Badger Pass getting ready

The Badger Pass Road, Badger ski area, and Nordic Rental Center have not yet opened for the season. Nordic Routes in this area are open, however, and only accessible via the #7 Chinquapin trail, located to the right of the restroom from the Chinquapin parking area. The Chinquapin trail is 2.5 miles long, gains 1000' in elevation and ends at the Badger Pass A-Frame, where overnight visitors must obtain a Wilderness Permit.

The Badger Pass A-frame is currently open and staffed 7 days/week by NPS Wilderness staff to answer questions and issue Overnight Wilderness permits. A-frame hours are 8:45am-4:15pm, intermittently. The Ostrander Ski Hut is open for the season; reservations are required and available from Yosemite Conservancy. Call +1 209 372-0408 with questions or for current ski/snow conditions.

Snow conditions: The current snow conditions at Badger Pass are dynamic and changing rapidly. Temperatures have been warm since the last storm cycle, but snow is expected over the early part of the week. The Nordic Routes and Glacier Point Road from Badger Pass currently have 100% snow coverage. Last week, we received over 12 inches of water along with 18 inches of new snow. The high temperature was 56 degrees(12/28) and the low temperature was 15 degrees(12/28).

CAUTION: Attempting to hike on the Nordic Routes will be very slow going and lead to wet shoes, socks and bottom layers. These routes are not intended for hiking, and it is not advised. Designated Nordic Routes are intended for ski or snowshoe travel only. Please be prepared with the proper gear.

Reminder: Access within the ski area boundary, including all buildings and terrain, is prohibited while the operation remains closed. Sledding is never allowed at Badger Pass.

Strong route-finding skills are helpful if you are the first one to ski a trail after fresh snow or if the trail is unbroken. In these conditions, allow extra time and expect travel to be slower and more difficult. If you find problems on the Nordic routes with downed trees or missing markers, please let the rangers know, as we do our best to maintain them throughout the season.