12 Things to Do in Winter in Yosemite Country
Tunnel View in winter in Yosemite National Park.
Winter is a beautiful time to explore Yosemite and its gateway towns. With fewer visitors during the season, you can find peace in this winter wonderland, and also adventure without waiting in lines.
1. Cross-country Skiing
Depositphotos
Of the hundreds of miles of cross-country ski trails, our favorites wonder past giant sequoias.
2. Snowshoeing
Ranger guided snowshoeing tour of Yosemite
Public Domain
Tromp through a wintry landscape on snowshoes on your own or take a guided trip.
3. Ice Skating
Couple skating at Yosemite's Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
Photo courtesy DNC
Skate at the outdoor ice rink under Half Dome in the park or head to covered rinks near the south and west entrances.
4. Sledding and Snow Tubing
Snow tubing in Yosemite. Photo by Chris Falkenstein courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
Photo by Chris Falkenstein courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
There are two official snow play areas inside Yosemite plus sledding hills at the south entrance and in Strawberry near Sonora Pass.
5. Winter Sightseeing
Horsetail Fall in February when the sun hits the water
Public Domain
See frazil ice, frozen waterfalls, and in February, watch Horsetail Fall light up at sunset.
6. Stargazing
The Milky Way at Bass Lake
Photo by Darvin Atkes courtesy of Yosemite Sierra
Head out on your own to explore the dark winter skies or attend a night event at Bass Lake.
7. Winter Camping
Backcountry tent at night in Yosemite
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Get a free wilderness permit and snag a camping spot near Dewey Point or Glacier Point. Outside the park, camp near Bishop and in the Sierra National Forest.
8. Stay at a Backcountry Hut
Glacier Point Ski Hut in Yosemite.
Photo courtesy of DNC
Three popular ski huts are inside Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
9. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding at Badger Pass
Photo by Trey Clark courtesy of Yosemite/Mariposa County
Ski at Badger Pass Ski, Tube and Snowboard Area (previously called Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area) inside the park (4th graders ski free).
10. Visit Museums
Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village. Photo by Grant Ordelheide
Winter is a great time to avoid the crowds at popular museums such as the Yosemite Visitor Center, Ansel Adams Gallery, Indian Culture Museum. Outside the park, visit Railtown 1897, the Navel Museum, the Eastern California Museum, or the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
11. Celebrate the Holidays
Father Christmas at Fresno Flats in Oakhurst, CA.
Photo by Peter McLean courtesy of Yosemite Sierra
Participate in local traditions with holiday parades, theater performances, and events.
12. Dine at Yosemite's Food & Wine Events
Special winter dinner events at the Ahwahnee and Wawona hotels include Renaissance-style Bracebridge dinners in mid-December, a special Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and a New Year celebration. Yosemite’s Chefs' Holidays at the Ahwahnee, held each year in January and February, feature some of the country's most innovative and acclaimed chefs. Find more information about specialty dining events at www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/specialty-events/
