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Breathe cold Sierra air on a three-hour, guided snowshoe outing from the Nordic Center at the Badger Pass Ski Area. This accessible 3–4 mile hike is ideal for families and first-time snowshoers wanting a scenic winter primer in Yosemite.
Breathe cold Sierra air on a three-hour, guided snowshoe outing from the Nordic Center at the Badger Pass Ski Area. This accessible 3–4 mile hike is ideal for families and first-time snowshoers wanting a scenic winter primer in Yosemite.
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Operated by Badger Pass Ski Area · Wawona, California
Start the Discovery Snowshoe Hike at the Nordic Center at the Badger Pass Ski Area. This three-hour, guided outing in Yosemite covers roughly three to four miles through winter terrain. The route suits families with children age ten and older accompanied by adults and guardians. Guides meet groups at the Nordic Center to fit snowshoes and cover basics and safety. Trail terrain mixes rolling forest tracks with open meadows and gentle climbs over packed snow. No technical avalanche gear is required on the advertised moderate discovery route but respect conditions. Expect views of glacially carved granite, snow-scoured ridgelines, and quiet evergreen stands framed by sky. Look for Jeffrey pine, mountain hemlock, and tracks left by local wildlife through crunchy snow. Bring warm, moisture-wicking layers, insulated boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a filled water bottle plus snacks. Guides discuss winter ecology and safe route-finding, making this hike educational and practical for beginners. If you book a nine AM start, do not rely on the Badger Pass shuttle. Shuttle arrivals often lag and guides are unable to delay scheduled departures in winter months. The hike provides a compact window into Yosemite's winter landscape and its history and heritage. Yosemite National Park was established in 1890 and carries a long winter recreation tradition locally. Badger Pass remains one of the park’s accessible alpine hubs for skiing, lessons, and tours. Weather can change quickly; carry layers, waterproof outerwear, and traction-ready boots plus gaiters and poles. Fitness requirements are moderate—participants should be comfortable walking on packed or breaking snow for several. Children under ten are not permitted; the activity maintains age and safety standards for families. Guides carry communication devices and basic first aid but guests should bring personal medications too. This outing is a strong choice for first-time snowshoers who seek scenic, guided winter outings. Photographers find high-contrast scenes, pale granite, and crisp shadows ideal for winter composition and detail. Morning light often creates sharp textures, while midday brings blue skies and deep shadow relief. Plan for three hours on the trail and allow extra time for gearing up comfortably. Pack snacks and warm drinks to keep energy steady during cold-weather miles and handwarmers too. Travelers staying in Wawona or Yosemite Valley can reach Badger Pass with short drives seasonally. Book early in popular winter weekends to secure guide-led spaces and avoid disappointment with family. The experience balances education, scenic exposure, and manageable effort for a satisfying winter hike experience. Respect wildlife by keeping distance and minimizing loud noises near feeding and bedding areas always. Guides will adjust pace for group ability and make practical route choices for safe travel. The Moderate Discovery Snowshoe Hike delivers clear winter views, hands-on learning, and confident outdoor progress.
moderate.
3 Hours.
Participants should be comfortable walking 3–4 miles on uneven snow and climbing short, steady hills.
Meet at the Nordic Center at the Badger Pass Ski Area; guides will fit snowshoes and brief the group.
Participants must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Do not rely on the shuttle for a 9:00 AM start; it often arrives around 9:30 AM and guides cannot delay departures.
No—this guided moderate route does not require avalanche gear, though conditions can change and guides monitor safety.
Bring layered clothing, insulated boots, water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and any personal medications.
Moderate fitness is sufficient—participants should be comfortable walking several miles on packed or breaking snow.
Yosemite National Park was designated in 1890; Badger Pass has hosted winter recreation for generations within park boundaries.
Stay on packed tracks to limit trail widening, pack out all waste, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Badger Pass Ski Area, located in Yosemite Valley (Mariposa), California, is a seasonal mountain recreation area specializing in downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country experiences. It operates primarily in winter (typically mid-December to mid-March) and provides lift-ticket options including all-lift day passes, lower-lift day passes for Turtle and Bruin, and half-day tickets. The area offers rentals, lessons, friendly on-site staff, and a sunny sundeck, creating an accessible destination for families and beginners. Badger Pass also maintains an extensive cross-country network with roughly 90 miles of trails, highlighted by a scenic 21-mile route to Glacier Point. Snowshoe rentals and guided snowshoe hikes showcase winter landscapes, including a moderate discovery snowshoe hike of 3 to 4 miles suitable for participants aged ten and up. For overnight adventures, the Ski Hut at Glacier Point is available via guided and self-guided ski trips. Guided itineraries include one-night/two-day and two-night/three-day options with group dinners and hut accommodations. Self-guided overnight trips include dinner, a fireside evening, breakfast, and lunch for visitors who bring navigation and backcountry skills. The Next Step Lessons package offers daily downhill skiing and snowboarding instruction for ages seven and older, focusing on skill progression and confidence building. As part of Yosemite's winter offerings, Badger Pass Ski Area combines downhill lifts, cross-country trails, lessons, and hut-based overnight trips to deliver a range of family-friendly and backcountry winter experiences. Park staff and seasonal mountain teams follow National Park Service guidelines for visitor safety and trail maintenance, ensuring responsible winter recreation in Yosemite and community stewardship.
Book with Badger Pass Ski Area