Badger Pass Ski Area

Affordable pricing, beginner-friendly. Despite the weekend crowds and a full shuttle, the rental process took longer than expected. Lessons are served on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared accordingly. Additionally, please carry tire chains, although they are not required for 4x4 vehicles with snow tires. Overall, I am satisfied with the experience.

Staff is super friendly and helpful. Our friends took lessons from some great teachers. The ski area is small but wasn't crowded and we enjoyed skiing all day. They won't let you drive a snow cat, so don't bother asking. Lift and rental prices are super reasonable.

Went to ski here yesterday. For being a Saturday it was not too crowded. Took about 2 hours to get the rental part situated though and we arrived right at 9. Other than that the skii area was great. They have different levels so people who are learning can start out in the kiddie area and then move to the bigger slopes. You will need chains if you do not have a 4x4/AWD. You will have no cell service. They have a place to get food but we brought our own so can't speak on that but overall for it being my first time skiing it was a good experience. Didn't feel rushed or worried about there being an excessive amount of people.

Magic, MAJESTIC Memories!! Very well maintained, Breathtaking scenery. Nobody there this day except two snow groomers grooming the ski slopes. We had our two grown adult kids and their two kids(Our Grandsons) from Arizona, escaping the 90⁰ Heat. We only used a side area to Bob Sled, was Perfect!! Safe, perfect down hill grade, Great time!

An excellent ski area for beginners and for someone who is looking to ski on a budget. If you only need access to the lower cable chair, it's only $30 and this is excellent for beginners. If you want to sign up for all cable chair access then it is $50 for half day, and I think $64 for full day access. I highly recommend this ski area to anyone who is looking to learn skiing or snowboarding. There is some space inside where you can store your boots, which is an additional option on top of $15 a day lockers. The cable chairs close at 4:00 and so does the restaurant. Closing the restaurant at 4:00 is uncalled for, because they would have made a lot more in revenue if they had just kept it running for an extra hour.

What a hidden gem - a small local ski resort inside Yosemite National Park. The best part? Only $5 a run! Or you can pay for the day. Now don’t get TOO excited, it’s more a hill than a mountain but what it lacks for in size and vertical feet it makes up for in friendliness and novelty. The only ski resort located IN a national park! People were extremely nice and lift operations are smooth sailing. Great place to take a beginner. I’ve heard their ski and snowboard school is great, although we didn’t use them. Advanced skiers and snowboarders might get bored after a couple runs but hey, you are IN Yosemite. Pack a lunch, only downside was the food they offered - not great but will do in a pinch.

Love this place! Reporting back after reading other reviews: This Saturday morning at 9am there was no line for rentals. Access rentals from the street side (they are lacking signage!). By 8:50ish the lessons were sold out. They did not have snowboard lessons for kids available on the day we visited, so our kids learned to ski. After a single 2 hr lesson my 10 yr old was ready to hit the big lifts and the blue squares. He doesn’t really know how to stop or turn but had tons of fun. My 7 year old’s skis kept popping out during his lesson and the teacher told me to take them back to rental to fix them. So test the skis before lesson! Two of the lifts have the swing down safety bar on the lift, but the bunny hill does not. There’s a wall of open cubbies store extra jackets or shoes. People just left their bags/coolers on the deck under tables. All the staff are friendly and nice! Pro tip: they sell ice cream(Hagen Daz) and snacks in the gear shop- which closes promptly at 4pm! Kids played in the snow in front of the deck, fort snowballs, etc. We skied until closing at 4pm then went to the valley floor for dinner. Sunday, we snow shoed. We rented shoes from the Nordic center, then drove to the path opening on the far side of the parking lot where the trail sign is. (Smallest kid was having trouble trekking there from Nordic center). Honestly, did not really need the snow shoes. Boots were fine on the groomed flat path. Other families had brought sleds and were sledding about a quarter mile in on the side. The views were amazing!

