Winter Sports:
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Badger Pass offers snowboard and ski lessons for children and adults; ski packages are available as well. The runs are 35% beginner, 50% intermediate and 15% advanced. The elevation is 7,200 to 8,000 feet with a vertical drop of 800 feet. Badger Pass is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., mid-December through early April, depending on the weather. For more information on rentals, prices and trails, call: (209) 372-8444

Cross-Country Skiing
Yosemite offers cross-country ski rentals and lessons. There are many trails that lead from Badger Pass, as well as nearly 350 miles of skiable trails and roads in the park. If you already know how to cross-country ski, it's free; just find a trail and be careful. For more information on rentals, prices and trails, call: (209) 372-8444.

Ice Skating
Located in Curry Village, open 3:30 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays, the ice rink is open 8:30 to 11 a.m., noon - 2:30 p.m., 3:30 - 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. A warming hut, fire pit and snacks and beverages are available at the rink. The prices are $6.50 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under. Skate rentals are $3.25 per session. For more information, please call (209) 372-8341.

Snowshoeing From the Badger Pass Ranger Station, there are many snowshoe walks offered several times a week for two hours, with a great educational background of plant and wildlife adaptations in the winter. Snowshoe rentals are based on half day for $9.75 and full day for $14.25, and are available at the Badger Pass Cross-Country Ski School. There is also a $3 maintenance fee to join the walks from Badger Pass.

Horseback Riding:
You can view the beautiful backcountry of Yosemite by taking a tour on the back of a horse or a mule. Rides lasting two hours, four hours or all day are available at the stables in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. For reservations and prices, please call: Valley Stables (209) 372-8348 , Tuolumne Meadows Stables (209) 372-8427 Wawona Stables (209) 375-6502.

Rock Climbing:
The season of rock climbing runs from April through October. All climbing classes are in the Yosemite Valley and move to Tuolumne Meadows during the hot summer months. Beginner to expert lessons are offered at the Yosemite Mountaineering School. Classes are offered every day, weather permitting. For reservations, schedules, meeting times, equipment and supplies needed for all climbing programs, call the Yosemite Mountaineering School (209)372-8344.
Note: All climbing equipment is provided, except climbing shoes, which are available for rent. Fees for classes do not include lodging or food. Please bring lunch and beverage.

Biking:
There are more than 12 miles of paved paths in Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite Valley and Curry Village, you can rent bikes, trailers, strollers, wheelchairs for the day or by the hour. Both rental shops are open spring to fall. Rental rates for bikes are $5.50 per hour and $21 per day. For more information, call the Yosemite Lodge bike stand at (209) 372-1208.

Swimming:
At the eastern end of Yosemite Valley is the Merced River which allows many swimming holes and beaches for your enjoyment. Swimming near waterfalls and high rapids is not permitted for safety reasons. There are also swimming pools located in Curry Village and at Yosemite Lodge and Wawona Hotel. Swimming pools are open from mid-May to mid-September.

Rafting:

This half-day excursion on the Merced River can be an enjoyable way to see Yosemite's scenery. A typical season for rafting begins the last weekend of May and ends sometime in July. You can rent a six-person raft at Curry Village. Fees cover a three-mile trip down the river and a return trip to the rental kiosk by tram. Fees are $13.50 for adults and $11.50 for children 12 and under. For more information, please call: (209) 372-8319.

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