Yosemite In Winter
Sep 1st, 2006, 08:19 AM
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Yosemite In Winter
Hello all!
I am currently in the early stages of booking a holiday in the US for 8-12 people. We intend to go in the Winter, late December to late January. Part of the holiday will be in Yosemite Valley staying hopefully at the Ahwahnee Hotel.
My first question is (and this might seem really silly) will there be snow? We have this rather romantic view of skipping through snowy fields and quiet forest walks. Is there usually snow down in the valley, or do you have to go to Badgers Pass to experience this?
My second question is, how long should we stay? I had it in my mind that 3 days would be too brief, we want time to relax.
Your responses would be most appreciated.
I am currently in the early stages of booking a holiday in the US for 8-12 people. We intend to go in the Winter, late December to late January. Part of the holiday will be in Yosemite Valley staying hopefully at the Ahwahnee Hotel.
My first question is (and this might seem really silly) will there be snow? We have this rather romantic view of skipping through snowy fields and quiet forest walks. Is there usually snow down in the valley, or do you have to go to Badgers Pass to experience this?
My second question is, how long should we stay? I had it in my mind that 3 days would be too brief, we want time to relax.
Your responses would be most appreciated.
Sep 1st, 2006, 09:02 AM
#3
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It's not a silly question at all! The Valley under snow is lovely, but I don't think it's guaranteed at any time. The later you go (like January instead of late Dcember) the more likely it will be. But the Valley lies at 4,000 feet; not high enough to be snow-covered all winter. However, even without the snow, it is beautiful for walking; much more peaceful than in summer. And you can always take the short drive up to Badger Pass for snow if it is lacking in the Valley.
Sep 1st, 2006, 09:07 AM
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The valley is at 4000 feet elevation, which generally has snow through the winter. Depending on the snowfall this year, you may have anything from patches of snow on the ground to everything covered in several feet of the stuff.
My dad lives at about the same elevation, only further north and this year we went up in mid January. It was actually raining when we got there, which melted a bunch of the snow, but then overnight the rain turned to snow and we woke up to a snow-covered wonderland. Really neat.
I think that 3 full days in the park should be enough - keep in mind that the high country will be closed, so you will have less of the park to explore. If you have more time, then you could definitely stay longer - just a matter of how much time you have overall and what other things you want to see.
My dad lives at about the same elevation, only further north and this year we went up in mid January. It was actually raining when we got there, which melted a bunch of the snow, but then overnight the rain turned to snow and we woke up to a snow-covered wonderland. Really neat.
I think that 3 full days in the park should be enough - keep in mind that the high country will be closed, so you will have less of the park to explore. If you have more time, then you could definitely stay longer - just a matter of how much time you have overall and what other things you want to see.
Sep 1st, 2006, 09:28 AM
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I have been to yosemite in the winter twice. ONe time it snowed a great deal and I needed to put on chains to get out. So if you go, it would be a good idea to buy or rent chains that fit your car and then have someone put them on if it snows.
Sep 1st, 2006, 11:25 AM
#6
Nothing guaranteed - but more likely than no there will be at least some snow on the ground. Three days is fine - but a lot depends on the rest of your itinerary. If you have enough time, then maybe add another day in the Valley. If you plan on skiing at Badger Pass, then I'd probably stay 4 days - one day for skiing and 3 days for enjoying the Valley.
Yosemite in winter is simply magical.
Yosemite in winter is simply magical.
Sep 4th, 2006, 04:28 AM
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Thank you everyone for all the advice! Just another question, what month is best for snow in Yosemite?
It's a shame to miss all the Christmas festivities, can anyone recommend an alternative to Yosemite, where there will be snow during Christmas. I suppose this is my main criteria for the holiday (silly I know!!!)
It's a shame to miss all the Christmas festivities, can anyone recommend an alternative to Yosemite, where there will be snow during Christmas. I suppose this is my main criteria for the holiday (silly I know!!!)
Sep 4th, 2006, 04:51 AM
#8
Oh - there WILL be snow almost certainly. Just the amount on the valley floor can't be quaranteed.
