Snow Adds Magic to Yosemite Winter Vacation

Yosemite in winter? It's time to think outside the box when planning your winter vacation. The sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls and clear blue lakes of this stunning Southern California national park are, if anything, more breathtaking shrouded in snow and ice. As you cross-country ski toward the spectacular sheer face of Half Dome on your way to Glacier Point, you experience the same awe that must have overcome the first explorers to this part of the Sierra Nevadas. It's just you and nature -- untouched, majestic and silent but for the sound of the wind whispering in the pines overhead.

Many of Yosemite's trails and features are open and accessible year-round. Badger Pass offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. You can also try snowshoeing on ranger-led hikes or strike out on your own. The sled run at Crane Flat is an experience as exciting as any roller coaster you've ever ridden. Ice skate in the shadow of Half Dome at the Curry Village rink in Yosemite Valley where folks have been skating since 1923.

There are a number of hiking trails open during the winter. Several of the most notable are paved, wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. The 1-mile Lower Yosemite Falls loop takes you through Ponderosa pines, incense cedars and canyon live oaks past the base of the falls. The gentle 1-mile roundtrip hike to Bridalveil Falls takes you through pine and cedar-scented forest quite close to the ice-shrouded falls on the shady side of the canyon. A slightly more difficult 3-mile hike to Mirror Lake affords spectacular views of Half Dome and Mount Watkins. Hiking lovers will want to take the Columbia Rock trail, a 3-mile hike that rises 1,000 feet to Upper Yosemite Falls. The panoramic view of Yosemite Valley is magnificent.

After a day of winter fun at Yosemite, return to your cozy Bass Lake, California timeshare (above, right). The 5-star WorldMark property offers spacious, comfortable accommodations with room for the whole family. Cuddle up around the fireplace and sip hot cocoa in the evening while you relive the day's exciting Yosemite adventures. Units are equipped with all the comforts of home, including a fully-equipped kitchen, CD/stereo, cable TV, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and more. Each unit has a washer/dryer so you'll be able to quickly dry out the kids' parkas and snowpants after a day of sledding and tubing. For complete information on WorldMark Bass Lake, click the post title.

Everyone visits Yosemite in the summer. It's the lucky few who savor the park's winter beauty and pleasures.