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Image of Yosemite in winter.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry in Madera County This Winter

MADERA COUNTY — Welcome to Madera County, the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. A fun-filled region of outdoor adventures, wine tasting, fishing, historic museums, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Bass Lake is a family vacation must, with something to entertain everyone.

Image of the Visit Yosemite - Madera County logo.Discover fishing, hiking, biking trails, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, you name it! Whether you’re on a day trip from San Francisco or a long overdue extended vacation, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure, family fun, and memories to be made in Yosemite and Madera County.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Image of a waterfall at Yosemite National Park. Winter in Yosemite National Park brings snowcapped granite cliffs, tranquil walks under tall pine trees and the slow return of thundering waterfalls. To see the best views, stroll along the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail and be sure to stop in Cooks Meadow for a fantastic view of Upper Yosemite Falls.

For a more festive activity, head over to the Curry Village Ice Rink! Originally opened in 1928 this historic rink sits below Half Dome and gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a classic winter activity in an epic location.

For more winter fun, click here!

Savor the Season

Image of a table setting at The Elderberry House. Treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious holiday meals without the stress of entertaining, preparation and clean up! Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite will host sophisticated buffets and delicious sit-down dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Elegant tasting menus are available at The Elderberry House for Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Dinner. The Narrow Gauge Inn will have a tasty Cuban and Spanish inspired Thanksgiving Dinner menu, and if you’d prefer to stay home, order a prepared family Christmas Bunch to-go from Ducey’s on the Lake!

For more events and activities near Yosemite National Park, click here!

There’s Snow Place Like Badger Pass

Image of Badger Pass. Hooray! California’s original ski area opens again soon! Badger Pass Ski Area is home to 10 slope runs for downhill skiing and snowboarding, almost 100 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, snow tubing, and the Terrain Park, it’s the perfect winter sports destination for all experience levels.

No gear? No problem! Ski and snowboard equipment rentals are available daily at full and half day rates. Bundle up, it’s time to hit the slopes!

Winter fun abounds at the Badger Pass Ski Area! For more info, click here!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Image of a house and front yard decorated for Christmas. It may be getting colder, but Yosemite’s south gate is warming up with holiday events for the whole family. Make it a December to remember! Bring the kids to Tenaya Lodge for various decorating workshops, enjoy Breakfast with Santa, craft fairs, and parades in Madera and Chowchilla.

There will also be Christmas tree lightings in Bass Lake and Oakhurst, live music around town, and theatre performances! There is no shortage of holiday happenings here!

For more events and activities near Yosemite National Park, click here!

Give Big & Shop Small

Image of the Yosemite Sierra Gift Card flyer. This holiday season, give a Southern Yosemite or Bass Lake getaway with the Yosemite “Sierra” Gift Card, and receive a gift of your own!

Starting December 1st, for every $50 you give, you’ll get a free $10 gift card to spend at your favorite small businesses on your next visit (some restrictions apply)!

The Yosemite “Sierra” Gift Card is accepted at over 25 restaurants, shops and places to stay around Oakhurst, Fish Camp and Bass Lake which gives the recipient the freedom to explore while supporting the southern gateway community.

For more information on Yosemite “Sierra” Gift Cards, click here!

Stay Near and Celebrate the New Year

Image of a fireworks display over Bass Lake. Celebrate the end of 2022 with a bang and champagne! The Pines Resort at gorgeous Bass Lake is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve Party complete with a digital photo booth, snacks, music, a complimentary glass of champagne and dazzling fireworks over the lake to ring in the new year!

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite will host a lavish, shaken, not stirred New Year’s Eve celebration with casino games, great refreshments, live entertainment, dancing and more.

The countdown to midnight begins now, so make your NYE plans today!

For more events and activities near Yosemite National Park, click here!

Where to Stay near Yosemite in Madera County

Image of a Yosemite postcard. One of the first steps in planning any vacation is finding the perfect place to stay. The communities of California’s Gateway to Yosemite have numerous options for lodging. From full service resorts with all the amenities to rustic campgrounds and everything in between, Madera County has the perfect place for you.

For more information on where to stay in Madera County, click here!

Check out this great video on getting “Back to the Wild” in Yosemite! 

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online