The Ahwahnee

Yosemite restaurants offer distinctive dishes to satisfy every craving. Whether visitors are seeking a quick meal, a boxed lunch for a hike, casual fare or award-winning cuisine of the highest caliber, they will find it all within the Park. Yosemite even offers one-of-a-kind culinary events throughout the year. Many of the dining venues are open year-round and many offer outdoor seating during the summer months. In Yosemite, DNC not only offers delicious fare, but by offering local, organic, sustainable food throughout the park’s dining locations, DNC is also doing the right thing for the environment. The culinary team has worked hard to establish partnerships with local farmers and businesses to bring visitors the freshest, most environmentally-friendly food available.

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee Dining Room: The Dining Room is impressive while maintaining a comfortable, natural atmosphere. High-beamed ceilings, linen tablecloths and The Ahwahnee’s unique, personalized china surround diners. The Ahwahnee offers traditional American cuisine and an array of excellent California and international wines. A pianist provides background music at dinner and the Sunday brunch. Dinner reservations are highly recommended, and may be made by calling (209) 372-1489.

Ahwahnee Sunday Brunch: The Ahwahnee culinary staff has created a brunch menu that combines traditional breakfast favorites with sumptuous gourmet fare, served up in The Ahwahnee’s signature style. Nine buffet stations are designed to appeal to a wide variety of taste and food preferences, including: cold station, salad station, seafood station, hot entrée station, custom egg station, carved meat station, fresh bakery station, dessert station and a “Just For Kids” children’s station (filled with pint-sized favorites). Available Sundays only between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Ahwahnee Bar: The Ahwahnee Bar serves an extensive array of cocktails and other beverages, with service inside, at the pool and on the terrace. Hot and cold sandwiches, light appetizers, soups and salads are also offered.

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls

Mountain Room Restaurant: Nearly every seat in the Mountain Room has an outstanding view of the 2,450-foot-high Yosemite Falls. Specialties include steaks, seafood, fowl and pasta, served daily. Open for dinner only, year-round. Dinner reservations are recommended for parties of eight or more and may be made by calling (209) 372-1274.

Mountain Room Lounge: As one of the only dining establishments in the park to combine television and cocktails, the Mountain Room Lounge attracts a lively crowd. An open-pit fireplace warms winter’s visitors, while summer’s guests will enjoy outdoor terrace seating. The lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow visitors to admire the magnificence of the surrounding scenery while enjoying a cocktail or a friendly game of cards. A popular feature at the Mountain Room Lounge is the all-inclusive s’more kit, available at the bar for kids of all ages. The kits contain graham crackers, chocolate squares, marshmallows and a roasting stick for roasting marshmallows over the open-pit fireplace. Open year-round and hours vary by season.

Yosemite Lodge Food Court: The Yosemite Lodge Food Court provides the option of enjoying a comfortable, leisurely sit-down meal or grabbing a quick snack before heading out for the day’s activities. Hot and cold food options include a pasta station; pizza station; deli station with salads, cheese and fruit plates, wrap sandwiches and deli-style sandwiches; a grill station serving hamburgers, garden burgers, hot dogs, fries, and chicken and fish sandwiches; an entrée station, with both vegetarian and meat-based entrees available; a daily rotating menu of ethnic selections; and a bakery/dessert station offering fresh baked goods.

A hot breakfast station features traditional breakfast fare and a separate station allows guests to easily pick up beverages and pre-made sandwiches and salads during the breakfast hour for convenient picnicking later in the day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Wawona Hotel

Wawona Dining Room: Enjoy a panoramic view of the hotel grounds from the outdoor terrace of the Wawona Hotel’s charming turn-of-the-century dining room, serving California Country cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily from early spring to early December. Special Sunday brunch is served spring to fall. Tasteful casual attire is requested at dinner to preserve the traditional atmosphere of the dining room. Seating is first-come, first-served; however, dinner reservations are required for parties of eight or more. Wawona Hotel Dining Room reservations may be made by calling (209) 375-1425.

Wawona Lawn Barbecue: Each Saturday during summer, Wawona's chef fires up the barbecue pit and lays out an old-fashioned barbecue dinner. Red-checkered tablecloths, whitewashed fences, lush green lawns and blue smoke curling from the pits add festive touches as guests enjoy steaks, hamburgers, corn-on-the-cob and mouth-watering desserts.

