Cross-Country Skiers
Yellowstone Association E-Newsletter December 2010
In This Issue
Institute Winter Programs Offer Many Options
2011 Yellowstone National Park Calendar
Consider a Gift Membership
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Visiting the Park This Winter? Try Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

 

The road through Yellowstone National Park's Lamar Valley stays open to vehicles all winter. That means there's plenty of park to explore-especially if you have cross-country skis or snowshoes. As you travel through a quiet winter landscape, you can enjoy the steam and hiss of thermal features, or follow tracks of Yellowstone's active winter wildlife. Only three percent of Yellowstone's visitors come in the winter months, so you'll practically have the park to yourself.

 

Great ski trails are just off the road, said Yellowstone Association Institute resident instructor Julianne Baker. "One of my favorites near Mammoth is to go up Snow Pass Trail, across Glen Creek Trail, and then come down the back side of Bunsen. That's an expert trail of 10.5 miles," she said. For beginners and groups, she recommends the groomed road to Tower Falls. "You can see the falls, have lunch, then ski back, and cover about 5 miles." To go 5.5 miles farther, continue past the falls and pick up Chittenden Loop. West of Tower Falls, consider the Blacktail Plateau Road. It's 6 to 8 miles one-way, depending on where you start. Or, ski for a distance, then turn around. Near the Northeast Entrance, try the Bannock or Barronette trails.

 

Some people find snowshoeing easier; just be sure to stay to one side of the ski tracks. You can rent skis and snowshoes, and get lessons, at the ski shops at the park hotels. Whichever you choose, be sure to stop by a visitor center for trail and weather conditions before you head out. To learn more about ski and snowshoe opportunities, as well as clothing and equipment information, visit the National Park Service website or pick up trail maps at the park hotels.

Learn more...

Institute Winter Programs Offer Many Options
Coyote in WinterWant to see a side of Yellowstone few people see? See it in winter with the Yellowstone Association Institute, offering programs now through March. Field seminars are for curious adults and focus on wildlife topics like wolves, cougars, bison, and pine martens, as well as photography, history, writing, and snow tracking. Families and small groups, add a Private Tour to your vacation. Pick from Wolves in Winter, Wildlife Watching on the Northern Range, and Yellowstone by Ski or Snowshoe. Lodging options are available for both program types. For more information in these and all Institute winter programs, visit our website or call 406-848-2400.
2011 Yellowstone National Park Calendar
2011 YA CalendarStart your year off in the heart of Yellowstone with the Yellowstone National Park 2011 calendar. Get up close and personal with America's first national park as each month guides you through the natural and cultural history of Yellowstone. Stunning photography and depictive captions let you enjoy this wonderland from the comfort of your own home. A great gift for all ages. 12" x 12" Buy one, get one free! No further discounts apply. Price: $12.95
Consider a Gift Membership

The Official GuideWhen you give the gift of an Association membership, you'll help preserve one of the earth's most magnificent places and the gift recipient will enjoy membership benefits that last an entire year. In addition to an acknowledgment letter of the gift membership given by you, the gift recipient will receive these benefits:

  • Family membership
  • 15 percent discount on Yellowstone Association items at our Park Stores throughout Yellowstone and online
  • 15 percent discount on merchandise at all Yellowstone General Stores and Xanterra Parks and Resorts hotel gift shop locations throughout Yellowstone (exclusions apply-inquire at store for details)
  • One-year subscription to the Yellowstone Today newspaper and the Yellowstone Discovery magazine
  • Discounts on Yellowstone Association Institute courses
  • And much more
     
  • Purchase a gift membership and your recipient will receive as a bonus gift your choice of the 2011 Yellowstone Association Calendar or Yellowstone: The Official Guide to Touring America's First National Park. Sign up online or call 406-848-2400 today! Offer good through December 31, 2010.
    Yellowstone Association
     
    Phone: 406-848-2400