Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Winter Activities

A ranger-guided snowshoe walk in the park
Much of the park closes due to heavy snow in winter. However, Yosemite Valley is open all year long.

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Alpine Skiing

Badger Pass Ski Area (the oldest ski area in California) opens in winter. Skiing is not up to par with Lake Tahoe or Colorado resorts, but has its own charm, being in Yosemite. There are several downhill runs and a ski school.

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Cross Country Skiing

Much of the park is open to cross-country skiing, with several backcountry ski huts open for use. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry overnight ski trips.

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Snowshoeing

Also known as winter hiking, snowshoes are commonly used to experience portions of Yosemite. Many guided snowshoe walks are conducted in winter by the Park Service and by other organizations.

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Ice skating

The Curry Village ice rink is open between November and March. Now smaller than its historical size, the rink still offers room everyone, from the twirlers to those barely hanging on to the wall!. The rink runs 2- to 3-hour sessions and cleans the ice between sessions.