Historic Yosemite Ski Area Won't Open This Season

“The snow totals have been too unreliable to wait any longer to be able to open Badger for less than a month,” the Facebook post says. “We share your disappointment in this news and hoped to be able to share better news...We’re super bummed this year didn’t pan out, thanks for being loyal Badger supporters and doing your snow dances all winter anyways!”

All season pass holders will be issued a refund to the original form of payment in the next 10 to 14 business days.

Badger Pass is typically open from mid-December through mid-March, conditions permitting. The Badger Pass Ski School was first established in 1928.

The smaller ski area has 10 runs, five chairlifts, and a beginner-friendly terrain park. It has a vertical drop of 800 feet, and its summit sits at 8,000 feet. The ski area also conveniently offers a free shuttle bus service from several locations in the Yosemite Valley. Lift tickets cost just $62 for adults, $53 for children, and lessons are $115 and include lift tickets and full gear.

“We might not have the height of Mammoth, or all those heavily marketed services, but what we do offer is hassle-free opportunity,” Josh Helling told Paul McHugh of Bay City News in 2023. “People who want to stand in a massive line at a major resort are welcome to go to Tahoe. People who want an easy introduction to the backcountry are welcome to come here.”

Badger Pass was the very first ski resort in California. It offers its trails to Nordic skiers and snowshoers for free, and those who frequent Badger Pass speak of its uncrowded nature.

“Our place is the cure for the frenzy of Tahoe,” says ski school director Harry Vanderberg told McHugh. “You don’t need a big mountain to learn to ski. In fact, you might prefer a quieter place where you can just relax and ski around with your family, or watch right from the lodge deck as your kids learn. That’s us.”