The place is great for family skiing, kids and beginners. There are 3 lifts and a variety of runs including green, blue and black. The best part is that it’s not crowded, no lines at the lifts. My daughter had fun in the ski school and we enjoyed a great two days of skiing. P.S. If you want to enroll kids at ski school make sure you arrive early.

loved it as a kid growing up in yosemite and still enjoy our visits back to this fantastic area.

Our friend told us to check out Badger Pass since it was super affordable. Since we were all Military Veterans we received free lift tickets and equipment rental. Talk about affordability, but their prices are definitely great. Even the food was cheap. The most expensive meal was under $20. They also have a bar with beers under $10! Super friendly staff that greeted everyone with a smile. It has 4 lifts and a little bunny slope where I was able to help my niece with snowboarding. Overall a great place to visit and the views on the drive up was beautiful.

Great ski resort for beginners and intermediate, and anybody visiting Yosemite national Park The nachos at the lodge are the best!

Fun & safe family mountain with clean facilities and easy parking. The lifties are always pleasant and we love teaching our little one on the bunny hill. Great place for beginners and families.

Lovely Sky Resort Just perfect! Great for all levels, close to everything, Yosemite, Mariposa, Oakhurst. Very clean facilities, awesome customer service. We enjoyed coming here as much as we can!

The good news: It's a nice ski area for beginners and comparatively cheap. The bad news: You can't get hold of anyone on the phone to see if the ski lifts are up and running. Rather, there is a rambling 2 minute announcement that does not give you the information you need, you don't get a call back when you left a message, staff might rent you two left ski boots etc. The place is nice but totally mismanaged by Aramark.

Went to ski here yesterday. For being a Saturday it was not too crowded. Took about 2 hours to get the rental part situated though and we arrived right at 9. Other than that the skii area was great. They have different levels so people who are learning can start out in the kiddie area and then move to the bigger slopes. You will need chains if you do not have a 4x4/AWD. You will have no cell service. They have a place to get food but we brought our own so can't speak on that but overall for it being my first time skiing it was a good experience. Didn't feel rushed or worried about there being an excessive amount of people.

i hiked from badger pass ski area to glacier point on 3/28 and posted a vlog on yoütübe including tips and info so you can be prepared! search "Nikko Gandia Travels." wilderness permit issued at badger pass ranger station (200 ft. to the right of main ski lodge) or a-frame. self registration on porch when open. make sure to keep up with the road closure/construction updates! fresh powder so the snowshoes were needed. camped near ostrander rocks.

This place is not a good choice for families with young children. Let me begin this review by saying that there is no phone number...like... no phone number. The number on their website and number provided by the Yosemite tourist line is literally disconnected. That gives you an idea about how totally unorganized and badly run this place is. We wanted to go on a family ski trip with my four and six-year-old children and wanted to schedule them for a lesson. Most people with young children can probably relate to the fact that I wanted to avoid renting ski equipment and getting my kids all dressed up in gear then heading up the mountain first thing in the morning just to find out they are sold out of lessons. So I tried to schedule lessons ahead of time. I tried reviewing their website, and looking for reviews on TripAdvisor and other websites to get information. The information was sparse and not comprehensive, so I tried to call. As I mentioned above, there is no phone number so that went nowhere. We were told by someone on the phone in the Yosemite tourist line that it was a pretty mellow place, and that lessons should be no problem. We were also told that although they thought it was a first come first serve basis, if we came in the morning it should be fine. We rented equipment for my children ahead of time at another location so we would not have to wait in the crazy long lines outside in the snow four hours, as other people and other reviews complained about (see attached photos- when we got there it was a mad house, and the line is outside in the snow and moves like molasses). My husband got the chains on the car and drove up there the day before we planned to go skiing around closing time to check with the people working there and see if it was possible to make a reservation for the next day or find out more information about the process. He got there towards the end of the day around 4, but they were still open. Even so, he could find no one actually working there to ask. Like- there was no one working there. During business hours. We woke up early, got the kids all dressed up in ski gear, got the ski equipment, put the chains on the car, and drove up the mountain the next morning. The resort opens at 9. We were there at 9:30. They made everyone wait in a line for 30 minutes, and then promptly explained that lessons have been sold out since 830. Apparently people wait in line at 8 and they get sold out before the resort actually opens. There was no sign or other information stating that; you just get to wait in line for a while to find that out. My kids cannot ski. I am not a ski instructor, and I have no idea how to teach them because I'm a snowboarder. We left. It was a waste of money, time, and energy. It also broke my childrens' heart. I understand that a ski resort at Yosemite probably likes to keep the numbers down, and there is not necessarily an incentive to get huge crowds. That being said, a bare minimum level of competence would very much help the place be more accessible to families. Get a phone that works. Get someone to answer it. Provide more comprehensive information about lessons and scheduling on your website. Have someone working there. All day. Have a sign by the line saying that things are sold out so people don't wait in line just to be told that information. Have a line for your ski equipment that is not outside in the freezing cold. Until then... I'll pass.

