Although summer is when most people visit, winters are a magical time in Yosemite. Century old traditions like the Bracebridge Dinner. Ice skating under snow-capped granite walls. Up almost 4,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor, you’ll also find the oldest ski area in California within the park’s boundaries – Badger Pass Ski Area.
The first question that comes to mind is how did skiing and winter sports come to Yosemite? Since the very beginning, adventurous souls have explored the region, but it was one man’s vision that brought the idea to the forefront. His name was Don Tresidder, and he was the first president of the Yosemite Park and Curry Company. It was the trip he and his wife took in 1928 to see the Winter Olympics in St. Moritz that inspired him. After the experience, his goal was to make Yosemite the “Switzerland in the West.” Upon returning, he immediately created the Yosemite Winter Club to do just that. Within the same year together with the club’s support, he created a small skill and jump near the Tenaya Creek Bridge.
Image appears courtesy: NPS
Image appears courtesy: NPS
Photo by: Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
Note: For the 2023-24 Ski Season, the Glacier Point Ski Hut is closed.
Even if you don’t make it to Glacier Point, we HIGHLY recommend renting a pair of Nordic skis and exploring the network. As soon as you leave the ski area settlement, you’ll be gifted with pristine landscapes and views that may inspire you to become the next Ansel Adams or John Muir.
Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.