Badger Pass Ski Area
Category: Hotels & Travel Ski Resorts Ski Resorts [Edit]
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389(209) 372-1000
21 reviews for Badger Pass Ski Area
21 reviews in English
-
Review from Michelle O.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2012
After a 17 year hiatus my family returned to celebrate my moms birthday by skiing at badger pass. Wow what a blast from the past. . .everything looks exactly as how I remember it! It felt like coming home. All of my family learned to ski at badger - first my grandpa in the 50s, then my mom in the 60s and my brother and I in the 80s. We missed Nic Fiore but their ski school is currently run by Chuck who was Nic's second hand man for many years (I won't give away how long he's been up there).
Badger is the perfect place for families to come and learn how to ski. It's friendly and small . . .no lines, no crowding. Can't wait to teach my own kids to ski there! -
Review from Eric B.
3/20/2011
Badger Pass is at about 7,200 feet in elevation at the restaurant and services buildings. At the summit of the downhill ski lifts, elevations rise to 8,000 feet. This 90-acre ski area provides 10 runs and 5 lifts with downhill, snow tubing and snow boarding facilities. In addition to the downhill facilities, there are extensive cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, and two overnight huts for extended winter trips into the wilderness.
The history of winter sports in Yosemite National Park is unique. Following the building of the Ahwahnee Hotel in 1925-1927, came Yosemite's first ski school in 1928 with Jules Fritsch as instructor. Fritsch, a Swiss ski expert was part of a trained staff of winter sports experts available in Yosemite. He and his staff led six day snow excursions in Yosemite from the Ahwahnee to Tenaya Lake to bolster the ski school. Many believe this ski school was the first in California. Soon after, a 4-track toboggan slide was built near Camp Curry and the Yosemite Winter Club was formed. With the resulting enthusiast support, a small ski hill and ski jump near Tenaya Creek Bridge was built in 1928.
In 1932, Yosemite was put forward as a choice for the 1932 Winter Olympics. Lake Placid was selected instead. This only intensified the interest in winter sports for Yosemite and the first lift was built at Badger Pass in 1933. However, with the lingering effects of The Great Depression and the difficult road access to Badger Pass, the need for an easier route to the high country slowed further development.
I'm a better skier than what Badger Pass has to offer. However, if you're at Yosemite in the Winter anyway, it's a nice place to go (weather and chain controls permitting). The Ski Area is family friendly, features few lift lines, and has basic support facilities. And that's all fine and good, especially when it feels like you have an entire mountain to yourself -
Review from Bart F.
Mountain View, CA
1/19/2009
This ski resort is where I knocked out two birds with one stone...
First off - this is where I learned to ski as a little bitty Bart. Unfortunately, my dad knowing little about the sport - dressed me in blue jeans and a multi-colored 80's ski jacket! My upper-body was warm, but those jeans boy - those jeans soaked up water like a sponge turning little bitty Bart really into little...bitty...Bart : O
Secondly - I met my first African-American Homosexual Ski Instructor here!? [try saying that 5 times fast] haha! He was cool as the other side of the pillow too! Imagine Rupaul on a set of ski's jiving to the sweet sounds of the slopes! The man was full of vigor and showed me how to carve and make pizza-pie's in order to stop. Oh the memories.
Badger Pass is a small resort and mountain. If you find yourself in Yosemite looking for a place to ride then it is your best bet. Catching it on a big storm day is always a plus!
Pray for snow. -
Review from Robert S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2010
This is a review specifically for the Badger Pass downhill ski area. There is also an attached Nordic skiing center and snow play / inner tube area.
This ski area is in a relatively isolated area on National Park land with no nearby lodging. Two of the days that we skied here there were travel restrictions requiring chains or 4 wheel drive and snow tires to get through. The area is about 30 to 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley and 15 to 30 minutes from the Wawona Hotel. There was weak and intermittent cell phone coverage a the highest points in the parking area and on a portion of one of the lifts only.
This ski are has a vertical drop of less than 1000 feet and is quite small. The skiing is predominately beginner and intermediate. While some of the reviewers indicate that the area is great for beginners, I disagree given that only one short lift serves beginner runs and some intermediate level skiing is required from all of the other lifts.
