Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park was formed as the United States' first nationalized type park in 1872. It covers three states, including Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, Montana. It incredible beauty and lush countryside is mainly wilderness, housing the world's largest collection of hot springs and geysers, which even in the winter add a fairy-like atmosphere to the peaceful surroundings. In fact, winter is a most endearing time, still a favourite spot for skiers, snowmobilers and other tourists.
Winter in Yellowstone National Park is a time of peace and wonderment. It stretches across the most amazing landscape in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, providing a winter home for elk, bison, wolves and sleeping grizzlies. However, life is never hard to find as its many hot springs and incredible geysers chug and spurt all year round, making for a warming environment for visitors of all ages. In fact, activities abound in the winter, including snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tours and just general winter picnicking and frolicking.
Yellowstone is set in a wintery landscape of deep snow and steaming geysers like Old Faithful. As it is mainly a managed wilderness with many backcountry trails open to cross-country skiers, the park provides for all levels of skill. Many trails are unplowed and only a handful has proper tracks. However, skiers are warned to be cautious on the roadways as many snowmobilers use the same routes.
Whether skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, guests are warned to remember that Yellowstone is a wilderness with all the usual dangers of the wilds, including further hazards such as avalanches, changing weather, deep snows, sudden drops into open streams and unexpected thermal anomalies. In fact, all visitors using the backcountry areas of the park are expected to purchase a backcountry permit and understand the rules and safety measures enforced by the park. The park holds no responsibility for careless or reckless behaviour from visitors or any liability should something go wrong. Therefore being prepared for all situations is essential.
The park has incredible elevations, ranging from seven thousand feet to ten thousand feet. Many skiers or snowshoers plan overnight camping trips to allow themselves to test their abilities prior to engaging on long excursions along the longest trails. Cross-country skiers are advised to avoid equipment that is not designed for mountaineering or touring, especially the racing skis that are unable to handle many of the snowy conditions that the park provides.
For those who don't ski or engage in other winter sports, Yellowstone provides tours for snowcoaching. These tours are generally held from mid-December to mid-March, dependent on weather and other conditions, but are extremely popular with families with children and the elderly.
Despite the heavy snows and other winter wonders, famous sites, including Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful still draw in many tourists. Winter is especially attractive as the steamy warmth of these thermal features are welcoming when the temperatures dip down well below zero. In fact, there are ranger programs specifically designed for these experiences and are well advised for those who want to do more than just gaze at these features and wish to learn something about the nature and geology of the area.
Though the majority of facilities are closed during the winter months in Yellowstone, there are still concession providers and areas that provide warmth, refreshments and even food. Nearby hotels, lodges, warming huts and visitor centers are as popular during the winter as they are during the summer.
Yellowstone National Park is both a summer and winter place of adventure. Winter has its own character that makes the park and its activities very popular with all age groups and people from around the world.
Other pages you might find helpful:
Yellow Stone Park Page
Everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Yellowstone Winter Vacations
Experience the wonders of Yellowstone National Park during winter!
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