Wawona Golf Shop & Snack Stand: Golfers and visitors looking for a casual and quick dining option will appreciate the Wawona Golf Shop & Snack Stand. Chips, nachos, sandwiches, beer and soda are served daily spring through fall.

Curry Village
Curry Village Dining Pavilion: All-you-can-eat buffet service is offered in the spacious wood-paneled Dining Pavilion at Curry Village. Breakfast and dinner service (as well as cocktail service) are available late March to late November. The Pavilion is also open the latter half of December during the holiday period.

Curry Village Grill: Open approximately May to September. Excellent array of grilled foods, including cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, as well as veggie or salmon burgers. Curry Village Pizza Patio: Handmade pizzas, salads and a full service bar are available year-round, weather permitting. Hours vary by season.

Curry Village Coffee Corner and Ice Cream Stand: Hot and cold coffee drinks featuring Peet’s Coffee and Tea brand, ice cream cones and sundaes are served mid-spring through early fall.

Yosemite Village/Degnan’s Area

Degnan’s Loft: Located in the heart of the Yosemite Village area, Degnan’s Loft is a great place to relax after a day of hiking. Its high-beamed ceiling and centrally located fireplace create a casual, comfortable atmosphere for the whole family. The menu features a variety of appetizers, fresh pizzas, salads, and refreshments. Open daily from mid-April through October.

Degnan's Café: Fresh-made pastries, Peet’s Coffee, ice cream and smoothies are available at this casual café spring through late fall.

Degnan's Deli: Deli sandwiches, salads, soups, meats, cheeses, and snacks are offered at this popular year-round deli. Espresso drinks and baked goods are available in the Deli from late fall to spring after Degnan’s Café closes for the season.

Village Grill: Deck seating at this eating establishment allows diners to enjoy a little fresh air with their hamburgers, chicken strips, french fries, ice cream and soft drinks. Open seasonally for lunch, spring to fall.

Other Dining Options In Yosemite Happy Isles Snack Stand: Located at the trailhead for several popular Yosemite hikes, the Happy Isles Snack Stand is a welcome site for tired hikers looking for cold sodas, ice cream and bottled water. Open daily in summer.

Glacier Point Snack Stand: Sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, trail mix and other goodies are available at this mile-high snack stand, along with panoramic views of Yosemite’s awe-inspiring scenery. Open daily, summer through fall.

White Wolf Lodge: This cozy dining room is set in Yosemite's breathtaking backcountry along the Tioga Road. Breakfast and dinner are served daily during the summer. Although lunch is not served, it is available at the lodge store. Dinner reservations are advised, which can be made by calling (209) 372-8416. Open summer only.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge: Hearty family-style breakfasts and dinners are served in this rustic tent setting beside the Tuolumne River. Dinner reservations are required and can be made by calling (209) 372-8413. Open summer only.

Tuolumne Meadows Grill: After a day of hiking the miles of trails in Tuolumne Meadows, hungry adventurers enjoy the hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and more available at this casual eatery. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the summer.

Box Lunches: Box lunches, perfect for tours and picnics, are available from our hotels with advance notice. Please order the night before from the cafeteria or hotel front desk.

Catering: Yosemite's catering services complement special events in the park, whether it is a wedding reception, reunion, group event or conference.

For Event Catering information, call (209) 372-1358.
For Wedding Reception arrangements, call (209) 372-1359.

YOSEMITE VALLEY

The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee shines as Yosemite National Park’s distinctive AAA four-diamond hotel. Known for its magnificent façade, and architecture, The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The destination of queens and presidents alike, this distinctive Yosemite hotel offers a perfect balance of history, hospitality and elegance.

Accommodations include 123 guest rooms (99 in the main building and 24 cottage rooms), including four with parlors. Above each door is a header stenciled with a Native American design used to decorate traditional baskets. Guest rooms feature specially-designed headboards, storage chests and armoires. Window treatments frame the spectacular scenery visible from most rooms. New bed linens, hand-loomed, custom-made throw blankets, bed frames, window treatments, woven-wood window shades, bathroom towels, carpeting in the rooms and hallways, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, newly-wired telephones and original artwork were added in 2011. Cottage rooms are located outside the main building in a woodland setting on the hotel’s grounds.