But if you are planning on being in Yosemite specifically over Christmas/New Years and staying at the Ahwahnee - you'd better book your rooms immediately - like yesterday! The Ahwahnee is a very popular Christmas destination. Its Holiday season Bracebridge Dinners are extremely popular and usually sell out months ahead www.bracebridgedinner.com/main.html
If there is availability - Yosemite/Ahwahnee/Bracebridge is a once in a lifetime event.
There is no "normal" snow amount - Some years it is extremely heavy and some years it isn't. And if there is no snow in Yosemite NP there won't be snow anywhere in the Sierra.
But if you are planning on being in Yosemite specifically over Christmas/New Years and staying at the Ahwahnee - you'd better book your rooms immediately - like yesterday! The Ahwahnee is a very popular Christmas destination. Its Holiday season Bracebridge Dinners are extremely popular and usually sell out months ahead www.bracebridgedinner.com/main.html
If there is availability - Yosemite/Ahwahnee/Bracebridge is a once in a lifetime event.
There is no "normal" snow amount - Some years it is extremely heavy and some years it isn't. And if there is no snow in Yosemite NP there won't be snow anywhere in the Sierra.
Sep 4th, 2006, 10:16 AM
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Another option would be Lake Tahoe. It is very accessible in winter - the main roads are plowed regularly so the only time you can't really get in or out is if you are trying to tavel during an actual storm. There is almost always a good amount of snow up there by Christmas.
As others have mentioned, Yosemite is very popular at Christmas time, so if you can't get lodging there, Lake Tahoe makes a good alternative. It is also very popular, but there are more lodging choices as well.
As others have mentioned, Yosemite is very popular at Christmas time, so if you can't get lodging there, Lake Tahoe makes a good alternative. It is also very popular, but there are more lodging choices as well.
Sep 5th, 2006, 05:56 AM
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Apologies to everybody for not being specific... I'm from the UK, North Wales in fact, and I am currently planning a holiday for a maximum of 12 people during the Christmas period of 2007 (depending on babies) or Christmas 2008. It seems a long way, but the logistics involved are somewhat demanding and subject to change!
Anyway, Yosemite may or may not be one of the places to stay during the holiday. Overall, the holiday will be 2 weeks in total.
I've visited Yosemite before but only in June, stayed in Lee Vining for a night, went via Tioga Pass ~ wonderful drive!!! It was a brief excursion, but a wonderful place to visit. I will definately be visiting again, but I am not sure whether to include it in our itinery for this holiday.
I was thinking of splitting the holiday into two 'moods', one half: relaxing, soaking up the atmosphere and the other a bit more manic!!!: the usual shopping sprees and sight-seeing.
I haven't done any research yet for the other half!
On to the questions, are there any other places, not necessarily in California that rival Yosemite in terms of scenery: forests, mountains. Quiet walks and of course snow has to be present. I am not dismissing Yosemite, though, just looking for alternatives...
Janisj mentioned the combination of Yosemite,Ahwahnee,Bracebridge dinner which I have to say was an immediate attention grabber. Sounds delightful, I've seen the hotel only on photos from the web, but from what i've seen, it looks impressive and appears to be a wonderful and festive place to stay during Christmas. I'm an architect, so I have some personal/professional interest in the building aswell! I wouldn't want to stay in some dull, soulless card board box!
Anyway, Yosemite may or may not be one of the places to stay during the holiday. Overall, the holiday will be 2 weeks in total.
I've visited Yosemite before but only in June, stayed in Lee Vining for a night, went via Tioga Pass ~ wonderful drive!!! It was a brief excursion, but a wonderful place to visit. I will definately be visiting again, but I am not sure whether to include it in our itinery for this holiday.
I was thinking of splitting the holiday into two 'moods', one half: relaxing, soaking up the atmosphere and the other a bit more manic!!!: the usual shopping sprees and sight-seeing.
I haven't done any research yet for the other half!
On to the questions, are there any other places, not necessarily in California that rival Yosemite in terms of scenery: forests, mountains. Quiet walks and of course snow has to be present. I am not dismissing Yosemite, though, just looking for alternatives...
