Popular Yosemite spot is finally opening for ski season. When and what to know
Have you been anxiously waiting to break out your skis or snowboard for the winter season?
After weeks of delays due to unseasonally dry conditions, the iconic Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite National Park will finally open to downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Here’s what that means for winter sports enthusiasts:
When will Badger Pass open for skiing, snowboarding?
The Badger Pass Ski Area in the park opened for Nordic-style cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Friday, Jan. 9.
The popular Yosemite spot will open for alpine skiing — downhill skiing and snowboarding — on Friday, Jan. 16.
“Counting down the days until Badger Pass opens for skiing and snowboarding… THIS FRIDAY!” Badger Pass Ski Area said in a Jan. 13 post on Facebook, sharing a picture of a skiier. “Can’t wait to see you on the slopes!”
Winter sports enthusiasts shared their excitement in the comments.
“So happy it’s opening,” Facebook user David Smith wrote in a comment on the Jan. 13 post, adding that they were “praying for even more” snow.
“CanNOT wait,” Facebook user Justine Fischer wrote.
Why is Yosemite ski area opening ‘so late’ in winter season?
Seasonal attractions at Yosemite National Park — including Badger Pass Ski Area — typically open in mid-December once the park has experienced a healthy helping of snowfall.
However, Yosemite visitors had to wait longer than usual to get their snowy weather fix this winter, with flurries finally showing up in late December and early January.
After getting off to a strong start with a Nov. 18 snowstorm that dumped several inches of snow in the park, Badger Pass initially projected its “weather-dependant” opening date for Dec. 13 and 14, the Fresno Bee previously reported.
The ski area had to keep pushing that date back further and further as the dry weather dragged into late December.
When asked by Facebook user Don Schwartzer why Badger Pass is opening “so late” in the season, a ski area official explained that Badger Pass slopes rely on natural snowfall.
“We are not able to produce artificial snow at Badger Pass being in a national park,” the Badger Pass Ski Area official said.
“Our ski area is also located at a lower elevation than most of the other ski resorts in the Sierras, meaning we tend to get less snow and have to rely entirely on natural snow to have enough to safely open,” the ski area official said.
What’s the weather forecast for Yosemite Valley?
Yosemite Valley was expected to be sunny and cool on Wednesday, Jan. 14, with a high temperature near 63 degrees and winds around 5 mph, according to the latest seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service’s Hanford office.
Wednesday night will be clear with a low temperature around 43 degrees and winds up to 10 mph, the weather service said.
Thursday will be sunny with a high near 64 and an overnight low around 40.
More sunshine is predicted for Friday, when the high will near 64 and the low will be around 40.
Heading into the weekend, Yosemite visitors can expect mostly clear skies with highs in the mid-60s and lows close to 40 on Saturday and Sunday, according to the forecast.
Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — will dawn bright and clear with a high near 63 and a low around 39.
What to know before you go
Badger Pass Ski Area, which sits at 7,200 feet to 8,000 feet of elevation, offers 10 ski runs divided by experience level, according to its website.
Most are for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with a few options for advanced skiers and snowboarders. There is a vertical drop of 800 feet.
There is also a beginner-friendly terrain park and five chairlifts.
While roads into Badger Pass “are currently looking good,” officials said in the Tuesday Facebook post, it’s a good idea to have snow chains in your car in case restrictions go into effect.
Visitors can check the Yosemite Roads phone before heading out by calling 209-372-0200.
How much do ski lessons cost? Lift passes and gear rentals?
The Badger Pass Ski Area offers three lessons packages, costing $95 to $115, or $85 to $105 for children ages 7 to 12.
Skiers and snowboarders can also rent gear at Badger Pass Ski Area,
It costs $42.50, or $30.50 for kids, to rent skis, boots and poles for a full day, while a half day costs $34.50 or $24.50 for children.
Snowboarders can rent boards and other gear for the same prices.
Helmets are available to rent for $9.50 apiece for all ages.
An all-day, all-lift pass at Badger Pass Ski Area costs $64 and $38.50 for kids ages 7 to 12. Children 6 and under ride for free with a paying adult.
A half-day pass for all lifts costs $56, or $33.50 for kids between 7 and 12.
Tickets for lower lifts cost $30, or $15 for kids.
You can buy a one-ride ticket for $5.50 for all lifts, or $5 for the lower lifts.
The ski area also offers $35 midweek passes for people who live within 50 miles from Yosemite, and charges $30 for seniors.
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 2:07 PM.