The Ahwahnee houses a unique gift shop, decadent sweet shop, a comfortable bar offering light dining and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The Ahwahnee Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Situated near the base of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls carries a unique history as the site where the U.S. Cavalry was based while the park was under its protection. Built in 1915, the Yosemite Lodge complex was modernized in 1956 and again in 1998 to incorporate an emphasis on glass and wood detailing that blends with the natural surroundings. Landscaping of indigenous trees, shrubs and wildflowers further reflects the natural beauty of Yosemite.

Accommodations include 245 hotel rooms (226 deluxe rooms with balcony or patio and 19 standard rooms), which were remodeled in 2003 and 2004 to incorporate new bedding, furniture and carpeting. Televisions were installed in 2005, and WiFi access in 2008. The hotel is currently remodeling all hotel rooms with eco-friendly materials.

Dining facilities on the property allow guests their choice of a casual food court – featuring separate stations for grill items, vegetarian options, soups and salads, pizza, deli sandwiches, desserts and breakfast items – or The Mountain Room Restaurant for dinner, offering fine dining with an incredible view of Yosemite Falls. The Lodge area also includes the Mountain Room Lounge, a post office, swimming pool (summer only), bicycle rental service, gift shop and The Nature Shop.

Curry Village
Beneath the grandeur of Glacier Point, Curry Village is known for the same warm, hospitable feeling that was instilled by its founders, David and Jennie Curry, at the turn of the century.

Curry Village has 497 guest accommodations – 18 standard hotel rooms, 57 cabins with private bath, 14 cabins with a central bath and 408 canvas tent cabins with a central bathhouse.

Foodservice includes the Curry Village Pavilion, a Grill, full-service bar and the Pizza Deck. Within Curry Village are the Yosemite Mountaineering School, Curry Village Gift Shop, bicycle rentals, cross-country ski rentals, ice skating and river raft rentals.

Housekeeping Camp
Housekeeping Camp is located along a sandy bank of the Merced River, offering great views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. This is the ideal location for those who like to camp outdoors without the hassle of setting up a tent.

Each of the 266 Housekeeping Camp tents, which can sleep up to six people, consists of three concrete walls, a concrete floor and a canvas roof. A canvas curtain separates the sleeping area from a covered patio with a grill and picnic table. The sleeping area features two single-size bunk beds, a double bed, a table and chairs, mirror, light and electrical outlets. All units are within easy walking distance of central restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and a small grocery store.

SOUTH YOSEMITE

Wawona Hotel
One of California’s original mountain resort hotels, the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel was originally established in 1856. The hotel as it stands today was built in 1879 following a devastating fire. Situated 27 miles (16.5 km) from Yosemite Valley on Highway 41, this National Historic Landmark is near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to one of the world’s largest sequoia tress, the Grizzly Giant.

Accommodations consist of 50 standard hotel rooms with private bath and 54 standard hotel rooms with shared bathrooms. The hotel renovated 48 guestrooms in 2002, and additional refurbishments took place in 2005. The lobby in the main building was renovated featuring furnishings indicative of its original design. The hotel dining room serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
Seasonal amenities include a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool and riding stables. Guests may also visit the Pioneer History Center next door and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Other services include a gift shop, grocery store, post office, gas station and free shuttle bus to Mariposa Grove during the summer.

OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS
High Sierra Lodges – Available during the summer months
White Wolf Lodge provides accommodations in 24 canvas tent cabins, which include beds with mattresses, linens, blankets and wood-burning stoves. Four cabins with private bath are also available. Breakfast and dinner are served in the White Wolf dining room and there is a small convenience store. Advance reservations are required for dinner.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge comprises 69 canvas tent cabins, each including beds, linens, blankets and a wood-burning stove. Breakfast and dinner are served family-style in a central dining tent. The Mountaineering School, stable, gas station, post office, hamburger stand and grocery store are also at Tuolumne Meadows.

High Sierra Camps
Five High Sierra Camps are situated 5.7 to 10 miles (9 km) apart along a hiking trail in Yosemite’s beautiful high country. The camps are nestled in a spectacular, high-altitude setting and visitors must hike or take a saddle trip to reach them. Guests sleep dormitory-style in bunk beds, with pillows, wool blankets, comforters and towels provided. Guests must supply their own sheets or sleep-sacks. Restroom and shower facilities are also provided. Breakfast and dinner are served family-style in a central dining tent.