Love coming up to snowboard with the family here. Great for beginners and intermediate riders. Very limited black diamonds but I love how empty it always is. Only reason it's not 5 stars is because the staff at the rental place was rude

Showed up at 9, stood in line until 11, then their system crashed. Stood in another line for 40 minutes to purchase the lift tickets and be put in a rental line for another two hours. Waiting another hour for food. Because by then everyone was starving. Didn't get to the slopes until 2PM!!! The staff was obviously stressed and overworked but also couldn't care less. Second day they didn't open the tow rope because they didn't have enough staff. The whole point of going here was so our 5 year old would have options. Also they apparently aren't having ski school for 4-6 year olds this year- but that information isn't updated on their web site or snow phone. Very disappointed. We also filled out a survey and asked to be contacted, which they never did. Need new management!

Poorly managed by whichever company is running the resort. We saw hard working patient workers trying to serve all the customers. They appeared to be understaffed, poorly supplied, and probably insufficiently trained. This was most evident in the long waits for food at lunch and the long lines for rental equipment. The people we found working there were friendly and trying hard but overwhelmed. The snow was good and being a resort with mainly slopes for beginners it fit the crew of beginners we had.

Badger Pass Ski Area truly rules! While this ski area is on the smaller side, there really is something for everyone here. First things first, in the winter, you will need 4WD with snow tires or tire chains to get here. Please be prepared and drive carefully! The amount of cars slipping, people installing chains in the middle of the road, etc we saw on the way was pretty scary. Badger Pass is located off of the Glacier Point road. If you don't have a 4WD or if your car can't take chains, there is a shuttle to Badger that leaves from Yosemite Valley...if the road to Yosemite Valley has no chain control restrictions, this could work for you. I am a novice skiier still earning my turns and I felt very comfortable at Badger Pass! The beginner/green lift that was open was perfect for me. A nice longer run where I could really practice my techniques. A huge bonus is that Badger sells beginner lift tickets for $30. That's right, $30! Such an incredible deal! If it were easier for me to get here, I would definitely come more often (see my point about access above). The one drawback is the chaotic rental process, but I've experienced this every time skiing this winter. I will likely be renting from REI Fresno and driving up with my skis just so I can hit the slopes earlier. The ski area also has food and drinks for purchase, but I usually bring my own, so I can't speak to that. There's a nice sun deck facing the ski area with plenty of seating where you can enjoy a little lunch break before going back out. I was so pleasantly surprised by Badger Pass! I can't wait to come back!

