Plas Menai National Watersports Centre
Ideal for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and powerboating with easy access to the open sea and superb coastal scenery. Visit the website
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Overview
If it's dramatic, breathtaking views of mountainous landscapes you're after then YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is the location for you. Situated at the foot of the magnificent Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and over 1,000ft above sea level, this hostel is the perfect choice for climbing holidays and budding mountaineers.
This much-loved and famed location is now a state-of-the-art accommodation base in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia). The hostel also pays tribute to its famous past and information about the surrounding mountains can be seen throughout the building.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is not offered here
- Entire place is not offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Welcoming base at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
- Unique location with spectacular views
- Fantastic bar and restaurant facilities
Accommodation at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 110 people
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass sits at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), giving school trips and adventure lovers a head start up the mountain. You can choose from two stunning routes up the highest mountain in Wales, right from the hostel's front door.
The hostel is the go-to location for climbing groups and we’ll advise you on hiking routes like Crib Goch, the Miners Track and the Pyg Track. You'll be spoilt for choice with the Cromlech Boulders and Snowdon Horseshoe nearby. Or sign up for an amazing adventure with Plas-y-Brenin for a week of rock climbing, abseiling or thrilling water sports.
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
What the hostel lacks in mobile signal and internet, it makes up for in fabulous décor and comfy places to relax. Groups can spread out in the stylish lounge and dining room or enjoy a drink from the licensed bar. Classroom space is available too.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
Parking is available at the hostel.
Accredited site
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (105545).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- Baby changing
- Café
- Contactless payments
- Corridor zoning
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Minibus parking nearby
- Mountain view
- Near bus stop
- No mobile coverage
- Outdoor seating
- Paid on-street parking
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Skywatching kit
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Water refill station
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception hours: From 07:30 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 10:00 at weekends. Meals are also available from 15:00 – 21:00.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Café opening hours: YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass' Café & Bar is open to the public from 07:30 - 22:00, Monday to Sunday, serving cold snacks, cakes and a range of hot and cold drinks. Meals are available from 15:00 – 21:00.
Parking: This hostel has no customer parking. Parking is available in a private car park across the road. Spaces must be pre-booked online in summer, at least an hour in advance and can cost up to £40 per day (or £20 for 8 hours). In winter, this car park operates pay and display parking, with no pre-booking required and a charge of £10 per day. A single space is available for Blue Badge holders – this space is free but cannot be pre-booked. Alternative pay and display parking is available 3 miles away at Nant Peris Park & Ride. The charge is £5 per day, plus the bus fare (£3 single). Pre-booking is not required. You can travel to the hostel via the Park & Ride bus until approximately 6.30pm (bus times vary seasonally) or by local taxis.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass - Access Statement
(PDF download - 169.52 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Things to do around YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Walking and Rambling in Pen-y-Pass
If you're planning on staying at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can...
Walking and rambling in Eryri (Snowdonia)
If you're planning on staying at one of our Eryri (Snowdonia) hostels, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that...
Betws-y-Coed – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre
Visit the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre at Betws-y-Coed – the perfect place to learn about what makes Eryri (Snowdonia) spectacular as well as advice on visiting sustainably...
Beddgelert – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre
Visit the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre at Beddgelert for all you need to know about exploring the area sustainably and making the most of your visit to Wales. Information centres...
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Travel on the glorious line from Caernarfon through Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog – some 40 miles of narrow-gauge steam! These are 2 separate railways which meet at the central station of Portmadog...
Portmeirion
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Zip World - Slate Caverns
A unique range of very special adventures. Experience Europe's longest Ziplines, or massive underground trampolines and high-rope cavern adventures called Bounce Below. See the Zip World website for...
Zip World - Penrhyn Quarry
A unique range of very special adventures. Experience the world's fastest Ziplines, or a tour of the quarry.. See the Zip World website for full details of all the adventures.
Sygun Copper Mine
Tour the large colourful chambers, magnificent stalactite and stalagmites and copper ore veins with traces of gold and silver. Visit the website
Caernarfon Castle
Mighty Caernarfon is the most famous of Wales' castles, built over 800 years ago. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest. This is where the investiture of Prince...
Zip World - Fforest
In a stunning woodland setting nestled in the North Wales Conwy Valley, close to the iconic Eryri (Snowdonia) village of Betws-y-Coed, a host of forest adventures and foodie delights await. With...
Electric Mountain
Electric Mountain is home to the Dinorwig Power Station, set in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and dubbed "Britain's largest battery" this hydroelectric station houses 6 electric generators...
Snowdonia Riding Stables
Located between Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the sea, experience superb riding amongst some of the best mountain and coastal scenery in the British Isles, whatever your ability. Visit the website
Snowdonia Mountain Railway
Travel on Britain’s only rack and pinion railway to Hafod Eryri, the stunning new visitor centre at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Visit the website
Climbing in Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Try the brilliant tracks directly across the road from the hostel. Crib Goch offers grade 1 scrambling opportunities, with lots of famous climbing crags available in the immediate area. Cromlech...
Greenwood Forest Park
The rides and activities at this unique eco-attraction have been designed for fun with a difference – you provide the energy!
More about this hostel
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
History
Welsh for 'resting place', the Gorphwysfa Hotel was a famed mountaineers inn built in the 1870s. The building was sold to YHA in 1968 to become YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: An ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) can be a life affirming moment, and it’s within your grasp and on the doorstep at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass. The starts of the Miners, PYG and infamous Crib Goch routes are only feet away. Or escape the crowds in the Glyderau with a visit to Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr hiking North West from the hostel. Be sure to grab a photo on the famous ‘Cantilever Stone’ rock formation.
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