Unlike may southern California ski areas that I have been to recently, here the downhill skiers outnumbered snowboarders and there seemed to be fewer snowboard specific features even though there was a modest terrain park.
This resort advertises itself as family friendly and this description was accurate for my visit in which the majority of the skiers seemed to be part of a family group. When I was there, there were three lifts running, one for the beginners area and the other two servicing the main mountain and the western portions of the mountain near the beginners slope. This resort has no high speed lifts but the lifts servicing the intermediate areas are running fast enough that the lifts typically take less than 10 min to the top.
I found that most of the trails here were cut a little too wide and I would have preferred more trails that were narrower but left more of the forest intact. There was no visible snow making here and it seems likely that they get a significant enough amount of natural snowfall that they can plan on reliable skiing through most of their season. We skied during the last days of their season when they still had several feet of snow pack and it snowed more than a foot of additional snow while we were there.
I am often interested in the scenery that can be enjoyed from the ski runs. The scenery at Badger pass was great in its own way. While there were not really many vistas, the giant trees covered in an eerie green moss were amazing to look at and skin in between. None of the famous granite cliffs of Yosemite were visible from the ski area.
The lift tickets here cost a very reasonable $35 for an adult all day pass. This may be the best price in CA. It was also a great deal given the fresh snow and the light crowds with no lift lines.
Overall, I recommend this resort but it will never be among my favorites simply because it lacks high speed lifts, the terrain is not varied enough and the vertical is simply too small. Given these weaknesses, it is a great place for someone learning to ski, for anyone who wants to do Nordic skiing or someone seeking a very friendly family experience. It is also good if you are sick of snowboarders (as a part time snowboarder myself, even I get sick of snowboarders sometimes). -
Review from Mike M.
12/26/2009
Mammoth?? This is not.
Aspen??? This is not.
A crappy place??? This is not.
Look, if you are in search of a world class skiing resort, this is not your type of place. If, however, you are in the mood for a day of family friendly skiing to go along with your Yosemite vacation, this place really rocks.
It's easy to get to, small enough to have a nice parking spot, cheap enough to fit in the budget and super family friendly.
They had tons of staff, all very eager to help. The rental equipment was in good shape. The kiddie snow board lessons were terrific. My nine year old was shredding within 2 hours.
The concessions were fine and very reasonably priced.
The runs were tiny, though. After waiting no longer than 30 seconds in the 5 lift lines, the trip down hill was over way too quick.
Other than that, this place was pretty chill. Very family friendly, no stoner boarders running you over, groomed slopes and nice people. -
Review from Greg G.
3/22/2010
So this place is pretty small as some people have pointed out to me, however I am glad about this. It's not crowded, so no long lines, no near collisions while on the way down. I got to go through so many runs because of it. Also for a beginner like me, this was heaven. I actually figured out this whole snowboarding thing because of it :)
It should be noted that at Badger pass they have simplier routes than at other places. So their blacks are actually difficult blues and their blues are difficult greens. The green is pretty much just barely an incline.
I have taken lessons already but I found it great that this place offers many ski and snowboarding lessons. They even have a special offer that comes with a guarantee to learn that day or your money back. How can you beat that? Ok you can .. it's in freakin Yosemite so the drive up is just gorgeous. -
Review from YAMMY C.
San Jose, CA
1/14/2007
This is a fun spot to come to if you're learning to ski/snowboard. The terrain isn't steep, but for a beginner, you'll feel like an Olympian.
The road to Badger Pass is a two lane road similiar to the one you were on to get to Yosemite Valley. It can get a little hairy when it is snowing big time, but if you take your time driving and learn to use your chains, you'll definitely be ok.
The other transportation option is to take the free shuttle in Yosemite Valley. The pick-up point is located near the front of the Curry Village sign. At the time I was there, the pick-up time was 8 a.m. and another bus at 10 a.m. The buses to take you back from Badger to the Valley took off at 2 p.m. and at 4 p.m. Definitely double check with the staff for the schedule.
If you don't like downhill adventure, then there is a really nice groomed trail at the end of one of the parking lots for you to do an all-day snowshoeing or x-country fun. I highly recommend the trail to Dewey Point. Absolutely fantastic views of the valley and the Sierra backcountry.
