SOURCE: Evergreen Lodge

 

YOSEMITE, CA--(Marketwire - October 8, 2008) - Evergreen Lodge announces the return of its popular Christmas week and New Year's holiday packages. Guests heading to the historic lodge to experience Yosemite's December majesty will enjoy the family atmosphere and variety of activities designed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Christmas and New Year's Holiday Packages

Christmas and New Year's at the Evergreen feature traditional activities, from cookie decorating to three-course feasts and dancing to champagne toasts at midnight, and some not-so-traditional, from s'mores and snowshoe trips to Christmas Flamingo Decorating.

Christmas at Evergreen is a joyous 12-day affair, full of special activities and celebrations. Two- or three-night packages are available December 17 through to December 28 and include cabin accommodations, three-course Christmas feast, daily breakfast, trail lunches, guided tours, hayride, gift basket, holiday kids' crafts, and evening campfires and s'mores. Package rates start at $315 per couple or $460 per family (2 adults/1-2 children ages 2-12) per night.

Celebrate "New Year's at the 'Green" with Moulin Rouge-themed dancing, merriment, food and drink. On Dec. 30 guests will be invited to try their luck at classic casino games using "Ever-greenbacks." On New Year's Eve, Evergreen will host an extravagant three-course Parisian dinner and more casino gaming, followed by its New Year's Eve costume party with music, dancing and circus performers. The package includes accommodation, New Year's Eve dinner and party, champagne brunch on New Year's Day, breakfast and a gift basket. Nightly package rates start at $325 per couple or $460 for a family.

A two-night minimum is required on both winter packages; extra nights can be added at a discounted rate; and taxes and gratuities are not included. For a full description of each package, valid dates and prices, visit http://www.evergreenlodge.com/winterpackages.html. Guests can call (209) 379-2606 or email info@evergreenlodge.com for details.

Located on the western border of Yosemite Park near the Hetch Hetchy Valley, the Evergreen is a serene Yosemite destination that blends the modern comforts of a resort, the relaxed approach and activities of a dude ranch and the timeless warmth of a historic 1920s lodge. All cabins are heated. SIRIUS satellite radio, DVD players and a movie library are also complimentary. Evergreen is popular with couples, families, groups, weddings and corporate retreats. Room rates vary from $89 to $299 depending on the season and type of cabin.

Evergreen's Recreation Program

In addition to its holiday activities, the Evergreen is the only Yosemite lodge with its own guide service and an outdoor recreation program that has expanded to be the most comprehensive in the area since new owners took over the lodge in 2002. Given its moderate elevation, the Evergreen offers a variety of activities throughout the winter season. The lodge's winter activities offer guests a rare opportunity to experience the famous valley and surrounding peaks in their seasonal splendor. Returning this winter is a full calendar of trips and activities, including:

--  Sierra Sunset Hike or Snowshoe leaves right from the lodge to view
    wildlife, old-growth forest and vistas down the Tuolumne River Canyon.
    Offered October to May.
--  Wonders of Yosemite Naturalist Tour features both Yosemite Valley and
    the giant sequoias in a combination van tour and hike/snowshoe. Offered
    October to May.
--  Giant Sequoia Snowshoe Walk takes guests to the world's biggest trees,
    whose reddish color make for a dramatic contrast against the snowy
    surroundings. Offered February to March.
--  Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Walk takes guests along a picturesque trail
    to Dewey Point and provides stunning views of snow-covered peaks in the
    northern high country. Offered February to March.
--  Winter Wonderland Yosemite Valley Naturalist Tour. Offered February to
    March.
--  Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls Naturalist Hike explores Yosemite's hidden
    gem, Wapama Falls. Offered February to May.
    

The Evergreen's experienced recreation staff provides advice and guidance for planning customized adventures. They also offer maps and guides and an array of rental equipment such as mountain bikes, mountain strollers, snowshoes, trekking poles and GPS units.

About Evergreen Lodge

Located on the western border of Yosemite Park near the Hetch Hetchy Valley, the Evergreen is a serene Yosemite destination that blends the modern comforts of a resort, the relaxed approach and activities of a dude ranch and the timeless warmth of a historic 1920s lodge. Evergreen features 66 fully furnished cabins and 15 custom campsites.

First Light Destinations, based in San Francisco and founded by Brian Anderluh, Dan Braun and Lee Zimmerman, purchased the property in 2002 and began to restore, upgrade and expand this historic lodge. The Lodge is a socially minded business that finances and operates an innovative behind-the-scenes on-site Youth Employment Program in which a group of high-potential young adults from urban backgrounds work as paid interns, gaining work experience while receiving career and life counselling.

Editor's note: Photos available upon request.