Scheduled public transportation departs once daily from the airport to Yellowstone’s Mammoth area just inside the park’s north
entrance, and three times daily to West Yellowstone, just outside
the park’s west entrance.
If snowmobiling is to be a major activity, choose West
Yellowstone, the small gateway town that bills itself as America’s
“Snowmobile Capital.” Several hundred miles of groomed snowmobile trails wind through national forest land north and south of
town. An access trail begins in town near several convenient snowmobile rental locations. The snow-covered local airport is closed
during winter and serves as a convenient practice area for snowmobile novices. Although guides are available for hire, you can utilize trails in the national forest without a guide. However,
Yellowstone National Park requires professional guides and
restricts the types and number of snowmobiles inside the park.
After spending two or three nights in the small town of West
Yellowstone (depending on how much time you want to snowmobile) take a scheduled snowcoach to the Old Faithful area of
Yellowstone. Overnight accommodations are available at upscale
Old Faithful Snow Lodge and nearby cabins, one of only two lodging facilities open inside the park during winter. The nearby and
more famous Old Faithful Inn is open only from early May to late
October. The Snow Lodge offers rentals of snowmobiles, snowshoes, cross-country skis and ice skates. Remember, snowmobiling inside the park requires accompaniment by a guide. Snowshoes
or skis allow you to traverse the nearby thermal areas that offer
scenic winter photo opportunities.
Although famous Old Faithful Geyer remains faithful even during the cold winter months, its eruptions bring large plumes of
steam that often obscure much of the surging water. Try to spend
at least three nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Allow one day for
exploration of the Old Faithful area by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the nearby thermal areas. A visitor center near
David and Kay Scott
Authors David and Kay Scott pose beside
a snowcoach in Yellowstone. They shot
this view of wildlife from the front of the
coach.
David and Kay Scott
the lodge offers daily interpretive programs. A second day allows
time for a snowmobile or snowcoach trip to the canyon area in the
eastern section of the park. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is
the most spectacular sight in the park and shouldn’t be missed.
Spend the evenings relaxing while reading a book or talking with
other guests in front of the large lobby fireplace. Snow Lodge has
an attractive restaurant and separate bar.
