Travel, Vacation, Sierra Camping, fishing, hiking, Yosemite

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Plan a Northern California Skiing Adventure With Amazing Ski and Lodging Deals and a Variety of Yosemite Winter Activities

YOSEMITE, CA, Oct 24, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite announces the anticipated opening day for Badger Pass Ski Area for Friday, December 16, 2011, with conditions permitting. Eager Northern California skiing enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an array of activities for beginner to intermediate and advanced levels, all while taking advantage of unbeatable ski lessons and deals on lift tickets and season passes.

Badger Pass at Yosemite National Park has been operating as California’s original ski area for family fun since 1935. With 10 slope runs and five convenient lifts, families can enjoy stress-free skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, all at a fraction of the cost found at other ski resorts. This year’s ski deals offer a wide variety of ways to save for the day and the entire season.

Deals for Lift Tickets and Season Passes:

        --  From December 16 - 23, 2011, adult season passes can be purchased in
            person at Badger Pass for $159 and children's for $139.

        --  To honor the 77th anniversary of Badger Pass, the 77th skier to
            purchase a season pass in person the opening week through December 23
            will get their season pass for free.

        --  "Two for Tuesday" - Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy midweek
            Yosemite skiing with Badger's new "Two for Tuesdays" deal, which
            offers two adult lift tickets for the price of one at $42. This offer
            will begin on January 10, 2012.

Ski and Stay Offers:

        --  "Stay N' Play" - Looking for a weekday getaway? Get the full
            experience of Badger Pass and Yosemite with the "Stay N' Play" add-on
            package for $50 per adult and $30 per child in addition to the room
            rate. This package valued at $153 for adults is valid for mid-week,
            non-holiday stays at all DNC in-park lodging and blackout dates apply.
            Stay N' Play includes:
            --  All-day Badger Pass lift ticket and equipment rental
            --  Group lesson
            --  Snow tubing session
            --  Ticket for the two-hour Valley Floor Tour
            --  Ice skating session

"Stay N’ Play" passes are available December 16, 2011 – March 29, 2012. Each component of the pass may be used once on the same day and this deal may be combined with any other in-park DNC lodging offer or package. Blackout dates include December 26, 2011 – January 6, 2012, January 16, 2012, February 17 – 24, 2012 and all weekends.

        --  "Stay N' Play" Opening Week Special - DNC is pleased to offer a "Stay
            N' Play" special opening week December 16 - 22, 2011. "Stay N' Play"
            passes are valid all week and weekend and are offered at a low rate of
            $35 for adults and $20 for children. Reservations must be made in
            advance to receive this special offer.

        --  Curry Village "Winter Kick-Off" - Curry Village, located in the heart
            of Yosemite Valley with views of iconic Half Dome and Glacier Point,
            is celebrating the opening weekend of Badger Pass with a "Winter
            Kick-Off" $77 package rate for a heated canvas tent cabin and two
            adult lift tickets. This package valued at $185 is only available on
            stays December 16 and 17, 2011. Please mention promo code WINTER77
            when making a reservation.

For images of Badger Pass Ski Area or video footage of Yosemite skiing experiences, please email Lisa Cesaro at lcesaro@dncinc.com. For information on lodging, reservations and other park activities, contact Reservations at 801-559-4949 or visit www.YosemitePark.com .

About Badger Pass Ski Area Founded in 1935, Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area enjoys the distinction of being California’s first ski resort. Badger Pass is the gateway to some of the most beautiful vistas in the High Sierra, offering five convenient lifts and spacious groomed runs for downhill skiers and snowboarders, in addition to snowshoeing, snow tubing and cross-country ski trails. The Yosemite Ski School was established in 1928 and has trained generations of first-time skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers. Msnbc.com listed Badger Pass Ski Area as a "Top Ten Ski Resort Perfect for the Entire Family." Badger Pass Ski Area is operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite (DNC), an affiliate of Delaware North Companies and the authorized National Park Service concessionaire responsible for lodging, dining, guest recreation and transportation in Yosemite. For online lodging reservations and details regarding Badger Pass Ski Area, visit YosemitePark.com or call 559-253-5676.

This was taken at Bass Lake, California. There have been several sighting of the while deer..  We just hope some deer hunter never gets this animal in their gun sights.

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Upper Yosemite Fall 7.2 miles/11.6 km round-trip; 6 to 8 hours; 2,700 ft/823 m elevation gain
Begin at the Upper Yosemite Fall Trailhead, Camp 4 (shuttle stop #7)

One of Yosemite oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor. Do not stray off the marked path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. Enjoy spectacular views from Columbia Rock located one mile (and dozens of switchbacks) from the trailhead.

This is considered to be a one of the more strenuous  hikes in Yosemite. You should be in good physical shape before you attempt this hike.   You may experience little feet and leg pain so take comfortable shoes, a snack,  a camera and water and take it easy, remember this is a scenic hike and not a race.

There have been a record number of deaths and injuries in Yosemite this year.  Follow all safety signs the the Park Service has installed.  Make sure you notify someone of your trip plans and expected time of return. 

It is extremely important to take care and precautions when hiking in Yosemite National Park. The area covers hundreds of miles and rescue teams are always searching for lost or injured hikers. It is therefore recommended to follow a few simple rules in order to be safe.

