It was a “show-chopping” opening for the new Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge this week as logging champion Nate Hodges (pictured at left) marked the cabins’ debut by cutting a ceremonial ribbon with a precision axe throw.
Also on hand at the event were Delaware North senior executives such as Co-CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. and Parks and Resorts President Scott Socha, both of whom were joined by Tenaya Lodge General Manager Paul Ratchford and Derek Zwickey, chief operating officer of the parks and resorts division.
“On behalf of my family and our company, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of Tenaya’s Explorer Cabins,” Jacobs said. “Bringing people closer to the environment, giving them the opportunity to engage with and enjoy what’s here at the gateway to Yosemite — that is exactly the role we want to play as a company.”
The Explorer Cabins were part of a $25 million investment to enhance the resort’s lodging, dining and recreation options in 2019.
Among the other new experiences at the property this summer are an aerial trekking course just for kids and expanded Yosemite Valley tour options in one-of-a-kind open-air buses.
“We really wanted to enhance the entire experience of Tenaya Lodge and create a ‘sense of place’ with each of our guests,” Socha said.
The Explorer Cabins offer a unique “cabineering” experience that combines the refined comforts of a modern cabin, personalized service and the perks of a full-service resort — all in a pristine mountain setting.
The 50 standalone, two-bedroom Explorer Cabins are nestled within a forest of sugar pines and incense cedars and surrounded by nature trails. Families can enjoy spacious, relaxed and well-appointed accommodations — some with bunkbeds in the second bedroom — that are intimately connected to the adventure and captivating natural beauty of the Yosemite-Sierra region.
At 650 square feet, the “mountain modern” cabins sleep up to six guests and include a living room, kitchen area, two bedrooms and a private deck. Each cabin has a fireplace and custom finishes and fixtures such as granite countertops, plank flooring, plush sleeper sofa and cozy Pendleton blankets.
Artwork featuring noteworthy Yosemite explorers provides a glimpse into the region’s history, while thoughtful amenities such as a cabin journal for guests to leave observations and tips for fellow travelers, discovery cards highlighting area flora and fauna and custom amenities on arrival further the connection with the iconic location.
PHOTO CAPTION (TOP): Pictured from left to right at the grand opening of the Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge are Scott Socha, president of Delaware North’s parks and resorts division; Derek Zwickey, chief operating officer of the park and resorts division; Paul Ratchford, general manager of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite; and Jerry Jacobs Jr., Co-CEO of Delaware North. Ratchford displays an axe that was used to cut the ceremonial ribbon.