Yellowstone National Park Lodges Announces Lineup of Winter Lodging and Learning Packages
For Immediate Release
Photos Available
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – October 19, 2015 – Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the manager of lodging, restaurants and activities in Yellowstone National Park, and the Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) will offer six “Lodging and Learning” packages this winter in Yellowstone.
The park’s winter season begins Dec. 18, 2015 with the opening of the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Dec. 20, 2015. The lodges provide the only wintertime accommodations within the park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel will close for the season Feb. 29, 2016, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge will close Feb. 28, 2016.
“A winter Lodging and Learning program has been the top choice for many people who want to enjoy wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing and geology through a program that provides a more active and in-depth itinerary,” said Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
The popular multi-day vacations are collaborations between concessioner Xanterra and the non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute. Each program includes accommodations, some meals and Xanterra’s “Snow Card” good for 10 percent off meals, in-park transportation, tours, ski shop services and most retail items. Some Lodging and Learning package components vary based on location. Rates quoted here are per person, double occupancy, plus tax and utility fee. Rates vary based on location, room type, number of people and applicable tax rates. Yellowstone Association members pay $10 less than the quoted rate.
“Y Not Winter?: A Beginners’ Experience in Yellowstone” was developed to address concerns of prospective guests who are under the perception that such a trip to the park is only for hard-core adventurers. Y Not Winter features a relaxed itinerary with fun and easy introductions to classic winter activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing and wildlife watching. The package includes three nights of lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, in-park transportation, naturalist guide instruction, all breakfasts and lunches, one dinner, ski and snowshoe rentals and lesson, one welcome gift per person, unlimited ice skating and one Snow Card good for a 10 percent discount on select retail items, tours, rentals and meals. Available Jan. 8, 15 and 22, 2016, rates start at $999 per person for double occupancy and $1,189 for single occupancy.
The “Old Faithful Winter Expedition” features two nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and three nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Under the guidance of an Institute instructor, stops throughout the park include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Lake and various geyser basins. The program is offered on designated dates between Dec. 20, 2015 and Feb. 24, 2016. Rates start at $1,689 per person for double occupancy and $2,155 for single occupancy.
The “Winter Wildlife Expedition” allows participants to observe and learn about bison, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, wolves and other wildlife. Available on Dec. 23 and 30, 2015, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2016 and Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2016, this program features four nights of lodging at Mammoth Hotel. Rates start at $845 per person for double occupancy and $1,099 for single occupancy.
“Yellowstone on Skis” features five days of cross-country skiing with daily trips to the Blacktail Plateau, Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and the foot of the Gallatin Range. The program is led by a naturalist/guide from the YAI, and a professional cross-country skiing instructor will accompany the group on two days to help participants improve their skills. Offered on Feb. 3, 10 and 17, 2016, the package includes three nights of lodging at Mammoth Hotel and three nights of lodging at Snow Lodge. Rates start at $2,045 per person for double occupancy and $2,569 for single occupancy.
The “Winter Wolf Discovery” is offered on Dec. 21 and 28, 2015 and Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2016. Instructors provide expertise on the reintroduction of wolves to the park and lead wildlife viewing excursions through the Lamar Valley. This four-night package includes accommodations at Mammoth Hotel. Rates start at $845 per person for double occupancy and $1,099 for single occupancy.
“Winter in Wonderland” is designed as a comprehensive introduction to Yellowstone in winter. Guests receive four nights of lodging at Mammoth Hotel and two nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Guests explore the park via snowcoach, skis and snowshoes and learn about wildlife in the Lamar Valley, geology in the Old Faithful region and more. This program runs Monday through Sunday starting Dec. 20 and 27, 2015, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and Feb. 7, 14, and 2016. Rates start at $1,799 per person for double occupancy and $2,275 for single occupancy.
Xanterra also offers a variety of self-guided winter “Getaway Packages” and a guided “Adventure Package” as well as lodging and transportation options for those who want to explore the park on their own.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers an airport shuttle from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport provides a convenient and cost-saving option for traveling to/from the park. Package participants receive a special rate of $42 (plus applicable taxes/fees) each way, a savings from the regular rate of $53.50 plus tax each way.
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