My review is for the SNOW TUBING. It was a total rip off! Do not recommend at all. Issue #1: The designated tubing hill only has 2 very short runs. If you've been to a "real" tubing area or snow park, you'll be highly disappointed. Issue #2 The conditions were less than ideal... it was impossible to get down the hill! People were only making it 1/4 of the way down and then had to scoot, push with their hands, or walk the rest of the way. Issue #3: On their website it clearly states that conditions vary, depending on the weather... which is 100% understandable and expected. Whats not expected is when you call ahead (the day of) and they tell you everything is great, come on up, yada yada... only to get there, pay $50 for 2 people, walk up the little hill and be told by staff "you'll have to get a good running start or you wont make it down, it's not great today." Morally wrong... to continue to charge people full price, when you know they're going to walk a few steps away and have very little chance of a true "tubing" experience. Our session was for 2 hours, we returned our tubes after only 40 minutes. We mentioned to the staff that it was horrible and impossible to go down... they gave us a weak apology and said theres "really nothing we can do about it". As more people (families w kids) were in line to pay and rent tubes. (Insult to injury: The few people we spoke with at the Nordic, rental office before and after were all very rude and condescending... especially the older lady at the register. I listened to her w customers ahead of us and each time she was very a rude and then again with us.) At the end we could've cared less... but we felt horrible for all the families w kids who were being ripped off for $25 per person. This is NOT a true tubing type "snow park" or play area. This is a very small ski resort with 2 little lanes for tubing. My husband and I agreed that we would never go back for tubing. We would consider going back for skiing & snowboarding with our kids... but even that's debatable because of how rude the staff was.

Never would have imagined that Yosemite had a ski lodge... Well with out help and the internet of course. Came out here to snowboard with friends and family, much to our surprise the place was nearly empty of crowds and expensive lift tickets. Definitely beginner s paradise even though they do have intermediate and black diamond runs which are fun. Please be sure to carry snow chains for the last 5 miles. They have foodcourt and an equipment shop for things you might have forgotten like goggles and gloves. Two sun decks and an equipment rental shop. The lift tickets were affordable compared to Tahoe resorts, but you really can't beat the fact that we went on a Saturday and there was maybe 10 people on the mountain aside from crews and staff. Love this place and will be coming back 5 times a season.

This is a small ski hill. No detachable high speed lifts or terrain park. No RFID ski passes. No skating rink, or village for aprés ski and sushi. The ski patrol might double duty as a lift operator. No lift lines compared to a mega resort in Tahoe/Mammoth. The cafeteria is small and "reasonably" priced compared to other resorts. Service is hit or miss. Some employees were kind while others seemed ready to clock out. I was trying to get away from the East Bay, yet ironically the Bay Area tiger moms had the same idea. It would be nice if people would use common sense and courtesy when sharing public spaces. If it's a major holiday in California you can't get away from some of these people. Visit on a non holiday weekend for a more pleasant experience.

I'm glad I asked if it was the same line to wait in to order the snow tube. Apparently, reserving the snow tubes is in the "Nordic Center" (brown building outside of the ski rental area. I wish there was someone waiting outside to guide/direct people who have never been there before. The Yosemite shuttle comes to pick up passengers which is a PLUS in my books. There was decent food to be ordered to eat (chilli, clam chowder, nachos, hot cocoa) $17/rent the tube which was sold out.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the resort, but after 80 years you must be doing something right. It's a small resort no doubt, but they run a very efficient operation and the team camaraderie and togetherness was very apparent. They seem to have skiing for everyone from wide open runs to cross-country to side trails that or a "little off road" to full on through the trees if you dare. I never had to wait in a line on the day I went even as the crowds continued to swell. The prices are VERY reasonable and you can even buy by the run if you choose. This was my 1st winter in Yosemite and it was a blast and it all got started at Badger Pass! If you are in Yosemite for winter, I'd say this is a must do!

We drove 50 minutes from where we were staying to find out they were sold out of tubes. They only have 22 of them. It first come first serve. So people are getting there at 8:30 although it doesnt start until 11:30. And you cant go with your kid. They have to go by themselves. It was my sons first time to the snow. Sooooooo disappointing and pretty much ruined our day. The tube area was laughable. No information on the website and they dont answer their phones.

Pre-purchased lift tickets online arrived around 9:30am, waited in line until noon just to pick up tickets. Then we started on the rental line. Waited in that line until almost 2pm before we gave up and drove down the mountain to let the kids sled. 5 stars for the sledding.

