Winter in Yosemite

People who visit Yosemite in winter don't want the word to get around. Here's why:

Pleasant Weather: At 4,000 feet, Yosemite Valley's winter temperatures are relatively mild.

Dramatic Mountain Light: With the sun at a low angle, morning and evening winter light is filled with gold.

Wildlife in the Open: Coyotes, mule deer, raccoons and even an occasional bear are easier to spot when the leaves are off the trees.

Yosemite to Yourself: There are far fewer people in Yosemite Valley in the winter.

Lodging Specials: You can get a room almost any night at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast (http://www.abedofrosesbandb.com/) on short notice and at a generous savings. Our Winter special of $99 for any room is a reason in itself to visit the area. Or bring the family and stay at the Sugar Pine Cabin in Fish Camp (http://www.sugarpineatyosemite.com/) for only $300 per night for a family of 8!

Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area: As California's original ski area, Badger Pass has been a favorite of winter- loving families for generations. Unpretentious, friendly and affordable, Badger Pass offers a uniquely stress-free atmosphere. Featuring one of the best sundecks in the Sierra Nevada, you can watch the children learn to ski or snowboard while enjoying the California sunshine. Badger Pass is a full-service ski resort offering ski and snowboard instruction, rental equipment, ski shop, child care, cafeteria and lounge and free shuttle service from Yosemite Valley. Located on the road to Glacier Point, Badger Pass is about a 40-minute drive from Yosemite Valley. Open mid- December through late March, conditions permitting.

Badger Pass Cross-Country Center & Ski School: There are nearly 350 miles of skiable trails and roads in the park. Beginning at Badger Pass are over 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of machine-groomed track. Cross-country track and skating lanes are groomed from Badger Pass to Glacier Point (a 21- mile round-trip). From silent snowy day-trips to overnight adventures, the novice and expert alike can create their perfect trip. The Cross-Country Center and Ski School has everything from equipment rentals and sales to knowledgeable guides and daily lessons, as well as scheduled and custom-designed day and over-night trips. For more information, call (209) 372-8444.

Snowtubing: Relive the childhood joy of sledding with a new twist. Badger Pass has created specially groomed slopes exclusively for sliding on custom-designed innertubes made for the snow. Located right next to the ski slopes at Badger Pass, snowtubing offers a convenient and affordable alternative way to play in the snow. Note: Sledding is not allowed in the Badger Pass area.

Snow Play Area: If sledding is what you want-just outside the Yosemite gate is a snow play area. Fun for children and adults alike, bring your own sled, tube or trash can lid. Throw snowballs, make snow men or snow angels to your heart’s delight. And it’s FREE!

Snowshoe Walks: Enjoy a two-hour ranger-led snowshoe walk from Badger Pass. Look for signs of wildlife, learn about winter ecology and get some great exercise! Don't miss special snowshoe walks during nights of the full moon. Check Yosemite Guide for schedule. No experience necessary and snowshoe rentals are available for a small fee.

Ice Skating: Imagine the pleasure of ice skating under the shadow of two of Yosemite Valley's most dramatic sights—Half Dome and Glacier Point. The Ice Skating Rink located at Curry Village (shuttle stop #21) has delighted generations of visitors. The rink is open from mid-November through mid-March (conditions permitting), with daytime and evening ice sessions. The rink offers a rental and retail shop, warming hut with snack and beverage vending machines and a toasty fire pit.

Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, only a few miles from A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast, has an open-air ice rink. The sparkling white ice rink measures an expansive 80 feet by 40 feet, and is open for day and night skating.

Sleigh rides: Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the Yosemite area, bundled up in a warm blanket, as you go dashing through the snow in a two horse open sleigh. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to call or email prior to your arrival for reservations and scheduling updates.