Vacations and family getaways do not need to be limited to only the summer months. Sunny days and school vacation will encourage outdoors activities. But taking a day trip or even a weekend getaway in the winter months has its benefits as well.
You probably know that wintery weather and colder temperatures doesn’t have to equal being stuck inside! There are so many ways you can enjoy the great outdoors when it is cold. Studies have shown that the best way to build a healthy immune system is through physical activity and outdoor play in cold weather.
Off- season months (which for Bass Lake are January through March) will let you “play like a local”. You will truly be able to experience the area to the fullest. Winter in the Yosemite-Bass Lake area is, without question, an amazing experience to behold! You should consider yourself lucky if you arrive to a Winter Wonderland. You will be able to play in the snow and enjoy winter activities. Typically, though, the weather is rather mild. You could enjoy local hiking trails, parks, and more without the crowds of tourists that fill that region the rest of the year. If you want to see a side of Bass Lake and Yosemite that few people besides locals ever get to enjoy, winter is the perfect time to visit.
Winter Weather in Yosemite Area
Weather in the mountains is always unpredictable, even more so in the winter. Depending on your destination and elevation, it will vary from mild and often sunny, with an average temperature in mid-40s (like at Bass Lake or Yosemite Valley) to cold and snowy and temperatures in mid-20s (Badger Pass, higher elevations in the mountains, Beasore Drive).
How about snow?
Winter in Bass Lake does bring the snow! How much? It all depends on the elevation. High country, elevation 8,000ft+ is almost guaranteed to have snow from November to June. Lower elevations around 5,000ft it depends. Here, at Bass Lake (3,330ft) we will see snow 3-4 times per season. We have noticed that some years it will stick for up to a week, while other time it will be gone the next morning. Usually, unless you are travelling in the middle of the storm, you can expect clear road, so you can get here safely, and you will be able to enjoy snow within a short driving distance.
How about roads?
We always recommend that you check road conditions before your trip. As the temperature is changing throughout the day, the same is true for road conditions. It’s important to be flexible and adjust your plans, based on conditions, so your drive isn’t stressful and you arrive here safely. Review our 7 Safety Tips when travelling in Winter.
4 Reasons to Visit Bass Lake and Yosemite in Winter
Serenity
When you feel that it’s time to relax and breath, instead of hiding under the blanket on your own couch, try to get away for a day. Did you know that National Parks are considered one of the most serene places on Earth? Off-peak months are perfect to cross out Yosemite off your bucket list. You will still have plenty of people around, but it won’t be as busy and congested as during the summer.
Do not wait long enough to feel burned out, make it your tradition and opt-in for a short off-season retreat to get your spirits up. In addition, relaxing and rejuvenating your spirits boost your creativity! If you feel uninspired or perhaps overwhelmed by ideas, come to clear your head by the lake. You will enjoy the peaceful ambiance and be surrounded by wildlife. It will help you sort your thoughts and get back on track.
Professional photographers, nature photographers, photojournalists and even selfie queens and kings will love Bass Lake and surrounding areas! There are hundreds of photo opportunities and picturesque sites to add to your portfolio. In the winter, you can also experience natural phenomenon, including Yosemite Firefalls and unique winter sunsets that will make your experience even more memorable.
Sunsets
Did you know that watching sunsets is good for your mental health? When was the last time you were able to slow down and get out just in time to watch the sun setting behind the horizon? They call it the “magic hour” for a reason. Sunsets are not only an opportunity for an Instagram-perfect picture, sunsets are romantic and inspiring. They make you slow down, enjoy the moment and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Sunsets are a great way to complement your vacations, after a day full of adventures, you can stop for a few minutes and just take in all that nature has to offer. You do not need to escape far, Bass Lake, especially in winter, has seen some of the most epic sunsets that you will ever see.
Savings & Availability
Let’s be real, vacations are expensive and many of us cannot afford them. It is wise to travel on a budget, take advantage of specials, promotions, but you definitely do not want to cheap out on your vacation. If you have ever taken a vacation with kids or with an extended family – you know how stressful it can be. Last thing you need is to negatively impact your trip by compromising the quality of your amenities, flight, or accommodation.
Winter travel will allow you take advantage of much lower rates (at the Pines Resort from $129 with short-term specials dropping them often to $89 range) and open availability. While weekends still book way in advance and sell out, weekdays (Sundays through Thursdays) are slower. You can decide if you want to travel at a bargain or perhaps you want to splurge on some amenities, because they will be still much cheaper than in the summer.
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Winter activities
Even though Bass Lake and Yosemite see the most visitors in the summer, there is still plenty of fun activities and sights to enjoy in the winter. Possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas.
Visit Yosemite
If you are planning to see Yosemite this time of the year, it’s essential to plan ahead. You may need specialty supplies such as tire chains to navigate the roads in the snow, rain, and ice. It’s possible to enjoy a fun-filled trip and outdoor adventure to Yosemite during the winter. While some roads and trails close due to snow and ice, others remain open year-round. The roads leading through Yosemite Valley and Wawona stay open through the winter. Many of the trails in Yosemite Valley also stay open year round. Though water levels are low in Yosemite Falls and the park’s other waterfalls during the fall, once some snow has fallen in the mountains, the flow picks back up.
The emptiness of the park makes this a particularly great season for photographers looking to capture some unique shots of Yosemite’s landmarks without tourists getting in their shots. Wildlife that stays hidden during the busy summer months are often easy to spot during this time of year as well. With some planning and appropriate clothing, you can enjoy quiet hikes and sightseeing, and a side of Yosemite that few people ever get to enjoy. Winter is a truly special time in the park.
Slide, glide and skate
Bass Lake is the perfect winter destination! With our new Glice Skate Rink, you can enjoy ice skating on a synthetic ice surface that’s easy on the joints. We also have a winter activity area with a concession stand, games, and the opportunity to make s’mores! Come experience the winter magic at Bass Lake.
Play in the snow
Typically, you will be able to get to Bass Lake just fine, even in the winter, but snow is within a short driving distance. One of the two official snow play areas in Yosemite is just by the south entrance, only a 20-minute drive from the Resort. Make sure to bring your snow gear, sleds, tubes and plan a fun day outdoors. Usage of this snow play area is free, and the slopes are gentle and family-friendly. In the nearby Fish Camp, you can also schedule guided and self-guided snow-shoeing hikes, go ice skating or snow tubing.
If you are up for a longer drive, just about 90 minutes away is Badger Pass, Ski, Tube and Snowboard Play Area. It is located inside the park, at about 8,000ft elevation. It’s intimate and cozy (there are 5 lifts), with mostly beginner and intermediate runs—making it a great place to learn to ski. A terrain park gives snowboarders a chance to practice tricks.
You can also just take a short drive up the Beasore road, across the street from the Resort and build a snowman …
Go on an off-road adventure
Sierra Nevada Motorsports offers guided Winter Track tours where you get to explore Sierra Wilderness on your own or in a small group of people. It is definitely something that you can only experience this time of the year. Tours and routes will depend on the condition, but the feeling of sliding through fresh snow powder while enjoying amazing views is truly memorable.
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You can also go swimming….
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Other adventures to consider:
- visiting a local museum
- going sightseeing
- visiting a local restaurant (January is California Restaurant month and often, for just around $30-$35 you can enjoy a full meal with a glass of wine)
If those reasons do not “speak to you”, then come over and check it for yourself…
OTHER WINTER VIDEOS:
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