Ski

Two cross country skiers on a trail in Yellowstone during the winter

YELLOWSTONE SKI & SNOWSHOE TOURS

Experience the tranquility of traveling through the Yellowstone winterscape. There are miles upon miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails from which to choose. Whether on a groomed trail or in the backcountry this is sure to be an experience that you won’t soon forget. Enjoy an outing that only a small percentage of park visitors can claim as their own. Hot beverages, trail snacks, and a sack lunch are included.

TRAIL OPTIONS:

MAMMOTH AREA:

SNOW PASS SKI TRAIL

Begin by traveling south 0.4miles (0.6km) along a spur trail from the Upper Terrace parking area. From here this trail travels along a densely forested route which will climb approximately 700 feet (213m) over the course of 1.5 miles (2.4km). There will be multiple steep grades to overcome before reaching Snow Pass. Upon reaching the pass the trail travels down over a rolling landscape for 0.5 miles (0.8km) before turning left at a trail junction. Here the trail travels south along Glen Creek for 2.2 miles (3.5km) on level terrain before meeting the Grand Loop just south of Rustic Falls. From here you ski down the road to the Upper Terrace parking lot. Note: Bison & Elk frequent this trail. (*option to continue to the Bunsen Peak trail – see description following)

DIFFICULTY:

Moderate

DISTANCE:

4.2 miles (6.76 km) 700ft elevation gain/loss

DURATION:

2-3 hours

COST:

$896 first 2 in party.

BUNSEN PEAK SKI TRAIL

Beginning along the Mammoth-Norris road just south of Rustic Falls (junction with Snow Pass Trail at Swan Lake Flat) this trail is 6 mile (9.6km) point to point trail. The upper 3 miles of this trail is relatively level and suitable for all skill levels. Once the trail wraps around the northeast side of Bunsen Peak, the grade becomes steep and winds downhill dropping 960 feet (292m) over the course of 2.5 miles (4km) to Glen Creek.

DIFFICULTY:

Moderately Difficult

DISTANCE:

6 miles (9.6km) 700ft (213.36m) elevation gain/loss

DURATION:

2-3 hours

COST:

$896 first 2 in party.

*For advanced skiers this may be done in conjunction with the Snow Pass trail for a full day ski. (4-6 hours covering 10.2 miles/16.41km)

TOWER AREA:

BALCKTAIL PLATEAU SKI TRAIL (GROOMED)

This trail makes a very gradual climb of about 900 feet (274m) over the course of its first 6 miles (9.7km). At this point you ski through a timbered canyon which eventually opens up to grand vistas to the east. From here the trail descends moderately for 2 miles (3.2km) through a spruce-fir forest before rejoining the Mammoth-Tower Road. Along the route you may see elk, deer, bison, coyotes, and occasionally glimpses of wolves are possible.

DIFFICULTY:

Moderately Difficult

DISTANCE:

8 miles (12.8km) 900ft (274m) elevation gain/loss

DURATION:

4-5 hours

COST:

$896 first 2 in party.

TOWER FALL TRAIL (GROOMED)

We recommend this fantastic trail to inexperienced or beginning skiers. This relatively easy outing offers a lot of “bang for the buck”, so to speak. This 5 mile (8km) out and back trail follows the unplowed Tower-Canyon road up a gradual slope past Rainy Lake, Calcite Springs Overlook, and eventually ends up at Tower Falls. Along this route you will be rewarded with some fantastic scenery and the possibility of seeing bighorn sheep, bison, and bald eagles. This easy outing combines nicely with our early morning wildlife tour to the Lamar Valley.

DIFFICULTY:

Easy

DISTANCE:

5 miles (8km) 190ft (57.9m) elevation gain/loss

DURATION:

2-3 hours

COST:

$896 first 2 in party.

CHITTENDEN LOOP TRAIL

Beginning at Tower Falls, this trail makes a nice addition for those who have skied or snowshoed to Tower Falls, but yearn for a bit more adventure. This 5.3 mile loop can be navigated either direction. The trail follows the Tower-Canyon road to the south for 2.5 miles (4km) before looping back 3 miles (4.9km) through a dense stand of lodgepole pines and finally returning to the main roadway. This route can be difficult and fast when the trail has become snow packed. It is recommended that novice skiers complete this loop in the opposite direction.

DIFFICULTY:

Moderate

DISTANCE:

5.3 miles (8.3km) 190ft (57.9m) elevation gain/loss

DURATION:

4-5 hours

COST:

$896 first 2 in party.

NORTHEAST AREA:

BARRONETTE SKI TRAIL

The Barronette Trail is an easy yet rewarding trek along a section of the Old Cooke City road. Winding through a beautiful conifer forest below Barronette Peak, the scenic reward of this trip is almost unrivaled. Skiing between the upper and lower Soda Butte bridges, you will cover 3.5 miles (5.6km) one way on this point to point outing. Arrange for a shuttle or return the same route to double the enjoyment of this wonderful terrain. The snow conditions in this area are consistently good.

DIFFICULTY:

Easy

DISTANCE:

7 miles (11.2km) (round trip)

DURATION:

2-4 hours

COST:

$896 first 2 in party.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Stay off ski tracks when walking or snowshoeing.
Please yield to skiers/snowshoers that are traveling downhill.
If you fall please fill in depressions in the snow to reduce hazards to others.
Be sure to turn back, if you find the trail too challenging. Please do not walk up and down hills. The holes left by doing so will leave a hazard for other skiers. If you continue, turn sideways, dig your ski edges into the slope and sidestep up or down the hill.
When on the roadway, yield to vehicles. Ski single-file, facing into oncoming traffic to avoid accidents.