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Snowmobile Yellowstone -
Visitors are welcome to
snowmobile
Yellowstone National Park. Click on any of the trails for more details,
If you're searching for rental operators in and out of the park, be
sure to visit our highly recommended operators below.
These
Rental Operators are Recommended for Visitors that Need to
Make Snowmobile Reservations
in Yellowstone National Park.
Final Winter Use Rule
for Yellowstone and Grand Teton Published in Federal Register
Date: December 13, 2007
Parks set to open for
the winter as scheduled on Wednesday
The final rule implementing
the Record of Decision on a long-term plan to guide management of
winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John
D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway was published in the Federal
Register today.
The rule becomes effective
on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, allowing the parks to open for the
winter 2007-2008 season on that day as scheduled.
The rule calls for changes
in winter use in the parks beginning with the 2008-2009 winter season.
The rule calls for operations to continue this winter essentially
as they have the past three winters.
Starting with the winter
of 2008-2009, five hundred forty (540) Best Available Technology (BAT)
snowmobiles and eighty-three (83) snowcoaches will be allowed per
day in Yellowstone. All snowmobiles and snowcoaches will continue
to be 100% commercially guided. The rule continues to require that
snowmobiles and snowcoaches travel only on existing park roads groomed
for their use. Trail and off-road use of snowmobiles and snowcoaches
has always been, and will continue to be, prohibited.
In Grand Teton and the
Parkway, grooming and motorized oversnow travel on the Continental
Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) between Moran Junction and Flagg Ranch
will be discontinued. Twenty-five (25) snowmobiles a day will be allowed
to travel on the Grassy Lake Road, with no BAT or guiding requirement.
Forty (40) unguided, BAT snowmobiles a day will be allowed on Jackson
Lake to facilitate ice fishing by those possessing appropriate fishing
gear and a valid State of Wyoming fishing license.
Beginning with the 2008-2009
winter season, the rule provides for snowmobile and snowcoach travel
over Sylvan Pass when full avalanche forecasting, as defined in the
Operational Risk Management Assessment, indicates travel through the
pass is safe. The pass will be closed to all travel when such forecasting
shows travel is unsafe, and will reopen to travel only when forecasting
indicates the danger has subsided. However, the National Park Service
will work with the State of Wyoming, Park County, Wyoming, and the
City of Cody to seek a consensus approach to avalanche mitigation
by June 1, 2008, to provide alternate ways for safe motorized oversnow
access over Sylvan Pass.
Beginning with the 2011-2012
season, all snowcoaches operating in the parks will be required to
meet emission and sound level requirements. These requirements, like
those for snowmobiles, are intended to further improve air quality
and soundscape protection.
In Yellowstone this winter
(2007-2008), up to 720 commercially guided Best Available Technology
(BAT) snowmobiles a day will be allowed to enter the park.
The rule calls for Sylvan
Pass to remain open to motorized oversnow travel. Yellowstone will
use a combined helicopter and howitzer program to conduct avalanche
hazard mitigation operations this winter. Methods used to reduce the
risk of avalanche hazard mitigation this winter may result in longer
temporary closures between the detection of avalanche risk and the
reopening of Sylvan Pass to motorized oversnow travel compared to
historic avalanche hazard mitigation operations.
In Grand Teton and the
Parkway, 140 snowmobiles a day will be allowed this winter. Most of
the snowmobiles will have to meet BAT requirements. Access to the
Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail, Grassy Lake Road, Jackson Lake,
and adjacent public and private lands will continue like they have
the past three winters.
The Final Rule implementing
the Record of Decision can be found on the web at
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-24175.pdf.
The Record of Decision
and the Winter Use Plans Final Environmental Impact Statement can
be found at the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment
and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?parkId=111&projectId=12047.
Copies of all these documents
are available in hard copy by writing the Winter Use Planning Team,
P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. Document requests
may also be made by sending an e-mail to yell_winter_use@nps.gov;
by calling 307-344-2019 during normal business hours; or by sending
a request by fax to 307-344-2025.
Snowmobile
Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone in winter is a special
experience. Most winter visitors currently prefer to travel by
snowmobile. The snowmobile offers more mobility to the most popular
attractions. To make your winter trip more enjoyable, please plan
ahead. During inclement weather, there will be overcrowding at
the warming huts, restrooms and restaurants due to the limited
winter facilities. You can ease the pressure by using the many
services that are offered in the gateway communities. Please use
our Tours Directory to plan your winter vacation and be aware
of road closures.
GUIDED SNOWMOBILE TOURS
Roundtrip tours are available. A guide will help you explore
features along the way. See our Snowmobile Rental Operators.