This place is alright.. only thing that i did not enjoy was waiting to get my boots. All i needed was to rent some boots and it took them like almost an hour for them to help me get some. Need less to say that i couldve paid for half day lift tickets. Other then that boots are a little worned out and ski lifts took forever to drop us off. On the good side, the routes were smooth not too bumpy, pretty fresh plow and not too many people like at other resorts. None the less i still had a good time snowboarding, i just wish everything else is as fast as me snowboarding down the hill ;)

Without exaggeration, the employees here helped save my life and that of my dad. After one stressful day in Yosemite over the holiday, we wanted to go on an easy snowshoe hike and were advised to follow the ridgeline. We followed other people's snowshoe prints and mistakenly followed a black diamond trail. We found ourselves outside and underprepared after dark. One of the three snow plow worker that night saw me waving him down, and radioed for help and brought back two other snow plow operators. Two of the operators walked without snowshoes in search of my dad and set up a perimeter while the third drove me back to the lodge to talk with a ranger. These two young men walked a mile in the snow, after dark, along a black diamond run without snowshoes to find my dad. And they found him. A mile out on the trail. I can't speak to the quality of the runs here, but I will say the people who work here are well trained and will bend over backwards to save your life in a crisis.

Well, Badger Pass got a new name. Haven't been here in ages. I came up on a non holiday Friday to get a couple runs in before going into the Valley. The place was deserted. There'd be a group, probably a class, and then onesies and twosies here and there. Basically I had the place to myself. This is a relatively small ski area before Yosemite Valley. Their black diamond trail is really an advanced blue, I didn't have any issues with it and I avoid blacks since I don't like going fast. If you're a beginner, this is perfect for you. Not too many steep trails. Prices are reasonable, dining area is small. It's just a small spot by Yosemite, don't come here expecting all the glitz and glam of Tahoe or Mammoth.

I remember this place as Badger Pass many years ago when I used to come up... we came up Saturday, March 2, 2019 and their turtle area wasn't operating. I wanted to use the turtle lift as I was trying to teach my son how to snowboard for the first time (only reason I took 1 star off). I let someone in the front desk know and it took them about an hour to get it going. The lifts were all operating & running from what I could see. The lift attendants were great. They slowed down the lift when I told them my son was a first timer & gave him tips on descending. Food was ok. Prices are a bit high, hardly any room to sit because their lounge area is small but they kept it clean as well as the restrooms. Overall, we had a good time.

Yosemite Ski & Snowboard is the new "Badger Pass"... After the fight with Delaware North over naming rights, the government thankfully didn't give in and renamed this area. You take Glacier Point Road about 15 minutes up the road (depending on who's driving and who's in front of you) and you get to this point. During the winter this is where the road is closed that is normally open to Glacier Point. If you're a class one cross country skier then you are more than welcome to do the 20 mile round trip up to Glacier Point. Thats something I still have yet to check off my list. This is a small ski area, but it is still a ton of fun. Its base elevation at just above 7,000 feet doesn't make it the highest ski area with the most amount of snow, but its the only ski area in the great Yosemite Valley area. The area provides 5 lifts when all are in operation with 10 downhill runs. I have always had great experiences here...while maybe not 5 star, its still something fun to do when you are trying to do something a little different than stop where all the tour busses stop in Yosemite. :0)

This review is just for the Wildcat burger. The most expensive item on the menu and I would expect to get something a little more substantial. Compared to other items on the menu, this burger was a complete rip-off for $10.75. I wasn't the only one feeling this way, my brother in law also ordered it and came and asked my opinion because he felt the same way.