Janisj mentioned the combination of Yosemite,Ahwahnee,Bracebridge dinner which I have to say was an immediate attention grabber. Sounds delightful, I've seen the hotel only on photos from the web, but from what i've seen, it looks impressive and appears to be a wonderful and festive place to stay during Christmas. I'm an architect, so I have some personal/professional interest in the building aswell! I wouldn't want to stay in some dull, soulless card board box!
Sep 5th, 2006, 12:07 PM
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If you're open to areas outside of California, Yellowstone is spectacular in the winter time. I went in February this year and posted a report with photo link http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34757439
Feel free to ask if you have any questions I didn't address in my report.
I can't compare it to winter in Yosemite as I've only been to Yosemite in the summer. I've planned winter trips Yosemite several times but for one reason or another always had to cancel. Some day I hope I'll finally get to visit in the winter.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions I didn't address in my report.
I can't compare it to winter in Yosemite as I've only been to Yosemite in the summer. I've planned winter trips Yosemite several times but for one reason or another always had to cancel. Some day I hope I'll finally get to visit in the winter.
Sep 6th, 2006, 05:01 AM
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Patty, the Big EZ Lodge looks great, that is exactly the type of accommodation i'm looking for! Do you know their Winter opening times? Secondly, does the area mainly cater for skiers? Non of my party can ski, and although some wouldn't mind trying it out, it's not at the the top of our priorities. From your report you mentioned you went sleighing, snowshoeing etc. but in your opinion, do you think there are sufficient activities or sights to see for adults (young and old) and young children if you exclude the skiing aspect?
I was also looking at Winterpark in Colorado, but there seems to be an emphasis on skiing there...
I was also looking at Winterpark in Colorado, but there seems to be an emphasis on skiing there...
Sep 6th, 2006, 11:30 AM
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The Big EZ is open all winter starting from our Thanksgiving holiday in late November through the end of the ski season in early April. They close for a few weeks in the spring and fall. The lodge itself is actually not that close to the downhill ski areas of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin (probably 20-30 min drive) so I'd say it's not so ski focused. Some of the guests we met who stayed for a week didn't go downhill skiing at all, but they did cross country ski and do other winter activities.
On site activites starting from the lodge include snowshoeing and sledding. If you include off site activities, there should be plenty to do in the area even if you don't ski but it also depends on your interests.
You can rent a car and drive to the off site activities or the lodge can provide transportation.
You can go dog sledding at Moonlight Basin, horseback riding, snowmobiling and take a day trip to Yellowstone if you aren't staying there too. We split our week between Yellowstone and Big Sky, but there's enough to do that we could've stayed for a week at both and I definitely would've enjoyed more time at the Big EZ if only just to relax. It's one of those places that once you get there, you almost don't want to go anywhere.
Other similar accomodations in the area that you may want to consider are Rainbow Ranch Lodge or Lone Mountain Ranch (the latter is also a cross country ski center), but I haven't stayed at either of these.
Hope this helps.
On site activites starting from the lodge include snowshoeing and sledding. If you include off site activities, there should be plenty to do in the area even if you don't ski but it also depends on your interests.
You can rent a car and drive to the off site activities or the lodge can provide transportation.
You can go dog sledding at Moonlight Basin, horseback riding, snowmobiling and take a day trip to Yellowstone if you aren't staying there too. We split our week between Yellowstone and Big Sky, but there's enough to do that we could've stayed for a week at both and I definitely would've enjoyed more time at the Big EZ if only just to relax. It's one of those places that once you get there, you almost don't want to go anywhere.
Other similar accomodations in the area that you may want to consider are Rainbow Ranch Lodge or Lone Mountain Ranch (the latter is also a cross country ski center), but I haven't stayed at either of these.
Hope this helps.
Sep 6th, 2006, 01:06 PM
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When making your plans for rental vehicle, ask about renting tire chains as well. One year I was in the valley trying to get out of the park following a good size storm, was stopped by a ranger and told to return to the valley (since I didn't have chains). She said highway patrol would have given me a ticket instead of just a warning.
