Badger Pass Ski Resort

Dating back to 1935, Badger Pass Ski Area is a scenic winter playground with some of the most gorgeous vistas anywhere in California. The resort is set to open for the 2011 season on December 16.

Located in Yosemite National Park, Badger Pass Ski Resort has five runs, groomed for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Take your choice from easy green trails like Bruin and Turtle, to intermediate runs like Beaver, Chipmunk, Eagle and Gray Owl. Experienced black-diamond runs can be found on Badger, Red Fox and Wildcat.

While you're here, take a lesson with the Yosemite Ski School, which dates back to 1928, or put on your snowshoes and cross-country skis for an adventure along groomed Glacier Point Road. Guided snowshoe hikes are offered through the Cross Country Center, ranging in difficulty from the 3-mile Crane Flat Snowshoe Walk to a full day adventure hike to Dewey Point.

Six-day backcountry ski tours are offered with Yosemite Mountaineering School, offering glimpses of Tuolumne Meadows and the rim of Yosemite Valley. Prices start at $876 per person, which includes your guide, meals and lodging in a Yosemite ski hut.

Snowboarding is popular at the Badger Pass Terrain Park, which offers a variety of rails, jumps and boxes for all skill levels. The Yosemite Tubing Park offers 2-hour rides for $15 per person.

When it comes time for a snack, Badger Pass has a variety of restaurants to choose from. You can nosh on burgers, pizzas and chili at the Day Lodge's Off-the-Grill diner, or head into the Snowflake Room for wine, beer and deli sandwiches. Outdoor barbecues are often held at the base of the mountain.

IF YOU GO: BADGER PASS SKI AREA

• Getting there: Courtesy shuttles to Badger Pass are offered daily from Yosemite Valley's three main hotels.
• Babysitting: Available for children ages 3-9 at $10.50 per hour.
• Badger Pass lift tickets: $42 adults; $37 (13-17) and $23 (kids 7-12). Kids 6 and under free with paying adult. View Lodging and Lift Ticket Packages
• Hours: Badger Pass hours are 9-4 daily (December-March).
• Information: Call (559) 253-5676 or visit them online.
• Badger Pass snow reports: Call 209-372-1000 or view the daily snow report

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