We went for the first time with our kids and were blown away on how tiny/cool of a place it was. We signed our kids up for their first boarding lessons. It was a perfect place to start. Of course it helps that it was a fresh powder day. I have been all over the world skiing and snowboarding. From Tahoe , Alaska, Colorado, Canada, Oregon, Germany and Switzerland. But this place was, terrain wise, the best place ever to start my kids boarding. The slopes are fairly simple and short. Just what we needed for our kids. That being said... Most of staff sucked ass. Rude, bored, angry, unfriendly, and disrespectful. I was blown away by everyone having such a bad attitude. Actually There was two guys Andrew, at the rental desk, and Max the instructor, who were actually friendly and customer service oriented. Thumbs up to Andrew and Max. Everyone else seemed really put out. From the pass desk, food court, and the gift shop people just were sooooo unfriendly and rude. One girl actually tried to give my daughter boots that were soaking wet inside. When my wife asked for a dry pair (acceptable request I believe) the girl acted like we pooped on her desk. I know tourists suck but that's the business your in. Get over it and at least be nice to children...

For someone who has been to quite a few resorts, Badger Pass is a lot smaller than most. Don't get me wrong though, I still had a great time. I came here with some family and friends since we were exploring Yosemite that weekend. It was a slow weekend, so it was not crowded, which was super nice. This is also because the resort is less known so people don't usually come here. I didn't necessary like the runs just because it was a bit smaller. For me, it was still my 5th time snowboarding, but it was nice for practicing the basics. But I feel that it'll be too short for someone who is way more advance than me. Overall, I did have a good time. I wish there were more runs to go on for me personally though. I feel like I am in between beginner and intermediate so I am kind of stuck. It's a great place for lessons and learning though!

I was disappointed in Badger pass tubing department this past weekend. We were there at 11 am and made reservation for 13 of us to rent tubes. Never once were we told about it being not good conditions to tube. We paid $325 for the two-hour window. We showed up as instructed and checked out our tubs. We all walked to the top of the tubing ramp. We slide 5 maybe 10 feet. All sizes of us. From 3 years old to 57 years old. It did not matter. Within 2 mins we knew it was going to be a failure. The next party of tubers walked up and asked us how it was. I let them know it was disappointing. They said, "Yes they told us that tubing would not be good this afternoon and told us it was up to us if we wanted to pay and try it". I was so confused. We were never told, or it was never even mentioned to us. One lady helped me through the entire purchasing of the tickets, and she never mentioned anything to me. Within 15 mins of our session, I walked back down to the tubing office. I explained my concerns with the conditions and how we were not even able to go do 5-10 feet without coming to a dead stop. The same lady just said, "sorry no refunds". Then she showed me a small 3 x 5 card that was on the counter by the register. This card was covered up when her and I filled out the paperwork when I was paying the $325. I wish she would have given me the full information prior to me buying the tickets and allowed me to make that decision where if I wanted to spend $325 to slide 5-10 feet. She did not care of my concerns even if it was brought to her attention minutes into our session. She flat did not care. No, I am sorry or even acknowledgement of the situation. She simply pointed at the 3 x 5 card and then walked behind another worker. I simply walked out. We tried to make the best of it. But had our tubes turned back in by 2:30. Our session was 2-4pm. I will not plan on going back to Badger Pass Ski resort. Well at least the tubing. I did speak to another worker for the tubing after this and asked if I could just voice my feelings. I told her that I wish I was just given the option to know that the conditions were bad for tubing before spending the money. Please make sure to ask them before you buy tickets on how the tubing conditions are.

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

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.

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.

Did the Glacier Point-Summit Meadow-Old Glacier Point loop on President's Day Saturday of President's Day weekend, not as super-crowded as we've seen in years past but still plenty of people. By chance we met Dwight who's on the staff there as we were first parking. He was super-friendly, informed, & knowledgeable about the Badger snow conditions & trails, as well as the best way to experience Mariposa Grove, which we did next day. Found out Dwight & I hail from the Sunflower State & he still has peeps back home in Riley. Small world & I'm always grateful for the friendly folks from my home state of KS. Rock Chalk & EMAW!

If you come here , ask for Dallas to teach you to ski. He covered everything! He is the best ski instructor out there !

