Yellowstone’s Winter Season Starts Saturday
Yellowstone National Park opens for winter at 8 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the park.
Select roads are open for motorized oversnow travel, and visitors can travel the interior roads on commercially-guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches from the west and south entrances.
Visitors with proper permits can participate in the non-commercially guided snowmobile trips.
Travel between the north entrance and Swan Lake Flat will be limited to commercially-guided snowcoaches. This section will remain closed to visitor snowmobile use until more snow accumulates on the road.
Travel from the park’s east entrance over Sylvan Pass is scheduled to begin Dec. 22, depending on the weather.
The road from the park’s north entrance at Gardiner, Mont., through Mammoth Hot Springs to Cooke City, Mont., is open to wheeled vehicle travel all year.
If you are planning a trip to the park in the winter, please be prepared, because weather is extremely unpredictable and road closures or delays can happen with little or no warning.
Carry emergency survival equipment and dress appropriately for activities in very cold weather.
The park's lodging and services are limited during winter. These are the winter services available and when they will open:
- Old Faithful: The Visitor Education Center, Geyser Grill, and Bear Den Gift Shop and Ski Shop open Saturday. The Snow Lodge, cabins and Obsidian Dining Room open Sunday.
- Mammoth Hot Springs: The Mammoth Hotel Map Room Barrista/Bar, buffet, gift Shop and ski shop open Sunday. The Albright Visitor Center, Mammoth General Store, medical clinic, campground, and post office are open year-round.
- Service Stations: The 24-hour gasoline pumps at Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, and Old Faithful are open year-round.
Warming huts at Canyon, Fishing Bridge, Indian Creek, Madison, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and West Thumb provide shelter. Some huts are staffed during business hours. Food, restrooms, and water are available at some huts. All warming huts will open Saturday, except Mammoth Hot Springs, which opens Sunday.
Yellowstone also offers a variety of activities such as ranger-led programs, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.