Credit cards accepted and there is a small cafeteria and rental/lesson shop. -
Review from Jean K.
1/15/2008
If you go to Yosemite National Park in the winter, and there's snow on the ground, you absolutely have to spend at least one day at Badger Pass. It has snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, and tubing (for the kiddies). Even though it's a small resort it has everything you could want. Rentals for all above mentioned sports as well as lessons for both types of skiing.
If you go Alpine skiing, there are no lines at the lifts and the piste is refreshingly open (meaning not many people). The runs are short and not very difficult. However, they are still very enjoyable and you can practice your technique or try out the terrain park.
Because the lodge is run by the national park service, food is decently priced and you won't have to shell out $3 for hot cocoa.
I wouldn't drive all the way here to ski, but if you are here anyways, it's a great way to spend a day. -
Review from Rory O.
Burlingame, CA
1/23/2010
For my first trip to Badger Pass, I was impressed.
This isn't a huge ski resort, but has a great vibe to it. The lodge has a rustic feel to it without feeling "old" and there are great photos on the walls of skiers from way back in the day. Great place to grab a cup of hot chocolate and warm your hands and feet.
Badger Pass seems more geared toward families and beginners which worked out fine as I decided to try snowshoeing for the first time.
The staff at the cross country rental shop were extremely helpful when I explained to them that it was my first hike in snowshoes. They set me up with a pair of rental shoes, with detailed instructions on how to put them on. They also pointed me in the direction of the trail to Glacier Point and tried not to laugh too hard at me when I asked how far it was to the Point (it's a 20 mile round trip).
With the snow and wind whipping up outside, the staff recommended that I get a pair of goggles and directed me to the sports shop where I was prepared to be severely gouged financially. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The sports shop at Badger Pass had very reasonable prices and even had several items on sale. The fella working behind the counter was very helpful and took the time to explain to me all the advantages and disadvantages of the various goggles on display.
At the end of my adventurous trek through the snow swept mountains of Yosemite Park, I returned my rental snowshoes and was informed by the staff that the road conditions had changed to R3, meaning that everyone was required to install tire chains.
While installing my chains in the parking lot, I observed the ski instructors at Badger Pass going through the lot and helping motorists whose cars were hopelessly stuck in the snow drifts.
I'm really looking forward to coming back here again and possibly renting a snowboard so I can hit the slopes.Listed in: Yosemite
-
Review from Chris S.
Union City, CA
1/17/2010 1 photo
1-17-10 6am-11pm
Just came back from a long snowshoeing trip in Yosemite NP. The only place i know to snowshoes in the park is at Badger Pass Area. It took me about 4-5 hrs. At first, the trail seem to be very easy to do. However, after 2 hrs into my walking, in the snow. It was not easy as I though it would be. The trail head were not that hard to find. There are two trail head 1) were the road continue 2) at the parking lot. At the end of the first left parking lot. You'll see a big blue sign "Glacier point groomed trail" and from there its self motivation.
NOTE: for a beginner Dewny Point is the safes trip. -
Review from Larry J.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2009 5 photos
I was up at Badger Pass last weekend!
Terrific resort!
I was up on a good weekend.
TONS of fresh snow!
(no fake Slurpee sludge)
I was lucky to be up there while it was snowing and there was hardly a soul on the slopes but me. :)
Very low-key, no crowds, inexpensive lift-tickets and very friendly staff.
The skis, boots and poles I rented were up to date and much better than the ones I own.
I just wish Badger Pass had night skiing but I understand they can't offer that because there is no lodging at this resort.
I would be awesome it they were to do that however.
Check out the cool photos I added. :) -
Review from Darren S.
1/4/2011
Badger Pass is a beginner's haven. Even if you are a novvy, the beginner rus may seem a little like a roller coaster ride that doesn't last long enough. The run ratings err a little conservative (imo) so linking up with some other runs was made. We first visited Badger Pass because we were over winter hiking in Yosemite and the time spent at BP ended up being a great addition to a larger trip.
-
Review from urban r.
Sacramento, CA
3/24/2009
Badger Pass is a good place to go in a couple situations.
Situation 1:
Intermediate level skier or snowboarder that doesn't want big crowds to get in your way.