This is a sweet little resort for skiing and snowboarding. Great for kids. And while the manager is great, truly helpful and ready to be of service, the rest of his crew needs lessons on how to interact with humans. The process of paying and getting your rentals is cumbersome. Zero automation so you stand in one line to pay and then go to a different location to fill out forms (all manual) and then wait in another line to get your rentals. Ugh! So inefficient! The food is low quality and poorly prepared. My friend's hotdog was half frozen. The food counter employee could barely grasp the concept that he wanted a fully cooked hotdog. It took two tries to get it right. What you should know: * Long lines. Arrive before the shuttles * Don't expect the employees to care (except the manager and deck custodian) * Bring your own food * cans of beer and wine are cheaper in the pro-shop * Easy and fun runs

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. :)

This place has good prices for rentals and lifts . Even though a lot of their boots and helmets are old and worn out . We enjoyed it because it's a small area . If you are inexperienced, do not pay for the lift . We learned the hard way. It's very hard to get off the moving lift with one foot on a snowboard . Go to the Turtle area and practice fist . The rope on the turtle is also pretty hard to use the first few times . I fell over three or four times before getting a hang of it . I would recommend the all day lift only If you are planning on being there early and renting items / paying for the lift because it takes a while to get things paid for , and getting your rented items . We purchased our lift passes online which was a little cheaper and also made it faster for us since we only had to pay for the equipment rentals . The place is more congested with people after 12 . Lots of them already had their skis/boards with them and ready to get out in the snow . We bought all day lifts and ended up only getting on twice . One of the things that really disappointed me was that my daugher hurt her knee using the snowboard coming down the hill . We went to the ranger station to ask for an ice pack and when I saw the older lady in there with blond hair , I said " excuse me " and she yelled " WHAT?!" I asked her if I could please have an ice pack because my daugher was hurt and she said " No because we have a critical situation ". And closed the doors on us . We had to go get some medicine and have my daugher wait till pain went away . Not very good attitude and very rude . I believe there was an accident with someone skiing but still there was many people helping and she could have gave me the ice pack quickly. Other than that al other staff was pretty nice . We had lots of fun !

We went in Jan 2016 for a weekend day. This place is tiny by Tahoe resort standards (we typically rock Northstar, Sierra Tahoe, and recently Diamond Peaks), but tiny isn't necessarily bad since the crowds were TINY by Tahoe standards as well. and tiny is just what we want since we are starting our toddler on skis this season. Obviously getting there has some challenges, but can't beat a visit to Yosemite. The kids program is cost effective and relatively safe...albeit pretty unorganized...anything out side of complete mainstream require multiple walkie talkie chats between the desk and whomever is supposed to know what's going on. This is what cause 4 instead of 5 stars. The best part: adults can purchase a single ride to the top of the mountain for $5...that simply can't be beat since for most parents...a single run is all that ca be fit in. But before you get too excited, there's only really two lifts...one to the lower third and then another that takes you to the "top"...at least those were the only ones in operation when we were there; plus the bunny hill stuff. I really liked the set-up of the "terrain park" (note, I put certain phrases in quotations because many would not define these words the same). The lead up was always gradual and spaces apart to get one ready...both physically and mentally...yes, I am 40something snowboarder who needs a lot of time and space both mentally and physically to prepare myself for a beginner-ish obstacle. The instructors for my lad were awesome...and my boy had a great time on only his second time ever on skis.

My family of 6 traveled from Paso Robles to go to Badger "Yosemite Ski and Snowboard". As one would hope for, this place is in the sticks and remote. We go up there, keep in mind it's the 21st century so we don't have much for cash. As soon as we walked through the front door, we see signs all over about cash only. Apparently their credit card machines were down even though the ATM was up. So we go on to the ATM, and find my ATM has a $300 limit after making several withdrawals because the machine limited how much you can take at 1 time to get more out of you on fees for withdrawals I'm sure. Anyways, we hit our limit with Wells Fargo after a couple transactions on this irritating ATM. Did I mention we're in the sticks and had to use chains to get up to the location. Took 1.5 hours to get up from civilization. We go on to begging other people to help us out. We knew another family who had been up there and one of my employees actually had shown up as well "small world". We finally gather up enough money for my now completely pist off family to go skiing. Back to the credit/debit cards. Who takes credit cards that doesn't have a backup should services to process them go down. They fail -wake up. How about square or one of its many competitors. Hell, how about just carbon copies. The management at this place is a complete joke to place their employees in such an undesirable situation. Aside from just being flat out stupid because you lost some serious money on meals. These guys were totally ready to let us turn around and drive home. Thankfully there were various others who lent us money since this place doesn't care if they wrecked a vacation or not. Back to management. Their slogan should be we're not happy until your not happy. But as for the majority of their employees, they were friendly and could use better leadership to support them.