Merced Lake, 7,250 feet/2,204 m: Sleeps 60 people in 19 canvas tent cabins.
Vogelsang, 10,300 feet/3,131 m: Sleeps 42 people in a total of 12 tent cabins.
Glen Aulin: 7,800 feet/2,371 m: Sleeps 32 people in 8 tent cabins.
May Lake: 9,270 feet/2,818 m: Sleeps 36 people in 8 tent cabins.
Sunrise Camp, 9,400 feet/2,858 m: Sleeps 34 people in 9 tent cabins.

Spring and summer are the seasons to explore Yosemite’s many paths and trails leading to sights of breathtaking natural wonder – waterfalls, mountains and forests in bloom. Visitors delight to warm days filled with blue skies, sunshine and a myriad of recreational activities. While a good winter means booming waterfalls, some activity opening dates may be delayed as a result of heavier snow pack.

Bike Riding: A perfect activity, combining sightseeing and moderate exercise. Standard bicycles are rented at both Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and Curry Village. The Curry Village bike stand features a fleet of 200 bicycles suitable for adults, youth and children, as well as child trailers, helmets, baby-jogging strollers and wheelchairs. Rentals are available by the hour or the day, with early season hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. As the season progresses, hours usually extend to 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Helmets are recommended for all riders and mandatory for riders under 18 years of age. For more information, call 209-372-8319.

Stable Rides: The Yosemite Stables offer the opportunity to see Yosemite’s beauty in a unique way. No riding experience is required for any of the regularly scheduled, two-hour guided rides originating from Yosemite Valley, Wawona or Tuolumne Meadows. There are also half-day and select all-day rides by sure-footed mules to special scenic vistas. Two-hour, four-hour, and all-day rides are typically offered at the stables in Yosemite Valley beginning in late-April, with the stables in Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows due to open later in the season, weather permitting. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. No reservations are required for the two-hour rides, as they depart several times a day. Half-day and full-day rides are available later in the season as trail conditions improve. Helmets are mandatory for all riders and provided at no charge. Contact the Valley Stable at 209-372-8348 for reservations.

Guided Tours: The best way to see and learn about Yosemite’s grand sights is by a guided tour. Five tours are offered, featuring professional guides and park rangers who recount the fascinating history of the Park. The two-hour Valley Tour, conducted on an open-air tram (weather permitting), stops frequently at picturesque locations. The four-hour Glacier Point Tour travels to a breathtaking panorama view of Yosemite and the Sierras beyond. The one-hour Big Trees Tram Tour features a ride through the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. And the Grand Tour combines the Valley, Big Trees and Glacier Point Tours for a full-day outing. Moonlight tours that mirror the Valley Tour route are also offered. For pricing and reservations, call the Tour & Activity Desk at 209-372-1240.

Rock Climbing: Yosemite is considered one of the world’s premiere rock climbing destinations with a rock climbing school to match this reputation. The Yosemite Mountaineering School provides expert instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced rock climbers. No personal equipment is necessary to learn how to “Go Climb a Rock.” They have it all, including the women’s-only instructional course for beginner or intermediate climbers, “Girls on Granite.” Call 209-372-8344 to make a reservation or for more information.

Rafting: Rafting on the Merced River can be one of the most refreshing ways to see Yosemite Valley's spectacular scenery. It's an easy, half-day adventure for all ages (NOTE: 50-pound weight minimum for children’s safety). The length of the rafting season changes from year to year depending on variables such as river depth and water and air temperatures. A typical season begins the last weekend of May and ends in
early August. “Paddle-yourself" rafts – including paddles and the mandatory personal flotation devices – hold up to six adults and may be rented at Curry Village. For more information, call the Raft Rental Stand at 209-372-8341.

Hiking: With 840 miles of hiking trails, the possibilities are nearly endless for hiking or backpacking in Yosemite. Whether taking advantage of the extensive guided hiking services offered by the Yosemite Mountaineering School or enjoying the trails self guided, hikers should be certain to have an understanding of wilderness travel techniques and regulations. For current trail conditions, check with the Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite Village, or call the Wilderness Center at 209-372-0740. For Yosemite Mountaineering School services, call 209-372-8344.

