Total Yellowstone Winter Program
At a glance...
Dates: Inquire December - March
Gardiner, MT (Yellowstone's North Enterance), Old Faithful
Best for: Couples, adult family groups, all ages 6+.
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Wolf Watching in North America’s Serengeti
Since colonial times, the wolf has been seen as a threat and nuisance to human civilization.
They were persecuted beginning in Europe in the Middle Ages and killed up through the
1970’s in North America. After a 70-year absence in Yellowstone National Park the wolf was
brought back to Yellowstone. On this day, your guide will pick you up from your locally owned
and operated lodging along the Yellowstone River before dawn for our best chances at
viewing wolves in the wild. Observe dynamic wolf behavior, listen for howls reverberating
off the mountainsides, and experience the best time of year to watch wolves hunt their prey.
We’ll also search for other wildlife, including elk, bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and a suite of
smaller mammals and birds.
Day 2 - XC Ski or Snowshoe on the Northern Range
For the very best way to experience Yellowstone, we’ll don snowshoes or xc skis to move into
the hushed winter wonderland. We use groomed and backcountry trails between Mammoth
Hot Springs and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, near Cooke City, MT. This custom
tour fits clients’ skill level and priorities. If you choose xc skiing, our private guide will instruct
you on the fundamentals to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable! Throughout the
day, we’ll learn about the unique winter ecology of Yellowstone.
Day 3 - Private Snowcoach Charter Yellowstone’s Winter Wonderland
Today you will check out of your lodging and be driven to Mammoth Hot Springs where we’ll
embark a private chartered snowcoach to explore Yellowstone’s exclusive winter wonderland.
Accessible only by over-snow vehicles, we’ll view the impressive Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone River with it’s thundering falls, and drive along the Firehole River venturing
through nearby geyser basins on our way to your exclusive lodging tucked away in the
wilderness. Visit the interior of Yellowstone, the quietest time of year and encounter a brilliant
white canvas on which to observe animals and birds surviving in a harsh climate. Experience
the world’s largest active supervolcano expressing itself through active thermal features that
let us peer into the windows of our Earth.
Add a Snowshoe or XC ski option at the canyon for no extra charge.
Day 4 - Snowshoe or Ski + Night Tour: Steam Stars & Soundscapes
Spend the morning snowshoeing the upper geyser basin experiencing the force of water:
waterfalls, colorful pools and active geysers that are the surface expression of the inner
workings of Planet Earth. More focused skiers will have the option to take a ski drop to
the top of the continental divide with your private ski guide. After dinner, experience a
one-of-a-kind outing, Steam, Stars, and Soundscapes, where you will tap into your senses
and experience the sounds, smells, chill and warmth of walking the geyser basins at night.
Bonus is seeing the Milky Way on this night sky tour!
[The evening excursion is optional, and in a group setting. $90/pp.]
Day 5 - Return to Mammoth Hot Springs
This is the last full day of the program. We will depart Old Faithful Snowlodge and return
to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel via snowcoach with sighseeing stops along the way.
If you prefer to spend an extra night your guide will drive you back to your lodging.
Day 6 - Check out and Departure
Included:
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Door-to-door transportation from Bozeman International Airport (BZN) to Gardiner, MT, daily programmings, and Old Faithful.
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Continental breakfast and hearty snacks, and lunches in the field provided. Dinner on your own.
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Hot and cold beverages
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Quality spotting scopes
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Binoculars
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A water carafe from which to refill your personal water bottle
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We always carry a first aid kit and bear spray, our guides was Wilderness First Responder Certified.
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Affordable snowshoe and XC rentals can be arranged.
What to bring:
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National Park Service entrance fee or pass
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Reusable water bottles (we always have extras for you, but love to reduce single-use plastic.)
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Winter Layers: Non-cotton fabrics. It is not uncommon to see a 50° temperature change over the course of a day here in the Rocky Mountains.
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Warm, waterproof winter boots
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Base layers and waterproof outer layers, including a heavy synthetic or down jacket, and snowpants if skiing or snowshoeing.
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Warm winter hat
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Gloves or mittens
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A daypack if planning for a more active day.
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Camera
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Anything else to make you comfortable and safe (i.e. sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, personal medications, inhaler)