Snowdonia Mountain Railway
Travel on Britain’s only rack and pinion railway to Hafod Eryri, the stunning new visitor centre at the Summit of Snowdon. Visit the website
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NYOverview
If it's dramatic, breath-taking 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 Mount Snowdon, over 1,000ft above sea level, this Youth 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 Snowdonia. The hostel also pays tribute to its famous past and information about the surrounding mountains can be seen throughout the building.
Why guests love YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Accommodation at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Food and drink at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Things to do around YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Walking and rambling in Snowdonia
From the front door of all our Snowdonia hostels you will be treated to unrivalled access to some of the UK's finest walking and hiking territory. From YHA Snowdon Pen-Y-Pass: There are three route
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
Portmeirion
Portmeirion, the setting for the cult 60s series The Prisoner – 'I am not a number. I am a free man.
Greenwood Forest Park
The rides and activities at this unique eco-attraction have been designed for fun with a difference – you provide the energy!
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
Electric Mountain
Electric Mountain is home to the Dinorwig Power Station, set in the mountains of Snowdonia and dubbed "Britain's largest battery" this hydroelectric station houses 6 electric generators producing
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
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.
Bach Ventures
Bach Ventures offers courses in rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and adventure activities in the beautiful area of Snowdonia. Open to families, friends, youth groups, and school trips. Visit
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 Por
Snowdonia Riding Stables
Located between 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
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.
Zip World - Fforest
In a stunning woodland setting nestled in the North Wales Conwy Valley, close to the iconic Snowdonia village of Betws y Coed, a host of forest adventures and foodie delights await.
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
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- Ambulant accessible
- Baby changing
- Breakfast
- 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
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- 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.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Café opening hours: Mallory’s Café & Bar is currently closed midweek and only offers takeaway hot drinks and cake at weekends.
Parking: Parking is available in the SNPA car park across the road from the hostel as this hostel does not have its own car park. Parking in the SNPA Pen y Pass car park costs from £18 and is only available if pre booked. Bookings can be made at justpark.com. Alternative pay and display parking is available 3.5 miles away in Nant Peris. The cost is £5 (payable by cash only), and your ticket will be valid for 24 hours. Tickets can be purchased for multiple days at the same time. You can get to the hostel via the Sherpa bus S1 or S2 until late evening or by pre-booked 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 - 153.53 KB)
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 at this hostel through YHA volunteering.
History
Welsh for 'resting place', the Gorphwysfa Hotel was a famed mountaineers inn. The hotel was 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.
