Mariposa, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2015) – There is no better place to kick off the New Year than Yosemite as 2016 marks the centennial of the National Park Service. Celebrate this historic milestone by visiting Yosemite this winter season and enjoying the broad range of activities, attractions, and a diversity of lodging.

The coming months are an especially beautiful time to visit the park as the valley is blanket in fresh snow and the winter brings a solitude that you cannot match any other time of the year in this very popular destination. See our round up of favorite winter activities and attractions.

1.    Yosemite's Chef's Holidays: Yosemite's Chefs' Holidays® at The Ahwahnee, held each year in January and February, feature some of the world's most innovative and acclaimed chefs. This Northern California cooking adventure provides a showcase for the range of styles, personalities and trends that characterize the American culinary scene. Each three to four-day session includes an intimate Meet the Chefs reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres, behind-the-scenes kitchen tours and cooking demonstrations with tastings, all culminating in an exquisite Chefs' Holiday Gala Dinner that's prepared by the visiting chefs in The Ahwahnee Dining Room. A range of lodging packages are available, as well as dinner-only options.

2.    Wellness Retreat at the Tenaya Lodge: There is no better place than Yosemite for renewal of the mind, body and spirit. In celebration of this healing environment, the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is offering a Yosemite Wellness & Spa Retreat. The retreat promises to reveal a new degree of wellness with guest speakers, yoga, body and brain fitness classes, healthy meals, food, hiking excursions and cooking classes, as well as time for some spa treatments at the Ascent Spa, recognized by USA Today as one of the best spas in the world.

3.    Stay 'N Play Packages at Yosemite: California's first and most family-friendly ski resort, Badger Pass is the perfect place for hitting the slopes and enjoying breath-taking scenery. Stay in Yosemite and enjoy a tour package that includes lift tickets, rentals and ski lessons, ice skate rentals for the famed Curry Village ice skating rink, and a Valley Floor tour. With this deal you can enjoy the best of Yosemite in winter at one convenient rate.  

4.    Storytelling Festival: The Annual Mariposa Storytelling Festival brings you the best storytelling performances every 2nd weekend in March! Nationally recognized storytellers converge in the historic town of Mariposa to celebrate the simple yet powerful act of storytelling. Children's sessions and breakout workshops round out a full weekend's worth of performances, from folk tales and ghost stories to musical storytelling and plenty of humor!

5.    Valentines Specials at the Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch: Nothing says romance like sailing through the Sierras on a zipline at the Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch. Sweethearts are invited to Yosemite for a weekend of fun activities and a special two for one offer the Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch. Mention the Valentines special when booking.


Winter in Yosemite/Mariposa County is an especially beautiful time to be outdoors enjoying a range of activities from horse-drawn sleigh rides, skiing at Badger Pass Ski Resort, ice skating, snow shoeing and photography. Plan your visit to Yosemite to coincide with these wonderful holiday traditions and experience this beautiful time in the park. To book your holiday experience in Yosemite/Mariposa County, visit YosemiteExperience.com.

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About Yosemite/Mariposa County
Located in the heart of California and home of Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County is a world class destination for all seasons. Combining the rich history of California's gold rush with its engaging events, international iconic landscape, and welcoming locals, it's no wonder Yosemite/Mariposa County attracts millions of travelers from all over the world each year. For more information, visit the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau at YosemiteExperience.com or call 209-742-4567