Yellowstone National Park Lodges and Yellowstone Association Institute Introduce Package for First-Time Winter Visitors
For Immediate Release
Photos Available
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – October 31, 2013 – Xanterra Parks & Resorts’ Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the operator of lodging, restaurants and activities in Yellowstone, and the Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) have teamed up to offer “Y Not Winter,” a discounted “Lodging & Learning” package geared specifically to first-time visitors to the park in winter.
“We know there are people who would love to see why we call the winter season in Yellowstone ‘Wonderland,’ but are hesitant to visit because they think they must be experienced winter travelers,” said Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Xanterra in Yellowstone. “With ‘YNot Winter,’ we address all of our participants’ concerns and help them relax and have fun.”
The experience begins long before participants actually travel to Yellowstone, said Hoeninghausen.
“After a guest registers for the trip, they will have access to Yellowstone Association Institute staff, who can answer more specific questions about the itinerary, things to bring and the winter experience in general. Again, the goal is to help guests make an informed decision and better understand how wonderful this park is during winter. After they’ve been here we’re confident they’ll want to come back again for a more in-depth trip.”
Y Not Winter features a relaxed itinerary with fun and easy introductions to classic winter activities such as cross country skiing, snow shoeing and wildlife watching. As with all Lodging & Learning programs, Xanterra provides lodging, some meals and in-park transportation while YAI naturalist guides share their expertise.
Guests can choose one of two versions of “Y Not Winter.” The first features three nights of accommodations in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, wolf and wildlife watching in the Lamar Valley and a snowcoach tour to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
The second option features two nights at the Mammoth Hotel as well as one night at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, accessible only by over-the-snow vehicles.
Xanterra and YAI provide packing lists and itineraries to make planning as easy as possible and to maximize anticipation of the trip beforehand and comfort during. Complete itineraries are available at www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/assets/Y-Not-Winter-2014.pdf
In addition to lodging and in-park transportation, both programs include all breakfasts and lunches, one dinner, ski and snow shoe rentals and lesson, one welcome gift per person, unlimited ice skating and one SnowCard good for a 10 percent discount on select retail items, tours, rentals and meals. A special bonus feature is an included family membership ($35 value) in the Yellowstone Association. Existing YA members can gift the membership to another family.
Rates are based upon double occupancy and do not include taxes or utility fee. Rates for the package based solely at Mammoth are $569 per person for double occupancy and $680 per person for single occupancy. For the package featuring two nights at Mammoth and one night at Old Faithful, rates are $715 per person for double occupancy and $849 for single occupancy.
Yellowstone Association members receive a $10 discount on all courses, and family memberships begin at just $35 per year.
Lodging & Learning programs can be booked by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375) or by submitting the secure online package reservation request form found on the website.
Except for the road from Gardiner, Mont. to Cooke City, Mont. via Mammoth Hot Springs, transportation within the park is limited to snowmobiles and enclosed heated snowcoaches during the winter. Snowcoach transportation is available daily to a variety of park locations. Xanterra also offers a wide range of half- and full-day snowcoach, ski and snowshoe tours and ski and snowshoe rentals as well as expert instruction and other services.
Complete details about “Lodging & Learning” packages as well as winter “Getaway” and “Adventure” packages, accommodations, restaurants and activities in Yellowstone can be found by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375), or visiting the web site www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com.