Planning Yosemite Firefall 2026? Why You Should Head Up to Badger Pass Instead

If you’ve been following my 2026 Firefall Survival Guide, you know that February in Yosemite Valley is about to become a "no-reservation" free-for-all.

But as someone who has spent 30 years in these mountains, I have a secret: The best way to experience Yosemite in February isn't always at the base of El Capitan. If the crowds feel overwhelming, or the sunset skies are too cloudy for the "glow," heading up Glacier Point Road is the ultimate "Plan B."

Yosemite Badger Pass Now Open for 2026 Season

As of January 16, 2026, the lifts are officially turning! Badger Pass is one of only three ski areas located inside a National Park. At 7,200 feet, it’s a completely different world from the Valley floor.

Pro Tip: Because this area relies entirely on natural snow, conditions can change overnight. Always check the Official NPS Badger Pass Status and theYosemite Hospitality (Aramark) Winter Experience page to confirm opening and lift availability before you drive up.

Skiing vs. Firefall: Why My Kids Learned to Ski at Badger Pass

While the world rushes to Horsetail Fall, my family heads to the sundeck. This is where my children first learned to ski. It isn't a high-speed "mega-resort"—it’s a soulful area where you can actually hear the wind in the pines.

The Sundeck Strategy: If the weather is clear, make use of the massive outdoor sundeck at the lodge. During the late February "spring skiing" window, it’s a local favorite for soaking up the sun. In years with nice weather, you'll often see people skiing in T-shirts! It is the ultimate way to enjoy the relaxed side of Yosemite winter.

Snow Tubing at Badger Pass: Easy Winter Fun for Families

If you’re not a downhill skier, Badger Pass Ski Area also has a dedicated tubing hill — and honestly, this is where my kids had the biggest smiles of the day.

Rent tubes directly through Yosemite Hospitality, hike them to the top, and slide. Simple, old-school fun. Typically offered January–March (snow dependent), with 2-hour sessions, 42" minimum height, and no personal sleds allowed. Conditions change fast, so check availability before heading up.

It’s one of the easiest, low-effort ways to enjoy winter in Yosemite National Park without committing to lessons or lift tickets.

Cross-Country Skiing to Glacier Point: A Pro Photographer’s Secret

For those who want to truly escape the Yosemite Horsetail Fall Firefall "zoo," the real treasure lies beyond the ski lifts. Once you pass the lodge, Glacier Point Road is closed to cars and groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

I have spent some of my most profound moments out on that road. There is nothing quite like being one of the only people in a National Park, gliding through the silence along the Glacier Point Road.

While the valley floor was packed with crowds for the Yosemite Firefall, I found pure paradise cross-country skiing along Glacier Point Road. I decided to head out on cross-country skis along the Glacier Point Road for a few hours. WOW! This winter scene in Yosemite National Park shows the groomed trails near Badger Pass Ski Area during a tranquil February morning. The High Sierra landscape was draped in natural snow, contrasting beautifully with the lush green trees and alpine shadows.

Meanwhile the crazy crowds were congregating below in the valley floor to attempt to capture Horsetail Fall at Sunset. The blue skies and spring temperatures also made it quite enjoyable. Next time you head to Yosemite in the Winter make sure you check out Badger Pass and cross country skiing along the Glacier Point Road. I still hope to make the entire trip out to the Glacier Point Ski Hut - but that 8 hour endeavor will have to wait! Enjoy and let me know if you like the image!

Adventure Awaits: A Near-Miss Proposal in Yosemite!

I have a very personal history with the Glacier Point Ski Trail. I once planned a life-changing trip out to the Glacier Point Ski Hut involving a diamond ring and a perfectly timed sunset—but the Sierra weather had other ideas. Between incoming storms and a surprise evacuation by a snowcat, it’s a story of how quickly "paradise" can turn into a race against time. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing that full adventure in a future post! One more reason to subscribe now so you don't miss any updates.

The Glacier Point Ski Hut: Closed for 2025-26 Season

Many backcountry skiers look forward to the 10.5-mile trek from Badger Pass to the iconic Glacier Point Ski Hut. Sitting on the rim of the valley with a direct view of Half Dome, it is normally one of the most spectacular winter retreats in the Sierra Nevada.

Note for 2026 Researchers: According to Yosemite Hospitality, the Glacier Point Ski Hut will not open for the 2025-26 season due to a lack of power.

While you can't stay overnight at the hut this year, the Glacier Point Ski Trail remains open! The Nordic Center at Badger Pass has many other options ranging from downhill skiing to backcountry cross-country ski rentals.

Winter Driving to Badger Pass: 2026 Travel Tips

• Drive Time: Expect a 40-minute drive from Yosemite Valley to the ski area if roads are clear.
• Chain Requirements: You are heading into the high country. Chains are often required even when the Valley floor is dry. Check the Official California Highway Status (SR-41)and the park’s road line at 209-372-0200 (1, 1).
• The Valley Shuttle: If you want to avoid the drive, Yosemite Hospitality offers a free ski shuttle from the Valley. Check the Aramark Winter Experience page for the 2026 schedule.

Final Thought: Solitude is Only 3,000 Feet Up

When the Horsetail Fall Firefall crowds get loud and the tripods are shoulder-to-shoulder, remember that just 3,000 feet above you, there is a quiet road and a wilderness that doesn't require a reservation.

Whether you are downhill skiing with the kids or finding solitude on cross-country skis, Badger Pass is the reward for those willing to look beyond the "lava" glow.

Why Yosemite Waterfall Art Belongs in Your Space

Captured here are two delighted collectors welcoming museum-quality waterfall photography from Yosemite National Park into their home. These pieces—a 20”x30” "Reflections of Yosemite Falls" and a 24”x36” "Vernal Falls Double Rainbow"—were personally produced in my home studio to ensure archival quality and color accuracy.

As a photographer who has spent 30 years documenting the Sierra Nevada, I create these pieces for collectors seeking authoritative, location-accurate fine art. Whether it’s the calm of a mirrored river or the dynamic energy of the Mist Trail, this work is designed to anchor a room with the authentic spirit of Yosemite.