Winter Sports
The beauty of Yosemite under a blanket of snow has long inspired poets and artists, as well as ordinary folks. Skiing and snowshoeing activities in the park center on Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, California's oldest snow-sports resort, which is about 40 minutes away from the valley on Glacier Point Road. Here you can rent equipment, take a lesson, have lunch, join a guided excursion, and take the free shuttle back to the valley after a drink in the lounge.
Ice-Skating
Curry Village Ice Skating Rink. Winter visitors have skated at this outdoor rink for decades, and there's no mystery why: it's a kick to glide across the ice while soaking up views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. South side of Southside Dr., Curry Village, Yosemite National Park, California, 95389. 209/372–8319; www.travelyosemite.com. $11 per session, $5 skate rental. Mid-Nov.–early Mar., hrs vary.
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Badger Pass Ski Area. California's first ski resort has 10 downhill runs and 90 miles of groomed cross-country trails. Lessons, backcountry guiding, and cross-country and snowshoeing tours are also available. You can rent downhill, telemark, and cross-country skis, as well as snowshoes and snowboards. Note that shuttle buses run twice daily between the valley and the ski area. Facilities: 10 trails; 90 acres; 800-foot vertical drop; 5 lifts. Yosemite National Park, California, 95389. 209/372–8430; www.travelyosemite.com/winter/badger-pass-ski-area. Lift ticket: from $62.
Yosemite Cross-Country Ski School. The highlight of Yosemite's cross-country skiing center is a 21-mile loop from Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point. You can rent cross-country skis for $28 per day at the Cross-Country Ski School, which also rents snowshoes ($26.50 per day) and telemarking equipment ($36). California. 209/372–8444; www.travelyosemite.com.
Yosemite Mountaineering School. This branch of the Yosemite Mountaineering School, open at the Badger Pass Ski Area during ski season only, conducts snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, telemarking, and skate-skiing classes starting at $44. Badger Pass Ski Area, Yosemite National Park, California, 93589. 209/372–8444; www.travelyosemite.com.
Badger Pass Ski Area School. The gentle slopes of Badger Pass Ski Area make the ski school an ideal spot for children and beginners to learn downhill skiing or snowboarding for as little as $75 for a group lesson. California. 209/372–8430; www.travelyosemite.com.
