Top 10 Winter Activities
No matter what the temperature is outside, there is endless fun to be had in and around Yellowstone National Park. Here are our Top 10 Things To Do during the winter season. Check them out!
Winter Packing Checklist
Are you planning a winter trip to Yellowstone National Park and not quite sure what you need to bring with you? Our Winter Packing Checklist can help! Get suggestions for clothing, toiletries, technology, and more that you may want to pack, as well as some items that may already be provided for you by our hotels and cabins!1) Snowmobile Tour through Yellowstone National Park
Are you ready for the thrill of a lifetime? Take one of our guided Snowmobile Tours and experience the majestic winter wonderland of Yellowstone; a sight most visitors never get to experience. Feel the rush of the wind as you ride through the snowy landscape, view wildlife foraging for food under layers of snow, and to top it all off you'll witness an eruption of Old Faithful geyser in winter! Our professional certified guides will teach you everything you need to know about riding a snowmobile, and will take you to some of Yellowstone's most spectacular vistas where you can capture that dream photograph and learn fascinating facts about the Park.Snowmobile Tours are available from Yellowstone Vacation Tours or from Two Top Snowmobile.
2024 Season - Beginning December 15, 2023
Yellowstone Vacation Snowmobile Tours
Check Availability - Old FaithfulCheck Availability - Canyon
Two Top Snowmobile Tours
Check Availability - Old FaithfulCheck Availability - Canyon
2) Yellowstone National Park Snowcoach Tour
No winter vacation in Yellowstone National Park is complete until you've experienced a thrilling and engaging Snowcoach Tour! Our professional certified guides will share their vast knowledge with you as you sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife! All of our coaches have over-sized windows for enjoying some prime viewing no matter where you are seated, and we make several stops for you to get out and take pictures. Please dress for winter weather as much of the day will be spent outside enjoying all Yellowstone has to offer. Tours to Old Faithful are available, as well as tours to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Private and custom tour options are also available.Snowcoach Tours run daily during the winter months, and depart from either West Yellowstone, MT or Gardiner, MT
2024 Season - Beginning December 15, 2023
West Yellowstone Snowcoach Tours
Check Availability - Old FaithfulCheck Availability - Canyon
Gardiner Snowcoach Tours
Check Availability - Old FaithfulCheck Availability - Canyon
3) West Yellowstone Snowmobile Rentals
Did you know the area surrounding West Yellowstone is filled with some amazing snowmobile trails? It's true! West Yellowstone is widely known in the snowmobiling community as one of the best snowmobile locations in North America. Some even go so far as to call us the "Snowmobiling Capital of the World"! There are literally HUNDREDS of miles of trails available in the surrounding National Forest, some of which start right in town.Snowmobile Rentals are available from Yellowstone Vacation Tours or Two Top Snowmobile, both located in West Yellowstone, MT.
2024 Season - Beginning December 15, 2023
Yellowstone Vacation Tours
Two Top Snowmobile
4) Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing offers a fun and easy way to see Yellowstone National Park in the winter. And today's snowshoes are a far cry from the clunky equipment of yesteryear; they're made with aircraft-grade materials, are easy to slip on and off, and take about two minutes to master. Local snowshoe outfitters cater to beginners and offer snowshoeing tours lasting from two hours to full days.Cross-country skiing is another fun and easy alternative to explore the Park and surrounding areas. Right next to our hotels and cabins in West Yellowstone is the famous Rendezvous Ski Trail system where you can ski more than 35 kilometers of gently rolling, beautifully groomed trails. The Old Faithful area provides another very special hub for Yellowstone cross-country skiing. Trails fan out from the geyser area to circle the Upper Geyser Basin and lead to many sights and points of interest.
Ski Rentals and Classes from Freeheel & Wheel
View a map of the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone
5) Giant Screen Theatre
The West Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre boasts a 6-story high screen and 12,000 watts of digital quality surround sound. Three shows, including Yellowstone, are shown. Theater opens at 10:30 a.m. Call or check website for shows and prices.Click here to learn more!
6) Dog Sledding
Admit it, you know you've always wanted to say "Mush! Mush!" If dog sledding is on your bucket list, it's time to check it off. Experience the thrill of captaining a team of gorgeous sled dogs, or visit during one of the West Yellowstone dog-sledding races to see the best racing action in the region. Our friends at Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures will create a truly memorable experience for the whole family!Click here to learn more!
7) Ice Fishing
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just discovering how exciting ice fishing can be, the Yellowstone region is a perfect place to bring your spud bar and catch a laker or two! Hebgen Lake, located just north of West Yellowstone, is one of the best fishing spots around, with at least a foot of solid ice during the winter season and a healthy stock of trout and gulpers. Book a few nights at our hotels and cabins any time during the winter season, and plan the ultimate ice fishing vacation.Click here to learn more!
8) Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
If the weather outside is too cold, then head on over to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Located in West Yellowstone, directly across the street from Gray Wolf Inn & Suites and the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone, this place offers a fun and interactive way to experience the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center appeals to visitors of all ages, and gives you the unique opportunity to get up close and personal - safely! - with some of Yellowstone's most amazing and powerful predators.Click here to discover more!
9) Sledding
Always a winter favorite among kids and adults! Grab a sled and enjoy a day on the hills sledding! Take advantage of the fantastic sledding hill at West Yellowstone City Park, or head out into the National Forest and find your own! For families, make sure to check out Kids N' Snow in West Yellowstone. In addition to sledding, kids also have the opportunity to try out cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in a safe environment with local experts. This event happens one weekend a month during the winter season and provides many fun activities your kids will enjoy!Click here to learn more!
10) Hot Cocoa with a Friend
Finish a day of adventure with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Share the day's best shots, talk about your favorite moments, or just enjoy that hot chocolatey goodness while you watch the snow falling outside. Gray Wolf Inn and Holiday Inn® in West Yellowstone both offer hot cocoa all winter, and there's no better cold weather treat!
These are our Top 10 Things To Do when you visit Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding communities this winter. There are many more, so make sure to book a room today to discover all that Yellowstone has to offer.
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
Holiday Inn® West Yellowstone
Ridgeline Hotel® at Yellowstone
Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins