Winter in Greater Yellowstone: FAQs

Come December, Greater Yellowstone transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The landscape turns quiet and remote, with wildlife more visible against the snow-covered terrain. Geysers erupt through delicate layers of frost, bison drift silently across the snow-covered grasslands, and wolves prowl the open, icy valleys of Lamar. With most roads closed to regular vehicles, visitors explore by snowcoach or snowmobile – adding a thrilling sense of adventure to the experience. For clients seeking raw beauty, world-class wildlife, and something truly off the beaten path, Yellowstone in winter is a bucket-list escape like no other.

Here’s what you need to know when positioning Greater Yellowstone to clients for winter travel.

Yes! Yellowstone is open year-round, but winter access is limited and carefully managed. The North Entrance, connecting Gardiner to Cooke City, remains open to vehicles throughout the year. However, from mid-December to mid-March, the rest of the park is only accessible by snowcoach or snowmobile. The expert guides at Gather Away bring insider knowledge and know the best routes to help you experience Yellowstone’s winter magic to the fullest

To explore Yellowstone during this season, you’ll need expert guidance and specialized equipment to make the most of the experience. Travel is typically by specially adapted snowcoaches – heated, enclosed vehicles designed for snowy terrain. For a more adventurous option, guided snowmobile tours offer an exciting way to explore remote areas.

Outside the vehicle, you can enjoy a private, guided snowshoe adventure with Gather Away, searching for animal tracks and other signs of winter wildlife. For a magical detour, we also recommend visiting the National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole, where you can ride a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow and witness thousands of elk up close.

Winter is a spectacular season for wildlife viewing in Greater Yellowstone. As snow blankets the high country, many animals migrate to lower elevations, making them easier to spot against the stark white landscape.

Highlights include:

Bison and Elk

Large herds of bison roam freely through snowy valleys and steam-filled basins. Elk are commonly seen in open meadows or gathered at the National Elk Refuge, offering dramatic photo opportunities and impressive scenes of winter survival.

Wolves in the Lamar Valley

The Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the world to see wild wolves. Winter increases your chances of a sighting, as packs become more active in their search for food. Gather Away guides will help track their movements and interpret their behaviour, offering rare insight into the life of this iconic predator.

Coyotes and Red Foxes

These clever hunters are often seen mousing – listening intently for rodents beneath the snow, then leaping high into the air to pounce. Their thick winter coats and agile movements make them a delight to watch.

Bald Eagles

Along the rivers and geothermal streams, you’ll often spot bald eagles perched on frosted branches or soaring overhead in search of prey.

Yes — but limited availability makes early booking essential.

Inside the park:

• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge
  These are the only accommodations open within the park during winter and tend to book up quickly.

Outside the park:

• Gardiner, the Paradise Valley and Jackson Hole offer a range of options, from boutique lodges and rustic inns to upscale resorts.

Gather Away can craft complete, custom itinerary with hand-picked stays, ensuring your clients enjoy comfort, quality, and a seamless experience from start to finish.

The winter season typically runs from early December to late-March. Roads close to regular vehicles starting in early November, with access shifting to snowcoaches and snowmobiles around mid-December through early-March. Most lodges operate through the winter but close by early March. The prime time to visit for winter experiences is December through February, especially during the festive season and February half-term.

Marketing Worldwide are proud to stand by Gather Away, a specialist operator with many years of experience curating exceptional wildlife experiences in Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. With a focus on private, guided tours, they offer a uniquely personalised way to explore the park’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife, venturing into Yellowstone’s wildest, most untouched corners.

Their highly experienced guides, deeply in tune with the rhythms of the land and animal behaviour, take guests off the beaten track to discover the park in a way that few others experience. Offering front-row access to extraordinary moments, such as thousands of elk gathering with wolves in pursuit or capturing the misty atmosphere of bison at dawn, Gather Away ensures that every guest is immersed in nature’s raw beauty.