YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass

A mountain hostel at the foot of Snowdon

YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is a famous hostel in an unrivalled position high at Pen-y-Pass, right at the foot of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). With direct access to the classic Pyg Track and Miners’ Track, comfortable great-value accommodation and good facilities for walkers, it is a superb base for tackling the high mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) — quite simply one of the best-placed bases for the peaks in Wales. Guests rate it 8.5 out of 10, with the location scoring an outstanding 9.5.

The accommodation

Set at over 1,100 feet in the heart of the mountains, the hostel offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms (sleeping two to seven), with both en-suite and shared-bathroom options. There is a self-catering kitchen for guests who like to cater for themselves, and the on-site Pen y Pass Café and Bar serves food and drink, with a cooked breakfast buffet available. WiFi is available in the public areas. It is a friendly, sociable base with a real mountain atmosphere.

The location

The position is the whole point: the two most famous walking routes up Snowdon — the Pyg Track and the Miners’ Track — start right from the door, and the rugged peaks of the Glyderau rise nearby. It is a dream base for hikers, climbers and anyone wanting to be in the thick of the mountains. A couple of practical notes: there is no on-site parking (paid parking is available nearby and fills quickly), there is little or no mobile signal, and the minimum check-in age is 18.

At a glance

• Famous hostel at Pen-y-Pass, at the foot of Snowdon
• Dormitory beds and private rooms (en-suite and shared options)
• Direct access to the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track
• Pen y Pass Café and Bar; self-catering kitchen; breakfast buffet
• No on-site parking (paid parking nearby); minimum age 18
• Unrivalled high-mountain location

Pen-y-Pass and Snowdon

Pen-y-Pass sits at the top of the dramatic Llanberis Pass, surrounded by the highest peaks in Wales and England outside the Highlands. Beyond the routes up Snowdon and the Glyderau on the doorstep, the village of Llanberis — with the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the National Slate Museum and the lake — is a short drive down the pass, and the adventure attractions of Zip World and the gateway village of Betws-y-Coed are within easy reach. For more places to stay in the area, see our guide to Llanberis accommodation.

Good to know

A mountain hostel like this is all about the location — you simply cannot start a Snowdon ascent from anywhere closer, and the great-value beds make it ideal for walkers, climbers and groups who want to be out on the hills at first light. The mix of dorms and private rooms suits everyone from solo hikers to families, and the café-bar means you can eat and unwind on site. Do plan ahead for parking (there is none on site, and the nearby car parks are busy and often pre-booked) and remember the limited phone signal. The mountains are busiest in summer and on fine weekends, so book ahead for those dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it? At Pen-y-Pass, at the foot of Snowdon, high in the heart of Snowdonia.

Who does it suit? Walkers, climbers and groups especially — it has dorms and private rooms.

Is there parking? Not on site — paid parking is available nearby (and is best booked ahead).

Is there food? Yes — the Pen y Pass Café and Bar, plus a self-catering kitchen and a breakfast buffet.

What’s nearby? The Pyg and Miners’ Tracks, the Glyderau, Llanberis and Zip World.

For an unbeatable mountain base at the foot of Snowdon, check availability for your dates using the booking options on this page.