SNOWCOACH TOURS
Journey through Yellowstone in winter and find yourself amidst
a place like nowhere else on earth. Nordic Heaven. Over-snow vehicles
accomplish the trek into the heart of this snowy paradise of frosty
bison, sculpted ghost-trees, steamy thermal pools and angelic
trumpeter swans. Your unique snowcoach provides a warm passage
to Yellowstone's innermost secrets, while guides reveal the various
chapters of the park's winter story.
Snowcoach Tours (one-way or
roundtrip) are scheduled from:
- South Gate to Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful
- West Yellowstone to Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs to Grand
Canyon of the Yellowstone (day trip)
- Old Faithful to Grand Canyon
of the Yellowstone (day trip)
Specialty Treks include:
- Firehole River Tour
- West Thumb Geyser Basin Tour
- Winter Wildlife Tour (bus or
van)
- Daybreak Tour (bus or van)
Winter
Services
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Snowmobile
Fuel is
available at Old Faithful, Canyon, Fishing Bridge, and Mammoth
Hot Springs.
Restaurants
are available at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge 
and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room. Dinner
reservations are required.
Fast
Food is available at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Geyser
Grill and at the Canyon and Madison warming huts.
Lunch
Counter & Groceries are available at Hamilton's
Store at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Restrooms
- Heated restroom facilities are located at Mammoth Hot
Springs campground, Mammoth Visitor Center, Old Faithful
Visitor Center, Madison warming hut, and Canyon warming
hut. Vault toilets are found at other locations throughout
the park.
Camping
- The only campground open in winter is located at Mammoth
Hot Springs. A backcountry permit is required for camping
at any other location, including the winter camping area
at Old Faithful. Permits may be obtained at ranger stations
open in winter.
Snowmobile
Rentals & Tours - Depart from Mammoth Hot Springs
Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and nearby communities.
Snowmobile License
Required
All snowmobile operators
in Yellowstone National Park are required to possess a valid
motor vehicle operator's license. In addition, persons
possessing a learner's permit may operate a snowmobile in
the park when supervised one-to-one within line-of-sight
(but not farther than 100 yards) by a licensed person 21
years of age or older. The policy change was implemented
because of the park's concern about the number of snowmobile
accidents involving young operators.
Snowmobile use has increased
dramatically in the park during the past decade, and it
is now common to have many snow machines a day, including
track-conversion vehicles and snow-coaches, operating each
day on the park road system. Modern snowmobiles weigh 500-600
pounds and are capable of quick acceleration to more than
90 mph. Between 1987 and 1992, youthful operators accounted
for an average of 16 percent of the snowmobile accidents
in the park, while composing an estimated 5 percent
or less of the total number of snowmobile operators.
Park officials believe that
winter traffic conditions in
Yellowstone are more similar to a highway driving situation
than to the snowmobile and off-road vehicle trails found
elsewhere. Under the high-speed highway conditions found
in the park, most young snowmobilers are at a distinct disadvantage
in terms of their judgment, experience, and physical capabilities
compared to a licensed driver.
"The driver's license
requirement implemented in 1993 for snowmobiling in Yellowstone
is not unprecedented. A number of states require the possession
of a valid driver's license to operate a snowmobile on public
lands or on public roads. Options for young people visiting
the park during the winter include doubling up on a snowmobile
operated by a licensed driver or using any of the authorized
commercial snow-coach services that provide transportation
in the park.
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Snowmobile
West Yellowstone
These
Rental Operators are Recommended for Visitors who want to
Snowmobile Yellowstone
National Park
The West Yellowstone, Montana
area is considered to be 
the finest snowmobiling in the world. Perhaps this is due
to the tremendous amount of backcountry powder or it's proximity
to Yellowstone National Park. Each March, the friendly town
of West Yellowstone celebrates, and is host to, the World Snowmobile
Expo. During the expo, the snowmobile manufacturers showcase
and unveil the newest line of snowmobiles for the following
season. Among the many industry exhibits, you can participate
in snowmobiling events such as snowcross and drag races. Each
day during expo week, a different event is featured.
West Yellowstone is unique in that you can legally drive snowmobiles
on most streets and alleys right from your hotel. You can either
bring your own sled or rent a new from one of the local
rental shops. Lodging and restaurants are plentiful, but
you are encouraged to make reservations in advance.The prime
snowmobile season begins around the third week of December,
when the Park opens, until the end of March.
The following snowmobile operators
provide rentals to tour Yellowstone National Park. We
highly recommend contacting one of our banner advertisers above.