Situation 2:
Skier or snowboarder that wants to go to Yosemite after your ski day has ended.
This place only has 1 lift that is fairly slow, but because there are relatively few people on the slopes there is almost never a line for the lift which makes getting up to the top easier.
The runs are OK in length, but poorly marked. This is a pet peeve of mine especially when run criss cross over each other. You never know where you are.
This resort seems more geared towards skiing. Some of the runs flatten out too much and you need ski polls to push yourself across the slope. That said the conditions were a bit slushy when I was there so there was increased drag.
Because the mountain is not busy I was more that entertained with a half day lift ticket; 30.00. A full day lift ticket is 35.00
My rating is 3 stars! -
Review from Jim L.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2006 2 photos
I love this little ski area - California's oldest - tucked up amidst the peaks of Yosemite. I first came here with my mom when I was about 8 years old. Its very low-key, has a good variety of mild but fun terrain, absolutely no hot dogging jackasses, and is in Yosemite - how can you beat that? The views across the Sierra peaks from the top of the mountain (if you can call it that) are simply breathtaking. Cheap mid-week lift tickets.
-
Review from I-Chuan C.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2010
I was just there the past week w/ my g/f and friends and had a really great time. I'm from San Diego so I'm use to the super crowded mountain at Mt High and Big Bear. It's pretty awesome when you can pretty much have the mountain to yourself. Great place for a beginner like me and I actually went on intermediate runs for once. I highly recommend getting the Winter Inclusive or Stay N Play package and to stay at the Yosemite Lodges at the Fall. The only negatives are that there's only 10 runs, but as a beginner and someone that was there for 2 days, I only went 4 of them so it was more than enough for me.
Oh, also the instructors there are very positive and enthusiastic and the customer service in general is superb. Everyone there is so nice. (= -
Review from Ann T.
San Diego, CA
1/26/2010
POWDER and they NEVER have man made snow. There are only 4 lifts but I must say this place was SOOOOO awesome. Affordable for lift tickets and rentals. I recommend you check out this winter wonderland if you're ever in the area.
-
Review from rb l.
San Mateo, CA
2/18/2010
This place is PERFECT for families with small children learning to ski for the first time. They have a penned-off area for kids 3-6 years (Badger Pups class) close enough to the lodge so that you can hustle back for those poopy breaks that always happen at the worst times.
Be sure to get there before 9 am to guarantee a 10/11am slot for your toddler. They don't take reservations the day before.
During the weekday mornings, I saw no more than 5 skiers come down a run at a time. Possibly the lowest stress ski resort I've been to. And for retro fans, parts of the lodge looks like a 1950s ski resort.
Make the most of this place before your kids become teens and refuse to come here because they think they're too cool. Then again, I could say the same thing for Disneyland. -
Review from Rob H.
El Dorado Hills, CA
2/20/2007
This is the first place I ever skied, aside from down Nonno's driveway in Bass Lake. I took all my lessons here from A to F, yes I am that old. Made me the skier/rider that I am today. Great place for families and kids, but once you get good you'll want to go elsewhere, as there isn't a lot of variety of terrain and maybe two black runs. I even saw a coyote in the parking lot once. Getting here isn't like taking 80 or 50 to Tahoe. The road to Badger is especially hairy and twisty, and only two lanes.
-
Review from Rebecca R.
San Gabriel, CA
2/17/2009
I recommend this place for first-time skiiers and snowboarders.
-
Review from M M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/11/2009
Just went back up here during the March 7th, 09 weekend. I left at 6am and made it to Oakhurst in 3 hours from SF! Watch your speed though on all those country roads...there are Hwy Patrol people out there waiting to give you a ticket. The snow was pretty packed in & my boyfriend didn't use the snowshoes much on the trail. It was a great clear day...still recommend this trip, if you like snow shoeing.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/28/2008
I probably make it here about once a year during the winter time. From SF, if you drive and stay in… Read more »
-
-
Review from Court N.
San Jose, CA
4/1/2009
This place is about fun and amazing scenery. Early spring is the best. The snow's a bit slushy at this time, but the Tourist Scene hasn't arrived yet, the valley warms up, and you get the best of both worlds in the Most Beautiful Valley In The World.
