Badger Pass Ski Area In Yosemite National Park Eyeing Mid-December Opening

Countless people -- young and old -- have learned to ski at the Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite National Park. For them, while the area might not offer the most vertical in ski country or endless acres to explore on skis or board, Badger Pass has kindled great memories.

Some of those memories will be built on, and for others new memories created, when the ski area opens for the winter on December 16, if the snow gods allow it.

Badger Pass 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 skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, all at a fraction of the cost found at other ski resorts.

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.

Other offers this coming season include:

* "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.

* “Stay N’ Play” – The “Stay N’ Play” add-on package for $50 per adult and $30 per child is being offered in tandem with lodging in the park. This package valued at $153 for adults is valid for mid-week, non-holiday stays at all Delaware North in-park lodging and blackout dates apply. Stay N’ Play includes all-day Badger Pass lift ticket and equipment rental; a group lesson; a snow tubing session; a ticket for the two-hour Valley Floor Tour, and; an ice skating session in Curry Village.

“Stay N’ Play” passes are available December 16, 2011 - March 29, 2012. Each omponent 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 – Delaware North is offering 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.