Break out the Norwegian reindeer sweaters, woolen knickers and leather boots.
The Sierra's original ski resort, Yosemite's Badger Pass, commemorates its 75th anniversary Jan. 23-24 with special activities geared toward winter sports enthusiasts.To top it off, DNC Parks & Resorts will offer a free lift ticket to anyone dressed in 1930s-era ski attire. Wooden skis are strictly optional."It'll be interesting to see how many people come up in period clothing," DNC spokesman Kenny Karst said. "Maybe there's a mad scramble right now on eBay."Located 23 miles from Yosemite Valley, Badger Pass became the first ski resort west of the Mississippi River when the lodge was constructed in 1935. Before that, the main ski run went from Old Badger Summit to Chinquapin, where Glacier Point Road turns off from Wawona Road.Guided cross-country ski tours of the historic Chinquapin Trail (9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday) are among several activities on tap this weekend.Others include a slalom ski and snowboard race (1 p.m. Saturday); impressions of former ski ambassador Nic Fiore, who died in June (1 p.m. Saturday); several showings of a historic Badger Pass film; a cake-cutting ceremony (4 p.m. Saturday); and a torch light parade (5:45 p.m. Saturday)."There is no winter tradition richer than that of the Badger Pass Ski Area," said Colin Baldock, the area's general manager. "It's a great time to come up and ski and see familiar faces while celebrating 75 years of winter sports with your friends."Since 2008, DNC Parks & Resorts has invested nearly $4 million in improvements to the venerable ski area, including new Badger and Eagle chairs. Glacier Point Road and the Badger Pass parking lot have also been repaved.