Yosemite's Ski Area Closes After Two-Month Season

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 11:45 AM ET

Badger Pass Ski Area, located within Yosemite National Park, California, is ending its season early.

Skiers have been enjoying Badger Pass since 1935, but this season could go down amongst the shortest in the ski area's 90-year-history.

Badger Pass officially closed for the season on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

"What an incredible 2025–2026 season!" writes the ski area in a Facebook post. "So many unforgettable experiences from thrilling powder days to sunny laps. Massive thanks to all the skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts!"

Badger started its season on January 16, 2026, following mostly warm weather and rain in November and December. The ski area closed multiple times throughout the season due to snowfall and weather, bringing its total days of operation to approximately 60.

Badger averages around 100 days of operation during a normal season, according to OnTheSnow.

Badger Pass does not publish daily or seasonal snow reports, but according to OpenSnow, the ski area received around 200 inches of snow, which isn't bad for a season, but the extended stretches of warm temperatures and heavy rainfall did their number on it.

Badger Pass isn't alone in ending its season early. Homewood on Lake Tahoe ended its season after last weekend, Dodge Ridge and Mt. Shasta have thrown in the towel, and Sierra-at-Tahoe will close after Sunday, March 22, 2026.

With an unprecedented heat wave settling in over the Western United States, don't be surprised if more lower-elevation ski resorts announce early closing dates.

Do your snow dances. The ski season might be ending sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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