They offer discounts and will provide you with a trail map and
clothing. When you get to West Yellowstone be sure to ask about
the hundreds of miles of groomed trails outside of Yellowstone
National Park and see why it is the snowmobiling capital of
the world.
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Yellowstone
Adventures
131 Dunraven Ave.
West Yellowstone, MT
(406) 646-7735
1-800-231-5991
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Snowmobile
Jackson Hole
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| Located
near Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park,
Jackson Hole is one of the premiere snowmobiling destinations
in the world. From deep mountain slopes to endless powder meadows,
Jackson hole has the variety for any snowmobiler whether it's
your first visit or you're a seasoned hill climber
In March, Jackson Hole is in
the spotlight as host to the World Championship Hill Climb.
Hill Climbers from around the world test their skill as they
attempt to ascend Snow King and be crowned King of the Mountain
.....until the next year.
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National
Park Adventure
PO Box 2665
155 W. Broadway
Jackson, WY 83001 |
Best
Adventure Tours
PO Box 835
Jackson, WY 83001 |
Brooks
Lake Lodge
458 Brooks Lake Rd.
Dubois, WY 82513 |
Cowboy
Village Resort
@ Togwotee, Snowmobiling
Togwotee Pass
Moran, WY 8301 |
Flagg
Ranch - Snowmobiles
PO Box 187
S. Entrance To Yellowstone
Moran, WY 83013 |
Goosewing
Ranch
P.O. Box 4084
Gros Ventre Rd.
Jackson, WY 83001 |
Grand
Teton Snowmachine
Rentals
P.O. Box 92
Moran, WY 83013 |
Green
River Guest Ranch
P.O. Box 176
2000 Hwy 352
Cora, WY. 82925 |
Green
River Outfitters
P.O. Box 727
Pinedale, WY 83013 |
Heart
Six Ranch Snowmobiling
PO Box 70
16985 Buffalo Valley Road
Moran, WY 83013 |
High
Country Snowmobile Tours
PO Box 820
1450 South Highway 89
Jackson, WY 83001 |
Jackson
Hole
Snowmobile Tours
PO Box 631
1000 South Hwy 89
Jackson, WY 83001 |
Old
Faithful Snowmobile Tours, Inc.
PO Box 7182
750 West Broadway at The Virginian
Jackson, WY 83002 |
Rocky
Mountain Tours
PO Box 820
1050 South Highway 89
Jackson, WY 83001 |
Triangle
C Snowmobiles
3737 Hwy 26
Dubois, WY. 82513 |
Wyoming
Adventures
P.O. Box 820
1050 S. Hwy 89
Jackson, WY 83001 |
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Snowmobile
Big Sky
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Yellowstone
Adventures
131 Dunraven Ave.
West Yellowstone, MT
(406) 646-7735
1-800-231-5991
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Big Sky is
known as one of the best downhill ski areas in the world.
The powder is deep and dry. Many downhill skiers are
catching on about the other world famous winter activity right
down the road from Big Sky....the snowmobiling around West
Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. Just a short
drive, or take the daily shuttle from Big Sky, and you can
tour the rockies or see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
and be back to Big Sky in one day!
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Snowmobile
Cooke City
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Bearclaw
Arctic Cat
Sales & Service
P.O. Box 1069
Cooke City, MT. |
Cooke
City Polaris/Ski-Doo
Cooke City, MT |
Yamaha
of Cooke City
215 Main St.
Cooke City, MT |
Snowmobiling is one way to discover Yellowstone's
winter wonders, Snowmobile regulations are designed to protect park
resources and you, and they are strictly enforced.
• Snowmobile operators must have a valid
state motor vehicle driver's license in possession (see article
below).
• Drive on the right side of the road
and in single file. When stopping,
pull
to the far right and park in single file. Stay to the right even if
the roads are rough.
• Maximum speed limit is 45 mph (73 kph)
or less where posted or as conditions warrant. Obey all speed limits
and stop signs.
• Snowmobiles may be driven on designated
roads only. Sidehilling is prohibited and carries a fine of up
to $5,000. Stay on roads to avoid injuring yourself, damaging your machine,
or banning the environment.
• Operating a snowmobile while intoxicated
is illegal. Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages, including
bota bags, is illegal while operating a snowmobile or riding as a passenger.
• Wildlife have the right of
way! Chasing, molesting, approaching, or feeding any animal is prohibited.
• Snowmobiles must be registered according
to applicable state law.
• Snowmobile exhaust and muffler systems
must be in good working order. The maximum noise allowed is 78 decibels.
Snowmobiles exceeding the decibel standard will be denied entry into
the park.
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