Travel Tips for your Yellowstone Winter Vacation

Visiting Yellowstone in the winter is like being let in on one of America’s best, most beloved secrets: when the park is covered in snow, it becomes a magical winter wonderland. If you’re ready for an entirely new, other-worldly experience, then pack your bags-and your jacket, hat, and mittens-and get ready for a dramatic, often overlooked adventure!

With changeable weather patterns, fluctuating temperatures, snow-covered roads, and seasonal services available, here’s a helpful guide to ensure you’re prepared and ready to enjoy this magical experience.

What to Expect

Yellowstone’s vast size means weather conditions can vary significantly depending on where you are in the park. Be prepared for cold temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 0–20°F and the possibility of sub-zero temperatures at night. Snowfall is abundant, averaging 150 inches annually, with some higher elevations receiving even more.

Winter weather can also impact accessibility. The park’s northern entrance and roads in the park may temporarily close due to severe conditions, so it’s essential to stay informed. Call 307-344-2117 for recorded road updates or sign up for text alerts by texting 82190 to 888777.

What to Pack

Staying warm and dry is crucial for enjoying your winter trip. Yellowstone’s winter conditions demand proper gear:

• Clothing: Pack plenty of insulating layers, including mid-weight and heavyweight options, along with a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
• Accessories: Bring an insulated hat that covers your ears, gloves, a neck gaiter or scarf, and heavyweight wool or synthetic socks.
• Footwear: Insulated, water-repellent boots are a must. Regular hiking boots won’t provide enough warmth or protection.
• Extras: A thermos for hot drinks, sunscreen, lip balm, and pocket hand/foot warmers will make your outings more comfortable.

Check out our list of Yellowstone winter essentials for a full breakdown of what to pack.

Where to Stay

Yellowstone offers two lodging options during the winter, each with its own unique appeal:

1. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

   • This is the only lodging accessible by car during the winter, making it a convenient base for wildlife watching, winter sports, and snowcoach excursions.
   • For an extra special experience, consider booking one of the hot tub cabins and take a dip under a starry sky in your own private hot tub.

2. Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

   • Accessible only by snowcoach, this lodge is ideal for those looking to explore the park’s iconic geysers and hot springs.
   • Guests can rent skis or snowshoes to explore the Upper Geyser Basin. Choose from lodge rooms or cozy Western and Frontier Cabins.

Both options provide a warm and welcoming retreat after a day of winter adventures.

Getting Around

Navigating Yellowstone in winter requires some planning, as most interior roads are closed to regular vehicles from early November through mid-April. Here’s how to get around:

• Snowcoach: We offer snowcoach transportation between the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
• Self-Driving: There is only one park road open to personal vehicles. The road between Gardiner, MT (North Entrance), and Cooke City, MT, is plowed, but conditions can be challenging. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive is highly recommended, and sometimes essential.
• Airport Shuttle Service: A daily winter airport shuttle bus runs from Bozeman International Airport to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, allowing you to skip the hassle of driving. Note that you must have a lodging reservation at Mammoth or Old Faithful to use this service.

Check the park’s interactive map and road timetable to plan your routes and ensure a smooth journey. To determine which routes are passable in the winter, refer to this interactive park map and road opening/closing timetable.

What to Do

Winter in Yellowstone offers a unique mix of outdoor adventures and cozy indoor activities. Browse all of our WINTER ADVENTURES here.

Outdoor Adventures

• Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: Yellowstone is a Nordic skiing paradise, with miles of groomed and skier-tracked trails. Rent gear, book a lesson, or join a guided tour. Snowshoeing is also a fantastic way to explore off-the-beaten-path areas—if you can walk, you can snowshoe!
• Wildlife Watching: Winter is prime time for spotting bison, elk, wolves, coyotes, and more. Join a guided wildlife tour in Lamar Valley, a Wake Up to Wildlife tour, or a Madison Wildlife Excursion. Don’t forget your camera!
• Ice Skating: Both Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge make outdoor ice rinks (weather permitting). Skates are complimentary, and you can’t beat the fun of taking a spin around the ice before or after dinner.

Indoor Activities

• Check for special events or programs happening during your visit. We often host educational talks, artist workshops, and other cozy gatherings during the winter.
• Relax to music in the lobby during the evening and recount the day’s adventure next to a cozy fireplace.
• Bring your favorite game or a deck of cards and play while you enjoy a warm beverage from the bar.

Winter in Yellowstone is a quieter, more intimate experience, offering breathtaking scenery and unique opportunities to connect with the natural world. With the right preparation, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!