When US President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant bill to protect Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley in 1866 it was the first time the US government preserved a space for public use.

Opened in 1890 Yosemite will celebrate it 130th Anniversary in 2020.

Yosemite's top winter activities

Ice Skating

Open since 1928 and dominated by views of Half Dome and valley walls, the rink at Curry Village is one of the most unusual places to ice skate in the world.

Surrounded by outdoor fire pits, it gives visitors the chance to skate within sight of Yosemite's granite cliffs.

Hiking

Yosemite's backcountry and most of the trails in Yosemite Valley are open year-round.

Those after a short walk can visit, the Mirror Lake loop, which offers views of Half Dome directly below its impressive face.

For a challenge, the hike to Chilnualna Falls is a strenuous journey which follows a series of waterfalls.

Downhill Skiing

Badger Pass, California's oldest ski area, is Yosemite's premier alpine destination.

The ski area is made of up of blue and green runs and is known for its ski school and inexpensive lift passes.

Sleigh Rides

Tenaya Lodge runs 45-minute rides through the forest and includes breaks for hot cider and chocolate.

Winter Events

Vintners' Holidays

(various days in December)

Hosted for wine-lovers, by wine-lovers, Vintner's Holidays showcases acclaimed wines and winemakers from the state.

Guests can join winemakers at a 'Meet the Vintners' reception held at The Ahwahnee, the park's only four diamond hotel.

Packages include accommodation at The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Valley Lodge, and intimate Meet the Vintners reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres, wine tasting seminar, a five-course dinner and free transport during the stay.

Winter base camp

The Ahwahnee

Shining as Yosemite National Park's distinctive AAA four-diamond hotel, The Ahwahnee has a striking granite façade, log-beamed ceilings, massive stone hearts and richly coloured Native American artwork.

It is located in the Yosemite Valley and is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America.

www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/the-ahwahnee

AutoCamp Yosemite

AutoCamp Yosemite opened earlier this year and combines luxury accommodation with authentic outdoor ruggedness.

Located on 35-acres in the Sierra Nevada mountains the hotel features a clubhouse, an outdoor swimming pool, 15 luxury tents and 80 deluxe Airstream trailers.

www.autocamp.com/guides/location/yosemite

The Redwoods Rental Cabin

The Redwoods has 130 holiday home rentals available year-round, with guests can choose from the Bronze to the Platinum Level.

www.redwoodsinyosemite.com

Useful links

​ www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm