The Skiing Directory is divided into 2 categories, Cross Country and Downhill.  The Cross Country Category focuses on the skiing trails in Yellowstone National Park.  The descriptions are written by Carl Schreier, an authority on Yellowstone National Park, from his Hiking Yellowstone Trails. We highly recommend this book since it serves as both a guide for cross country skiing and a hiking companion book. Transportation into the park, during the winter is either by snowcoach or snowmobile.  Cross country skiing is a great alternative to seeing the geysers in their winter splendor.

The Downhill Category lists the available resorts from the Yellowstone National Park communities. They range from world class to a quiet and relaxed atmosphere all within easy access to the park.

We recommend expanding your vacation by downhilling one day and try snowmobiling in the park or riding the rockies the next.   Most who have tried it, come back for the same Yellowstone experience each year. Check with the resorts and snowmobile operators for packages and discounts.  Shuttles are also available from the resorts to each gateway community around the park.

Cross Country Skiing

But Yellowstone is cold during winter. Temperatures have been recorded at minus 65°F, and it is not unusual to have stretches of several weeks during which the temperature remains below 0°F, usually the week between Christmas and New Year's, and into January. Some of the best skiing or snowshoeing occurs in late winter or early spring, when daylight hours are longer, snow is plentiful, and temperatures are more moderate.

The Gardiner-Mammoth-Cooke City road along the northern region of the park is the only road into Yellowstone that is plowed during winter. All other roads are snowbound but are accessible by oversnow vehicles, including snowmobiles, snowcoaches, and snowcats. They all are groomed, except for the section between Tower and Canyon. The most popular entrances for snowmobile or snowcoach access is from West Yellowstone, Flagg Ranch (on the southern boundary). Mammoth and Pahaska Tepee (on the eastern boundary), with Old Faithful representing the most popular destination and the lower Grand Loop the most popular scenic trip.

Tracked ski trails are limited to developed areas near Park Service housing. These are primarily at Mammoth and Old Faithful, where overnight accommodations also are available. Numerous ski trails stem from these locations.

Snowshoeing, likewise, can launch from these same areas. Because of the maneuverability of snowshoes, treed or forested areas can provide interesting excursions where skis have difficulty maneuvering. However, because of the height and steepness of ice and snow on the boardwalks in the thermal basins snowshoes are hazardous.

Before venturing out on skis or snowshoes, always be certain that you are prepared for all extremes and conditions. Crossing snow on skis or snowshoes requires skill and very hard work. Make sure you have all necessary equipment or spares, including extra clothing, food, and water, as these items may not be available locally. Most important, know your limitations, abilities, distances and topography before heading out on a long trip. Do not count on help or rescue-, it may never come. Search-and-rescue parties often are unprepared because of a lack of knowledge and skills of the backcountry. Always consider yourself on your own and take appropriate precautions.

- The Cross-Country Skiing Directory is from the informative book,
 Hiking Yellowstone Trails by Carl Schreier