Golf at Wawona Hotel: The Wawona Golf Course opened in June 1918 and was the first golf course established in the Sierra Nevada. Measuring 3,050 yards, the Wawona Golf Course is a nine-hole, par-35 golf course. The course includes two par five holes and three par three holes. Different tee positions per side provide a par 70, 18-hole format. The course alternates between meadows and fairways, carved from the surrounding Ponderosa pine and Incense cedar forest, fronting the south fork of the Merced River near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Rolling terrain and a variety of challenging holes combine to offer a remarkable and exciting mountain course.

The Wawona Golf Course is located 30 miles south of Yosemite Valley on Hwy. 41, and is open daily from mid-April through October, conditions permitting. For more information and tee time reservations, call the Wawona Golf Shop at 209-375-6572.

Photography Walks and Workshops –Yosemite’s scenery is so spectacular, there are photo-worthy compositions everywhere. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy multi-day Yosemite photography workshops and half-day classes offered by The Ansel Adams Gallery. Their instructors can help visitors with their camera’s abilities, recommend locations, and with the small group sizes, provide personalized suggestions on how to make pictures better. Guides, provided by the Ansel Adams Gallery, discuss photo tips at all levels of competency and advice on such topics as lighting, composition, effects and technique.

Interpretive Programs –Summer programs include Wee Wild Ones for kids six and under, stargazing programs with interpretive messaging, historic Ahwahnee tours and a number of wildlife and ecology-based programs.

Yosemite National Park offers visitors unparalleled access to some of the most beautiful vistas on earth. Breathtaking seasonal landscapes, discounted lodging rates and a wide variety of recreational activities make Yosemite a spectacular fall and winter destination.

Winter visitors should be aware that automobile tire chains may be required from October through March due to weather and road conditions. For 24-hour ski conditions, call 209-372-1000. For road and weather information, call 209-372-0200, or click here for road and weather conditions provided by the National Park Service. Yosemite Valley Activities Ice

Skating –The Curry Village outdoor ice skating rink offers guests the pleasure of ice-skating under the shadow of two of Yosemite’s most dramatic sites – Half Dome and Glacier Point. First established in 1928 when the Yosemite Winter Club flooded a parking lot, the rink is located in the western part of Curry Village and offers all the amenities of a modern skating surface, including DNC’s own Zamboni for cleaning the ice between skating sessions. A large supply of rental skates is maintained and skaters may take advantage of the warming hut, cubbies for shoe storage and hot drinks and snacks. Helmets are available at no charge.

For those not skating, a large open area adjacent to the rink offers a warm fire pit where guests can gather, watch the activities, make S’mores, sip hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and revel in the beauty of Yosemite in winter. Subject to conditions, skating sessions are from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. early November through March. The rink is open for an additional morning (8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and afternoon session (noon to 2:30 p.m.) on weekends. For ice conditions and more information, call 209-372-8341.

Interpretive Programs – The number of free and fee-based interpretive programs offered by DNC has doubled since the company created an interpretive services department in 1999. Winter programs include Wee Wild Ones for kids six and under, full moon snowshoe walks with interpretive messaging, historic Ahwahnee tours and a number of wildlife and ecology-based programs.

Guided Sightseeing Tours – The best way to see and learn about Yosemite’s spectacular sights is by guided sightseeing tour. The two-hour Valley Tour, conducted in a heated Vanhool motor coach, stops frequently at Yosemite’s most popular and picturesque locations.

Photography Walks and Workshops –Yosemite’s scenery is so spectacular, there are photo-worthy compositions everywhere. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy multi-day Yosemite photography workshops and half-day classes offered by The Ansel Adams Gallery. Their instructors can help visitors with their camera’s abilities, recommend locations, and with the small group sizes, provide personalized suggestions on how to make pictures better. Guides, provided by the Ansel Adams Gallery, discuss photo tips at all levels of competency and advice on such topics as lighting, composition, effects and technique.

Badger Pass Activities
Since opening in 1935, Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area has been a favorite ski destination for generations of winter adventurers. Fewer crowds, family-friendly activities and a dedicated and skilled staff combine to make a day at Badger Pass fun and fulfilling.
Open daily 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. mid-December through early-April (weather permitting), Badger Pass Ski Area is accessible by vehicle or via free shuttle bus from all Yosemite Valley hotels.

