolate or hearty meal on the deck of the ski area offering amazing views of Yosemite Mariposa County. Indoor seating is also available.

Downhill Skiing – With five lifts, spacious groomed runs and quick access to the slopes, Badger Pass Ski Area has been the learning ground for generation­s of skiers. As 85 percent of the slopes available are beginner to intermedia­te level, including several runs that are perfect for the first-time skier, this resort is the perfect place to take the family for a low-key holiday. Plus, lift tickets and ski equipment rentals are available on site.

Explore the Yosemite Winter Sports School

The Yosemite Winter

Sports School, establishe­d in 1928, teaches both beginner’s basics and refresher courses through group and private classes. A variety of learn-to-ski

packages are available daily for both children and adults. For more informatio­n, contact the Yosemite Winter Sports School Desk at 209-372-8430.

The Badger Pups Program for children ages four to six is designed to accommodat­e the needs of preschool students and introduce them to downhill skiing. The Pups program includes group ski lessons and rental equipment.

Snowboardi­ng – Badger Pass Ski Area is a great place to learn the secrets of snowboardi­ng. Riders will find enhanced terrain, plenty of room to practice new maneuvers and up-to-date rental equipment and instructio­n. Beginning, intermedia­te and advanced instructio­n is available from qualified instructor­s who make learning and improvemen­t fun and easy. Snowboardi­ng equipment rentals are available at the rental shop. For more informatio­n, call 209-372-8430.

Snow Tubing – Snow tubing is a fun snow play activity for the whole family. Two-hour snow tubing sessions are offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., weather dependent.

Cross-country Skiing – Beginner cross-country skiers find the 25 miles (40 km) of the machine-set track at Badger Pass Ski Area a great way to start, and 90 miles of marked trails leave plenty of room for exploratio­n and improvemen­t. Founded in 1970, Yosemite’s Cross-Country Ski School is managed by PSIA-certified instructor­s who teach all ski levels. Skiers may rent striding, skating and Telemark equipment at the school. For more informatio­n and equipments­pecific rates, call 209-372-8444.

 ?? ?? A view of surroundin­g High Sierra peaks as seen from a Badger Pass ski slope. The ski lodge is seen below. Photo: Kenny Karst
A view of surroundin­g High Sierra peaks as seen from a Badger Pass ski slope. The ski lodge is seen below. Photo: Kenny Karst
 ?? ?? The Badger Pups Program is designed for children four to six to get them started on downhill skis. Photo: Kenny Karst
The Badger Pups Program is designed for children four to six to get them started on downhill skis. Photo: Kenny Karst
 ?? ?? Lots of fresh powder and room to roam means young snowboarde­rs can practice without bothering slower or novice skiiers. Photo: Trey Clark
Lots of fresh powder and room to roam means young snowboarde­rs can practice without bothering slower or novice skiiers. Photo: Trey Clark

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States