Yosemite Nordic Holiday
The historic Yosemite Nordic Holiday is returning for its 52nd anniversary! First held in 1972, the Yosemite Nordic Holiday has included a variety of race formats and distances – from trails hand-groomed by volunteers and sleds, to full marathons.
After its triumphant return in 2022, the event will consist of the Glacier Point Skate Race and Tour, a spectacular 38-kilometer tour out Glacier Point Road from Badger Pass Ski Area to world-famous Glacier Point and back! The race is a fundraiser for Far West Nordic. For those looking for a classic technique race or who do not want to go the entire length course a 16km “half” race will be available.
Race Start is at 9 am Sunday, January 21st, 2024
History of the Nordic Holiday
The Yosemite Nordic Holiday was first run as multi-day event in 1972, shortly after the founding of the Yosemite Mountaineering School. The race was initially run in the Yosemite Valley, and later moved to higher elevations for more consistent snow. From Badger Pass, a ten kilometer loop was chosen for the race. The park service did not allow motorized grooming equipment so the race organizers built and pulled a sled to set the tracks. The Yosemite Nordic Holiday was later expanded to include skating categories (after it was invented!). To learn more, check out Art Bagget’s article in Nordic News 2022!
Registration and Details
Registration is open now for the 2024 Yosemite Nordic Holiday! This is a citizen’s race, and open to all racers. Register by January 17th at 11:59 pm to get early bird pricing, plus Far West Nordic Members save $5 on registration fees!
$40| Far West Nordic Members/ $15| Juniors
$45| Non-Far West Nordic Members/ $20| Juniors
$55/ $25 After Jan. 18th
Considering Far West Nordic Membership? Learn more and join below!
Need Lodging? Yosemite Nordic Holiday racers get 15% off when they stay at either Yosemite View Lodge or Yosemite Cedar Lodge. Use code SKIYOSEMITE15 at booking. Valid only between Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 and Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Course & Race Information
The full Yosemite Nordic Holiday is a freestyle tour, going all the way out-and-back from Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point along Glacier Point Road. There will also be a “half-distance” classic race that is is 16km total, and a junior 10km race option.
Bib pick-up and day-of race registration is at the Badger Pass Nordic Center. The full race will start at 9:00, followed by the 16km at 9:10 and the junior 10km at 9:20.
Aid stations will be provided at the 16km turn-around point, and at Glacier Point.