Downhill Skiing – With five lifts, spacious groomed runs and quick access to the slopes, Badger Pass has been the learning ground for generations of skiers. Eighty-five percent of Badger’s slopes are beginner and intermediate level, including several runs that are perfect for the first-time skier. Lift tickets and rentals are available at Badger Pass.

• The Yosemite Ski School, established in 1928, teaches both beginner’s basics and refresher courses with a staff of 25 American and international instructors – all members of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA.) A variety of learn-to-ski packages are available daily for both children and adults. For more information, contact Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski & Snowboard School Desk at 209-372-8430.

• The Badger Pups Program for children ages four to six is designed to accommodate the needs of preschool students and introduce them to downhill skiing. The Pups program includes group ski lessons, rental equipment and admission to the Badger Pups Den, where certified babysitters/ski instructors provide a range of activities and games for children to enjoy while their parents are out on the slopes. Parents are required to lunch with their child.

Snowboarding – Badger Pass is a great place to learn the secrets of snowboarding. Riders will find enhanced terrain, plenty of room to practice new maneuvers and up-to-date rental equipment and instruction. Beginning, intermediate and advanced instruction is available from qualified instructors who make learning and improvement fun and easy. Snowboarding equipment rental is available in the Badger Pass rental shop. For more information, call 209-372-8430.

Snow Tubing – Snow tubing combines the thrill of a roller coaster with the childhood joy of sledding, making it ideal for snow enthusiasts of all ages. One of Badger Pass’ newest offerings, snow tubing was introduced in the 2002 season and has proved to be a fun and affordable activity for people of all ages. Tube rental is available at the Badger Pass cross-country center.

Cross-country Skiing – Beginning cross-country skiers find the 25 miles (40 km) of machine-set track at Badger a great way to start, and 90 miles of marked trails leave plenty of room for exploration and improvement. Founded in 1970, Yosemite's Cross-Country Ski School is manned by PSIA-certified instructors who teach all ski levels and also lead ski tours into the Yosemite backcountry and overnight excursions to Glacier Point. Skiers may rent striding, skating and Telemark equipment at the school. For more information and equipment-specific rates, call 209-372-8444.

• Overnight Cross-Country Ski to Glacier Point Ski Hut – A guided ski trip on intermediate groomed terrain through Yosemite’s magnificent snow-country takes you to the rustic accommodations of the beautiful stone-and-log Glacier Point Ski Hut. Overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, this ski hut is located 10.5 miles beyond Badger Pass Ski Area along Glacier Point Road. The Alpine-inspired hut features wood heat, indoor lavatory facilities and sleeps up to 20 skiers dormitory style. Meals are included on both one-night and two-night trips.

Snowshoeing – With snowshoes and powder snow, visitors are set for some great hiking in Yosemite's winter wonderland. National Park Service naturalists lead snowshoe walks several days a week from the Badger Pass ranger station. Each walk takes approximately two hours and participants learn about snow physics and plant and wildlife adaptations in winter. There is no rental fee for these walks, but there is a small maintenance fee. For those interested in exploring on their own, snowshoes may be rented from the Yosemite Cross-Country Ski School Center, or from the Yosemite Mountaineering Center at Curry Village when conditions permit. DNC also provides guided full moon snowshoe walks at Badger Pass Ski Area.

25th Annual Event Celebrates Food and Wine with Some of the World's Most Talented Toques in the Wintertime Splendor of Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, CA - December 2009 - The Ahwahnee, a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in scenic Yosemite Valley, Calif., today announces its 2010 season lineup for the 25th annual Chefs' Holidays event series. Celebrating the range of styles, personalities and trends that characterize the American culinary scene in the beautiful natural setting in Yosemite National Park, Chefs' Holidays brings together 29 prominent American chefs and culinary professionals in a wintertime celebration that includes a series of eight sessions from January 10 to February 4, 2010. For each session of Chefs' Holidays guests are invited to take part in a "Meet the Chefs" reception, educational cooking classes and demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, and a five-course Chefs' Holidays Gala Dinner prepared by the headliner chef and paired with four wines, served by candlelight in The Ahwahnee Dining Room.

