Cruisin' into Spring
West Yellowstone, Montana

Late March and early April in West Yellowstone is a unique time of the year. You can enjoy the solitude of nature before the crowds of summer start to trickle in. The mornings and evenings are still cool, but sunny afternoons make outdoor activities even more comfortable.

For those who like to be outdoors and on the move - West Yellowstone is the real place to be for spring break.

SKI IN THE MORNING

Crust Cruising: A euphoric phenomena allowing skate skiers to travel over large open areas, and determined solely by Mother Nature.
Periodically throughout the spring, ideal crust cruising conditions present themselves.  To the experienced, it is an addiction. The uninitiated question the daybreak departure, but soon are enlightened.  

Look for wide open areas with lots of sun exposure. Around West Yellowstone, Montana popular crust cruising spots include Hebgen Lake, Big Horn Pass, Fawn Pass, and the meadows near the Rendezvous Ski Trails. Warm spring days with little to no snowfall are a great start. It needs to be warm enough to slightly melt the top layer of snow.  The thermometer must drop below freezing overnight.  Get up early and be rewarded.  Skate skiers can literally ski anywhere by staying on top of the hard crust that has formed. 

Crust cruising is almost impossible to predict. Watch the weather, consult your favorite Nordic shop, and get a good night's sleep. One perfect morning sailing over hills and flying through miles of terrain will keep the storage wax away. 

CYCLE IN THE AFTERNOON

March 15th brings the end of the over-the-snow travel through Yellowstone's interior roads.

This is a unique time of year when the public can enter only by non-motorized forms of transportation. The most popular way to traverse the roads between West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs is by bicycle. For Cycle Only Days, The West Gate will open as conditions allow, from late March (generally the last Friday in March) through April 14th, depending on weather. The West gate does not start charging entrance fees until it re-opens for vehicle travel. So you can blade, bike or hike in at no charge.
Bears, bison, elk, wolves and other wildlife could be encountered at any time. Be prepared for quickly changing weather as well. No services are available along these sections of road.  Cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse.

West Yellowstone lodging properties and tour companies offer early-season specials and packages in spring.

For information about the current ski and road conditions visit DestinationYellowstone.com 
 
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