Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite in Winter

A travel journal to Yosemite National Park by spuguru

Everyone goes to Yosemite in summertime, but they are missing it at its most beautiful!

  • 6 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Yosemite in WinterBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Curry Village Skating Rink
Badger Pass Ski Run
Enjoying the solitude and the beautiful white blanket of snow
Ahwahnee Hotel
Glacier Point Vista

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving is the only real option in winter. You MUST have chains even if you have four-wheel drive. Many of the high passes are closed; check before you go!

AhwahneeBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

We had a cabin away from the main lodge - the interior was attractive and comfortable. But, the real star of the show is the lodge (it was featured in Stephen King''s movie "The Shining"). Its beautiful 1927 western architechtural stylings, antique furnishings and artworks, black and photos from the old days, and huge fireplaces are magnificent! The many rooms include the Solarium, the Great Lounge (77'' x 51'' with 24'' ceilings), and the Winter Club Room, as well as a 4 star restaurant and separate bar. It''s a great place to unwind and warm up at the end of a good winter''s day.

It''s extremely difficult to book reservations here - they allow booking 366 days in advance, and you may need it! However, we booked the same day because of cancellations due to expected bad weather. Long live spontaneity! If this is too expensive, or you can''t get in, look into Wawona, Curry Village, or Yosemite Lodge.

The gift shop has great western books and goods - we spent 1/2 hour looking around.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by spuguru on December 7, 2000

Ahwahnee
Yosemite Valley Yosemite National Park, California
(866) 875-8456

Ahwahnee Dining RoomBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Ahwahnee Dining Room"

The dining room is one of the nicest I've been in - 34' high wood beamed ceilings with huge, hanging chandeliers and granite pillars. The food is almost as spectacular as the dining room itself. I've enjoyed every appetizer, entree, and dessert I've had there. There is an extensive, if expensive, wine list to compliment the meal.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by spuguru on December 7, 2000

Ahwahnee Dining Room
Yosemite Valley Village Yosemite National Park, California 95379
+1 209 372 1489

Glacier Point Trail HikeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Glacier Point"

Breath-taking. You will be looking over the entire Yosemite Valley, across to Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada falls - everything. It's almost as high as Half Dome at 7214'. This is "the" view in Yosemite, and winter brings uncrowded conditions. Bring binoculars to see details in the Valley (like people and buildings). Extensive signage details what you are looking at, so you won't be confused.

Roads may not be be open in winter - check ahead before you drive the 30 miles.

The museum/giftshop offers books and postcards, and is a great place to learn about the history of the park - like the firefalls of olden days (they used to push burning logs off the cliff at night to the delight of Valley guests).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by spuguru on December 7, 2000

Glacier Point Trail Hike
Southside Drive Yosemite National Park, California 95389
+1 209 372 0200

Badger Pass Ski AreaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Not many people know that a ski resort exists in Yosemite - it happens to be one of the oldest ski resorts in California! The cross-country skiing has no trail fee and offers the most spectacular views possible. Downhill skiing is decent, with 10 trails and a 700 ft vertical drop - a great place to bring kids! The lodge/rental building is quaint, with lots of history.

As an added bonus, it's on the way to beautiful Glacier Point.

Equipment rental is $13-$18 for skis, $30 for snowboarding.

It is open from Nov-March, depending on conditions - call ahead at (209)372-1000 or (209) 372-8430
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by spuguru on December 7, 2000

Badger Pass Ski Area
6 miles East of Highway 41 on Glacier Pt Rd Yosemite National Park, California

Curry Village Ice Skating RinkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This medium-sized outdoor rink brings back fond memories for anyone who grew up in the Eastern US. It's only open when the air is cold enough (Nov-March).

It's a fun, cheap outing for everyone - admission is $5 and skates are $2. It does get a bit crowded, so come 15 minutes to a 1/2 hour before you wish to skate. Also, there is a strict schedule for the Zamboni - make sure you can skate when you show up! Call ahead at (209)372 8341

The warming hut offers skate rental, hot drinks, and snacks.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by spuguru on December 7, 2000

Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
Curry Village Yosemite Valley Yosemite National Park, California 95389

Misc. AdviceBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Take chains. Drive carefully. We saw a Jeep off the road last time we were there.

Watch your gas gauge - not many stations exist in the Park. Don't run out of gas.

Bring plenty of warm clothes and have an emergency kit in your car. No, it's not dangerous, just act like a Scout and "be prepared".

Look for other winter fun that we didn't - snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, sledding. Sorry, the horses for riding move out before winter comes.

Did I mention to take chains?

Relax and enjoy!

About the Writer

spuguru
spuguru
Bay Area, California

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