"Chefs' Holidays is a much-anticipated event each year at The Ahwahnee," said Chance Jorgensen, general manager of The Ahwahnee. "Guests enjoy the magic and comfort of being surrounded by a breathtaking winter wonderland setting and interacting with the country's best culinary professionals in an intimate environment."

Since its inception as a small gathering of top chefs and hotel guests in the winter of 1985, Chefs' Holidays has become a premier and much-sought-after destination for epicures and culinary professionals alike. Esteemed American culinary professionals making repeat appearances this year include Peggy Smith and Sue Conley of Cowgirl Creamery, Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake and Orson, Douglas Keane of Cyrus, Chris Cosentino of Incanto and Boccalone, Paul Virant of Vie, Duskie Estes and John Stewart of Zazu and Bovolo, Bernard Guillas and Ron Oliver of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Jesse Ziff Cool of Flea St. Cafe, Cal Stamenov of Bernardus Lodge, Ken Frank of La Toque and Annie Somerville of Greens. Newly added this season is a special Bravo TV "Top Chef" Contestants series featuring Ryan Scott of Ryan Scott 2 Go, Ariane Duarte of Culinariane and Carla Hall of Alchemy Caterers. Other newcomers who will be welcomed to the event this year are Matt Bolton of Pacific's Edge, David Kinch of Manresa, Bruce Sherman of North Pond, Christopher Lee of Aureole, Hoss Zare of Zare at Fly Trap, Brad Farmerie of PUBLIC, Double Crown and The Monday Room, Suzanne Goin of Lucques, Jody Adams of Rialto, Michelle Mah of midi, and Loretta Keller of COCO5OO.

"I look forward to Chefs' Holidays year after year," said Chef Jesse Ziff Cool, who has been part of the event since 1989. "There's a genuine camaraderie among the guest chefs and the staff in The Ahwahnee kitchen. The positive energy spills over to everyone involved. It's truly rewarding to give participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what really happens in the professional culinary world. For all of us it is a magical opportunity and pleasure to step out of our restaurants for a few days and into one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. We all feel honored to take part in this extraordinary culinary celebration."

The 2010 schedule is as follows:

Kickoff Session: January 10-12, 2010 (Sunday-Tuesday)
The 25th Anniversary Cooperative Dinner featuring one course from each chef:
Executive Chef Percy Whatley--The Ahwahnee
Pastry Chef Paul Padua--The Ahwahnee
Demonstrator: Cal Stamenov--Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, CA
Demonstrator: Matt Bolton--Pacific's Edge at the Highlands Inn, Carmel, CA*
Demonstrator: David Kinch--Manresa, Los Gatos, CA*

Session II: January 13-14, 2010 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Headliner: Bruce Sherman--North Pond, Chicago, IL*
Demonstrators: Peg Smith & Sue Conley--Cowgirl Creamery-Pt. Reyes, CA
Demonstrator: Elizabeth Falkner--Citizen Cake & Orson, San Francisco

Session III: January 17-19, 2010 (Sunday-Tuesday)
Headliner: Christopher Lee--Aureole, New York, NY*
Demonstrator: Hoss Zare--Zare at Flytrap, San Francisco*
Demonstrator: Douglas Keane--Cyrus, Healdsburg, CA

Session IV: January 20-21, 2010 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Headliner: Brad Farmerie--PUBLIC, Double Crown and The Monday Room, New York, NY*
Demonstrator: Chris Cosentino--Incanto & Boccalone, San Francisco
Demonstrator: Paul Virant--Vie, Western Springs, IL

Session V: January 24-26, 2010 (Sunday-Tuesday)
Headliner: Suzanne Goin--Lucques, Los Angeles*
Demonstrators: Duskie Estes & John Stewart--Zazu & Bovolo, Sonoma County
Demonstrator: Jody Adams--Rialto, Boston, MA*

Session VI: January 27-28, 2010 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Theme: Bravo TV's Top Chefs
Headliner: Ryan Scott--Ryan Scott 2 Go, San Francisco, CA*
Demonstrator: Ariane Duarte--CulinAriane, Montclair, NJ*
Demonstrator: Carla Hall--Alchemy Caterers, Washington, D.C.*

Session VII: January 31-February 2, 2010 (Sunday-Tuesday)
Headliner: Ken Frank--La Toque, Napa, CA
Demonstrator: Michelle Mah--midi, San Francisco, CA*
Demonstrator: Loretta Keller--COCO5OO, San Francisco, CA*

Session VIII: February 3-4, 2010 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Headliners: Bernard Guillas & Ron Oliver--La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, La Jolla, CA
Demonstrator: Jesse Ziff Cool--Flea St. Cafe, Menlo Park, CA
Demonstrator: Annie Somerville--Greens, San Francisco, CA

*Indicates new chef this year.

