Winter Wonderland: Yosemite National Park

Home to giant sequoias, breathtaking rock formations, sheer cliffs and serene waterfalls across 747,956 acres of natural beauty, Yosemite National Park offers a completely different visual experience during the winter when the number of visitors drops dramatically, and the average daytime temperatures are in the low 50s with sunny skies. This is also the time to see the one-of-a-kind “frazil ice” formations and the “Yosemite Firefall” phenomenon.

SKI/SNOWBOARD: Badger Pass Ski Area is the only ski area within a U.S. National Park. Built in 1936, this is California’s Oldest ski area and the West’s very first ski lift that was built in 1936. There are extensive cross-country ski trails with over 84 miles offering incredible views of Half Dome and Glacier Point.

SNOWSHOEING: For a particularly peaceful winter outdoor activity, Yosemite’s Guided Snowshoe Hikes take winter explorers far away from the sounds of civilization.

ICE SKATING: There is nothing more magical than the scenic views of Half Dome from the Curry Village Ice Rink at Yosemite National Park and it is considered to be one of “America’s top 10 best ice rinks.” With an expansive outdoor ice-skating rink, outdoor fire pits with provisions for s’mores and arguably the most spectacular winter scenery in the country.