If you arrive like many visitors heading to Yosemite Valley for its scenic splendors like El Capitan, Half-Dome, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Inspiration Point (Tunnel View), from the south on Highway 41, before you reach those natural wonders, nestled amongst the low mountains and the giant Sequoia Redwood trees is Badger Pass, a ski resort inside Yosemite National Park. This day resort (no on-site lodging facilities, though hotels are near-by), has always been a family friendly, casual mountain resort with eight of its ten runs designated for intermediate or beginners, given its 8000 foot elevation, but mild 800 foot vertical drop. It is the oldest operating ski resort west of the Mississippi, and for most of its life, has maintained a no frills, rustic image that seems appropriate within a national park like Yosemite National Park. But because the facility is run by DNC Parks and Resorts on the behalf of Yosemite, its operation has always been more dependent on the interests of that firm, rather than those of Yosemite, and subject to the forces of business for survival. While leaving its rustic charm intact, Badger Pass just received $2.5 million in facilities upgrades ahead of the new ski season, boosting both the facilities and public confidence that Yosemite National Park will retain the benefits of having its own ski resort.
Leading up to the new ski and snowboard season, the investment went toward sprucing up the lodge building and completely replacing the three-person, Eagle chairlift, as well as to the purchase of a new Sno-Cat vehicle for grooming. While no snow making equipment can be employed inside Yosemite National Park, or any national park, the new Sno-Cat can groom the runs with very little snow cover as the mountain is smooth and clear, almost completely devoid of rocks and tree stumps. Given the mild terrain and casual atmosphere, Badger Pass is renowned as being family friendly, and the renowned ski school makes it an excellent place to hone your skills. And with the recent upgrades, you can be sure to improve your skills season after season within Yosemite National Park. For more information online, visit www.yosemitepark.com or call (209) 372-1000 for details and conditions.
