Yellowstone Expeditions

Frequently Asked Questions


Does everybody ski together as part of one group or is there more than one ski option offered each day?

We usually have a guide to guest ratio of about 1 guide for every 4 guests. This allows us to offer several different ski or snowshoe destination tours each day. These individual trips will vary in difficulty so that guests may choose a destination and difficulty level that is appropriate for their specific desires and abilities.

What is the best month to come to Canyon Ski Camp?

The ski camp operates from just before Christmas until the second Sunday of March. We close, not because of lack of snow but because the park then time so crews can start plowing the roads for the spring road openings the third week of April. I have plotted the average temperature and snow depth measurements on our web page. January has slightly lower temperatures and shorter days- but that means dryer snow and more ice formations on the waterfalls and trees. February is a little warmer and the days are longer. However, there is a little more potential for the snow to get wet by late February and early March.

What airport should I fly to?

It is probably easiest to fly into the Bozeman, MT airport (BZN). There is public transportation (bus) available every day from Bozeman to West Yellowstone. Sometimes it is cheaper and easier to rent a car and drive to west Yellowstone- this is especially true if there are 4 or more in your group. We can also arrange to pick you up at the airport if you have a group. It is also possible to fly into the Idaho Falls, Id airport (IDA) although there is limited public transportation from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone.

Is there a reasonable, convenient place or two that you could recommend for lodging in West Yellowstone the night before and after the trip?

We can provide you with a list of West Yellowstone motels / hotels. There is a big variety with corresponding big differences in prices.

Are the ski trails groomed?

We specialize in taking visitors deep into the backcountry of Yellowstone. Most of our trails are backcountry trails which are not groomed. Your guide, (and perhaps others in your group) will be breaking trail in most cases. This in our opinion is part of the wildness of Yellowstone. There is a groomed ski trail that travels along the north rim of the Yellowstone Canyon, this trail starts right from the Yurt Camp.

What about snowmobiles in Yellowstone?

The snowmobiling (and winter use in general) issue has been in various states of study and regulation throughout the past decade. The current plans require all snowmobiles in the park to stay on the summer paved roadways (covered with snow in the winter). They are not allowed (nor are our snowcoaches) to leave these roads. All snowmobiles must be part of a guided group with a licensed and authorized guide and all snowmobiles must be the newer quiet and cleaner four stroke machines. Additionally, most snowmobile guided trips go to Old Faithful, a small minority come to the Canyon Area.