About This Route
Badger Pass Ski Area, Yosemite National Park's only downhill ski destination, offers 10 runs across 90 skiable acres with five lifts, including beginner-friendly slopes like Jerry Bowl and intermediate terrain on Ahwahnee and Upper Hi Bishop. Located at 7,200 feet near Glacier Point Road, it's accessible via CA-41 from the south entrance. Open typically December through March, Badger Pass provides groomed trails, lessons from certified instructors, and a cozy day lodge with rentals from brands like Salomon and Atomic. NPS protocols emphasize checking nps.gov/yose for lift status and snow reports, as conditions change rapidly with Sierra storms. This guide ensures safe skiing for all levels, incorporating REI Expert Advice and Leave No Trace principles by packing out trash and respecting wildlife corridors.
Safety Considerations
Prioritize avalanche awareness even on resort runs; low-angle slides can occur post-storm. Follow NPS winter safety guidelines: check the daily avalanche forecast from the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (esavalanche.org) before arrival. Stick to marked runs to avoid cliffs and tree wells. Watch for thin snow cover early season exposing rocks on runs like Lost Arrow. Hypothermia risk spikes with Yosemite's sudden whiteouts; monitor group members for slurred speech or shivering. Children and beginners should ski with adults. Road closures on Glacier Point Road require chains; CA DPR mandates tire chains for all vehicles beyond Chinquapin. Solar exposure at elevation demands UV protection; 80% of UV rays reflect off snow per Skin Cancer Foundation data.
Essential Gear
Helmet (mandatory for rentals), waterproof shell like Patagonia Triolet, layering system with merino base from Smartwool, insulated boots from Salomon, goggles with anti-fog like Smith I/O, lift-accessible backpack for snacks, NPS map, and personal avalanche beacon for advanced skiers venturing off-piste. Rent skis tuned for groomed corduroy; carry a fully charged phone with offline Yosemite NPS app.