Special two- and three-night packages for Chefs' Holidays are available at The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, which includes lodging for two and admission for two to the following: culinary demonstrations, private "Meet the Chefs" reception, behind the scenes kitchen tour, and Chefs' Holidays Gala Dinner in The Ahwahnee Dining Room. The following rates are based on double occupancy, subject to change, and do not include room taxes. Individual tickets for the Gala Dinner are available for $269 per person, including tax and gratuity.

The Ahwahnee
Two-night packages from $998
Three-night packages from $1,307

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Two-night packages from $694
Three-night Packages from $793

For more information on Yosemite Chefs' Holidays at The Ahwahnee or to make reservations, call 801-559-4949 or visit online at www.YosemitePark.com/Chefs.

Yosemite National Park, CA - October 2009 - The Ahwahnee, a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in scenic Yosemite Valley, Calif., today announces its 2010 season lineup for the 25th annual Chefs' Holidays event series. Celebrating the range of styles, personalities and trends that characterize the American culinary scene in the beautiful natural setting in Yosemite National Park, Chefs' Holidays brings together 29 prominent American chefs and culinary professionals in a wintertime celebration that includes a series of eight sessions from January 10 to February 4, 2010. For each session of Chefs' Holidays guests are invited to take part in a "Meet the Chefs" reception, educational cooking classes and demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, and a five-course Chefs' Holidays Gala Dinner prepared by the headliner chef and paired with four wines, served by candlelight in The Ahwahnee Dining Room.

"Chefs' Holidays is a much-anticipated event each year at The Ahwahnee," said Chance Jorgensen, general manager of The Ahwahnee. "Guests enjoy the magic and comfort of being surrounded by a breathtaking winter wonderland setting and interacting with the country's best culinary professionals in an intimate environment."

Since its inception as a small gathering of top chefs and hotel guests in the winter of 1985, Chefs' Holidays has become a premier and much-sought-after destination for epicures and culinary professionals alike. Esteemed American culinary professionals making repeat appearances this year include Peggy Smith and Sue Conley of Cowgirl Creamery, Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake and Orson, Douglas Keane of Cyrus, Chris Cosentino of Incanto and Boccalone, Paul Virant of Vie, Duskie Estes and John Stewart of Zazu and Bovolo, Bernard Guillas and Ron Oliver of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Jesse Ziff Cool of Flea St. Cafe, Cal Stamenov of Bernardus Lodge, Ken Frank of La Toque and Annie Somerville of Greens. Newly added this season is a special Bravo TV "Top Chef" Contestants series featuring Ryan Scott of Ryan Scott 2 Go, Ariane Duarte of Culinariane and Carla Hall of Alchemy Caterers. Other newcomers who will be welcomed to the event this year are Matt Bolton of Pacific's Edge, David Kinch of Manresa, Bruce Sherman of North Pond, Christopher Lee of Aureole, Hoss Zare of Zare at Fly Trap, Brad Farmerie of PUBLIC, Double Crown and The Monday Room, Suzanne Goin of Lucques, Jody Adams of Rialto, Michelle Mah of midi, and Loretta Keller of COCO5OO.

"I look forward to Chefs' Holidays year after year," said Chef Jesse Ziff Cool, who has been part of the event since 1989. "There's a genuine camaraderie among the guest chefs and the staff in The Ahwahnee kitchen. The positive energy spills over to everyone involved. It's truly rewarding to give participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what really happens in the professional culinary world. For all of us it is a magical opportunity and pleasure to step out of our restaurants for a few days and into one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. We all feel honored to take part in this extraordinary culinary celebration."

For more information on Yosemite Chefs' Holidays at The Ahwahnee or to make reservations, call 801-559-4949 or visit online at www.YosemitePark.com/Chefs.