FAQs: Your Guide to Visiting Yellowstone in Winter

Planning your first winter escape to Yellowstone National Park? You likely have questions about how to craft the perfect journey. We have the answers. To ensure your adventure is as seamless as it is unforgettable, our reservation agents have compiled the most frequently asked questions. From selecting your accommodations to curating your daily activities, here is everything you need to know about experiencing the magic of Yellowstone in winter.

Your First Winter Visit

Q: Why should I experience Yellowstone in winter?

A: A winter visit to Yellowstone offers a rare, intimate encounter with one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Witness the park transformed into a realm of fire and ice, where geyser basins emit billowing clouds of steam against a backdrop of pristine snow. This season provides unparalleled opportunities for photography, exclusive wildlife viewing, and serene cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures away from the summer crowds.

Q: How do I navigate the park during the winter season?

A: The road from the North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) to the Northeast Entrance is the only road accessible to personal vehicles year-round. All other interior park roads close to automobiles and are accessible exclusively by commercial over-snow transportation. Our fleet of custom snowcoaches, operated by seasoned local guides, provides daily transport over the snow-covered roads between Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Each journey is a fully guided tour, offering expert insights into Yellowstone’s extraordinary winter scenery.

To further enhance your seamless arrival, we offer a daily winter airport shuttle bus service from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, allowing you to bypass the need for a rental vehicle and entrust your travel to our experienced drivers.

Q: Where is the best place to stay for a first-time visitor?

A: Your choice of lodging will define your experience. For an immersive wildlife expedition, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, situated in the heart of the Northern Range, is your ideal basecamp—a known hub for elk, bison, and wolves. For those drawn to the park’s iconic geothermal wonders, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers a cozy sanctuary amidst a landscape of geysers and hot springs. Please note that reaching the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in winter requires booking over-snow transportation.

Q: How can I experience as much of the park as possible?

A: A range of tours and cross-country ski shuttles depart daily from Mammoth and Snow Lodge. Experience the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone by cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowcoach. Venture out to Norris Geyser Basin, West Thumb Geyser Basin, or the Firehole Basin. Looking to stay a bit closer to your lodging? Ski and snowshoe trails are accessible right out the door. If that’s not enough, outdoor skating rinks with complimentary skates for guests are just outside the lobbies of both Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Visit the Bear Den Ski Shop for all your cross-country ski and snowshoe needs, including rentals, lessons, and tours.

Q: What dining options are available in the winter?

Dining Rooms can be found at both the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Visit our winter dining webpage for the latest information on operating dates and hours. Both dining rooms serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the winter season. Additionally, you’ll find the Geyser Grill at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge serving quick-serve casual food.

Dinner reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance of your arrival. Guests with hotel reservations will receive a dedicated link to secure their dining times. Please note that some of our winter packages may already include dinner reservations; we encourage you to review your itinerary for details.

Planning & Booking Your Visit

Q: How far in advance should I book my winter trip?

A: Winter is a quieter, more exclusive season, often allowing for reservations with less advance notice than in summer. However, for travel during peak holiday periods, we strongly recommend booking well in advance. Our reservation calendar opens 13 months ahead of time; on the 5th of each month, we release availability for the entire corresponding month of the following year. For example, all dates for December 2026 will become available on December 5th, 2025.

Q: Do you offer winter vacation packages?

A: Yes, our winter packages are designed to provide convenient, expertly crafted itineraries. Our packages include accommodations, daily guided tours, in-park transportation, and some or all meals included in the package price.

• The Old Faithful Winter Expedition Package is a five-night package that offers a moderately active and in-depth learning experience, complete with the comforts of our facilities and services, led by knowledgeable instructors from the Yellowstone Forever Institute.
• Cuddle up with your honey on our Couples Winter Package, our an all-inclusive 5-night guided winter exploration that includes many of the renowned natural features in Yellowstone, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, and impressive Old Faithful Geyser basin.
• Unleash your inner adventurer with the Winter Wolf Discovery Package. This package offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe wolves in their natural habitat, guided by knowledgeable Yellowstone Forever educators to deepen your understanding of wolf behavior and ecology on daily excursions.

Winter Activities

Q: What if I have never cross-country skied before?

A: Yellowstone is the perfect place to begin. Cross-country skiing is a safe and accessible way to explore the park’s serene landscapes, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Our Bear Den Ski Shops offer expert lessons and high-quality rentals, available as a package (skis, boots, poles, gaiters) or à la carte. Please note that we do not accept advance reservations for ski gear.

Q: What are the premier trails for skiing and snowshoeing?

A: Yellowstone boasts an extensive network of trails for all abilities.

• For Skiers: Near Mammoth Hot Springs, the Upper Terrace Loop and Indian Creek Loop (accessible by skier shuttle) are popular choices. You can also venture further afield to trails around the Tower area or further northeast towards Cooke City. At Old Faithful, several machine-groomed trails, like the path from the ski shop to Morning Glory Pool, are perfect for beginners. Advanced skiers might seek the challenge of the Mallard Lake trail.
• For Snowshoers: Most ski trails are open to snowshoers, but we ask that you practice proper trail etiquette by avoiding the ski tracks. For a dedicated experience at Old Faithful, the 2-mile Observation Point Loop is a snowshoe-only trail offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Upper Geyser Basin.

Park Environment & Safety

Q: Can we swim or soak in any of the hot springs?

A: No. The thermal features in Yellowstone are extremely fragile and dangerously hot. For both visitor safety and the protection of these natural wonders, swimming and soaking in hot springs within the park are strictly prohibited. Several developed hot springs are available for soaking just outside the park, including Yellowstone Hot Springs and Chico Hot Springs. You can also book a hot cabin at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel for your very own private hot tub experience.

Q: What kind of weather and temperatures should I expect?

A: Winter in Yellowstone is characterized by cold and dry conditions. Daytime temperatures typically range from 0°F to 20°F (-18°C to -7°C) and frequently fall below zero at night. Wind chill can make temperatures feel even colder. Average annual snowfall is 150 inches (380 cm). You should always be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.

Q: What is the recommended attire for a winter visit?

A: Layering is essential. We recommend moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating mid-layers of fleece or wool (avoid cotton). Your outermost layer should be a waterproof and windproof shell. Heavy-duty, waterproof boots, gloves, and headwear are crucial. The dry climate also requires sunscreen, lip balm, and lotion. If you are taking a snowcoach to the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, please note the luggage limit is two bags per person, plus a small carry-on and one pair of skis or snowshoes.

We trust this guide has answered your initial questions. To book your exclusive Yellowstone getaway or for any further inquiries, please contact our reservation specialists at (307) 344-7311 or make your reservations online. We look forward to welcoming you.