Came here with my family to all take lessons to ski for the first time this past weekend. The lessons were very reasonable, but it was hit or miss. Kids and adults were split into different groups. The adult lesson was decent--the wife and I learned to slow down and turn and we got comfortable going down the turtle run several times. The kids lesson looked like a mess--there were not enough instructors for the group and my 7 year old daughter seemed to get left behind. She didn't get a chance to take the tow rope and just tottered around with no instruction.

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.

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).

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.

I really enjoy this place especially because of how reasonably priced it is for veterans. There isn't typically a lot of people here and it's a fun place to go if you have kids. It's got some good runs and will keep you having fun all day long. I have snowboarded and skied at this place and enjoyed my time there.

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.

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.

As a Floridian, I had never "done" a winter sport before and was dying to try snowboarding. After getting here on the shuttlebus, I paid $85 for the "guarantee to snowboard" class, which included lifts to turtle run and bruin hill, 2 lessons (one at 10am, one at 215pm), and rental equipment (board and shoes). The gentleman at the desk was very helpful, and soon I was out there with one other person learning how to balance on a board. And little did I know how much muscle work it took to board! My calves were aching to the point of crying and I had to give up. I was so upset. I decided too go back to the desk and ask the same gentleman if I could maybe switch to skiing since I heard it was easier. He was so kind, talked to the manager, and they said yes! In little time, I had switched out my board for skis and had a class at 11am. Skiing was so much easier than snowboarding because your feet are facing forward and your legs can move separately. We learned the basics on our first lesson: putting on the skis, how to use the poles, how to stop, how to walk... we then went to turtle run with the 4 year olds and skied slowly down a small decline. Then we broke for lunch. After lunch, and before my next lesson, I decided it was time for me to brave Bruin hill. I got on the lift for the first time (no seatbelts, hold on!) and soon, I was flying (FLYING!) down the hill! I went so fast and was so thrilled and scared that I ate it and tumbled into the snow. The next 2 times I just whooshed right down without falling. The 4th time I decided I needed to slow down and tried turning and got snow in my ear... then I decided to wait for the lesson. The second lesson split into 2 groups- those that felt they needed to continue turtle, and those who feel they could brave Bruin. There were 4 of us going to Bruin. Our instructor was so great and very patient. She taught us how to turn (ahhh, no more falling after that!), do the "jellyfish", ski backwards, and accelerate. At the end of the lesson, I was flying! I couldn't get enough of the slops and went again and again and again, doing turns and tricks! Alas, 4 pm came and the slops shut down... I wish I couldve stayed longer. 5 stars for the experience and the courtesy of the staff!

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.

We cross country skied (skate skiing on our own gear) on the Glacier Point Road. It was a low-snow year, so the alpine area was not open. XC skiing here had been on our bucket list for years. This review just applies to skiing on the groomed trail. They did a great job grooming the soft spring snow and wondrously, there was no trail fee for using the groomed surface. XC skiing fans, since this is just a groomed road, it is not homologized and there are a lot of looonnnngggg uphill sections in both directions. Be prepared to rest and bring lots of fluids and food, in relation to how far you plan to go. There aren't many views until you reach the Clark Range Viewpoint, about 5 miles out. There is a beautiful creek crossing at the Bridalveil Creek. We had a great time and the folks in the Nordic center were very helpful with information before we headed out. Still want to come back when the lodge at Glacier Point is open and spend the night! Do the snow dance!!!