Some injuries may occur as you are on the trail. Factors such as being out of shape dehydration, illness, pulling a muscle, a slip on sand, ice or wet rock may cause bruises, rainstorms or snowstorms can cause hypothermia, downed trees, high waters at stream crossings and animal encounters can be dangerous so take precautions.

If you are on a trail, hiking, it is very common to get lost and lose the trail. Such factors include a rocky or sandy area where the trial is hard to see, following a false trail, mistaking a drainage ditch for the real trail, snow, downed trees, an inadequate or no map, darkness, finding a photo opportunity off the trail and shortcuts all contribute to losing the trail.

Sometimes losing the trail, or hiking off the trail can be a fun a rewarding experience. You should only do this if you are comfortable with a compass and map. Remember; because Yosemite National Park is so big, it is very easy to get lost, even with the most experienced hikers and it is also very common so don’t get discouraged.

Make sure you don’t take off cross-country without knowing what lies ahead. One-way paths i.e. going up or down terrain you can reverse can work but if you get stuck, it can be fatal. No one may know where you are and dehydration, starvation, or exposure may kick in. Loose rock cannot be trusted to use as a foothold and remember it can be next to a large cliff or gushing waters. Swimming in strong currents, wading, or simply filling up your water bottle may be a dangerous affair as the waters can be unpredictable. The dangers of whitewater can be replfect in terms of strong currents, and hydraulic that prevent you from swimming or breathing in it. When standing next to a stream, the  difference cannot be seen sometimes, so you may not know there’s a huge cliff right off of it.

Basic items you should carry with you should be a flashlight, rain/wind jacket, lots of water, food, watch, pen/paper, whistle, first aid kit, decent shoes, and a compass. Together with these things and a little common sense, you should be aware of the dangers and have fun hiking.

Yosemite’s great location means that it is highly accessible by car, bus, air or train. Automobiles can enter and exit 24 hours a day. Make sure you check the road conditions prior to entering the park, as they can be quite hazardous at certain times of the year especially if there’s snow or ice present.

When arriving by car, pre-plan your journey and make sure you prepare for worst-case scenarios. Yosemite National Park covers 1200 square miles so it can be easy to get lost or confused. Basic driving directions can be found online. You can find out where to park by viewing the map and locating the visitors parking. Remember that during the months of October to April, it’s required to bring tire chains due to the climate. They are available for rent or purchase at several locations outside of the park.

There are five main entrances to the park. The South Entrance along Highway 41, Arch Rock Entrance along Highway 140, Big Oak Flat Entrance along Highway 120, Tioga Pass Entrance along Highway 120 and Hetch Hetchy Entrance along the Hetch Hetchy Road. Glacier Point Road provides access to Glacier Point in the months of May, June, October and November, and Mariposa Grove Road runs right to Mariposa Grove in the south.

Although you can drive around the park, there are shuttle buses available and strongly recommended. Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) run from hubs outside the park into the valley. They run regularly and operate on a fee-based or free service and connect with Amtrak and Greyhound services. If you arrive by bus, access to other areas of the park is possible. There is also an option of getting around by bicycle, which seems to be more and more of a favorite with the tourists that visit. You can bring your own or they are available for hire inside the park.

The domestic closest airports are Fresno-Yosemite International which is about 2.5 hours south of Yosemite Valley via Highway 41, Merced Airport which is about 2 hours west of Yosemite Valley via Highway 140, Modesto City-County Airport which is 2 hours west of Yosemite Valley via Highway 120 and Mammoth Lakes Airport which is 2.5 hours east of Yosemite Valley via Highway 120 East.

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Dining at Yosemite

One can take advantage of a number of different dining options whilst staying at Yosemite National Park. From simple campfire food using campfire rings, to beautiful first class restaurants that serve exquisite food.

If simple is what you want, then try eating at some of the snack places that are open. The High Sierra Camps is a favorite amongst backpackers who camp near the High Sierra Camps. You can also make reservations here for dinner. A number of places such as The Pizza Deck, The Taqueria, The Ice Cream and Coffee Corner, and The Curry Bar serve snacks and other light foods that won’t burn a hole in your wallet and are perfect for a short stop off whilst hiking those hills.

There are also a number of restaurants in and around the hotels that are in the park. At the Ahwahnee, one can dine in a grand historic hotel with delicious food served in a relaxed atmosphere. The food isn’t cheap but you will certainly enjoy what’s on offer. You may also go for drinks in the same resort at the Ahwahnee bar around the corner. They offer a full bar service inside and you can sit on the terrace or at the pool.

At Yosemite Lodge at the Falls there are several options for dining and drinking. The Mountain Room offers spectacular dining with spectacular views with a full bar. The Food Court offers breakfast, lunch, and dinners along with snacks to eat there or to go which is perfect for those who wish to take the food for camping picnics.

Curry Village is another good option if one wants to eat buffet style. The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat service for reasonable prices.

You don’t have to dine right in the Valley to experience delicious food, as a number of other options exist right outside. In Wawona, The Wawona Dining Room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner when the hotel is open and has specials for the holiday periods including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Tioga Road Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country also offer a number of dining options such as The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, The Tuolumne Meadows Grill and the White Wolf Lodge.