Top 10 Best Activities on Yellowstone Winter Trips

Winter trips to Yellowstone National Park offer plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season and play in the snow. With an average winter snowfall of around 150 inches, there is no shortage of winter fun to be had! There are many different activities that you can enjoy in the park during the winter, from cross-country skiing to spotting wildlife in the snow. With such a wide range of winter activities, there is something for everyone. So grab your winter coat and get ready for some snow-filled fun in Yellowstone! Continue reading to discover our top picks for winter activities in Yellowstone, and where to stay!

Cross Country Skiing on Winter Trips to Yellowstone

Whether you are a beginner looking to enjoy winter scenery or an expert skier craving some adventure, Yellowstone winter trips are great for skiing. In Yellowstone National Park, you can spend your days exploring the park on one of its few groomed trails. Or take advantage of the unplowed roads for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. From the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, you will find the Mammoth, Tower, and Northeast ski trails.

Winter Visits to Old Faithful

One of Yellowstone National Park’s most famous landmarks is Old Faithful, a geyser that frequently erupts. In West Yellowstone, viewing geysers’ eruptions, particularly in the winter, is a unique experience. Old Faithful typically erupts about every 90 minutes, allowing most visitors the opportunity to see it throughout the day. When it erupts, the steam shoots up against the show, providing an incredible sight. The extremely hot water can create ice crystals when it hits the air, something you can only witness in the wintertime.

Take Snowcoach Tours on Yellowstone Winter Trips

Snowcoach tours are a great family-friendly activity to see the park without too much exposure to the elements or physical activity. This comfortable and temperature-controlled vehicle can get to places that you aren’t otherwise able to reach during the park’s winter season. Since Old Faithful and Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon are closed for personal vehicles in the winter, this is a great way to get around. Plus, snowcoach rides will take you to the park’s most iconic spots for stunning landscapes. While you explore the park, your driver might also share information and stories, making it both scenic and educational.

Go on Snowmobile Tours in Yellowstone

Snowmobile tours are a fun way to experience the park’s gorgeous sights, faster than you can on foot. On a snowmobile tour, you can glide over miles of amazing sights, from frozen geysers to snow-covered landscapes. In addition to the magical views of the winter wonderland, tours are a great way to learn about the park. Expert tour guides often share fun facts and the park’s history. Plus, thrill seekers will love this as a chance for a fast-paced adrenaline rush.

Take a Wildlife Watching Safari Guided Tour

Yellowstone winter trips are a great time to spot wildlife, as the snowy white backdrop makes animals easy to see. The animals also congregate in areas like the northern range because of lower elevations. This makes them easier to find within such a large park. Fresh snow also makes it easy to see animal tracks, which could lead you to where the animals are. Taking a Wildlife Watching Safari Tour is the best and safest way to see active creatures in the park in their natural habitat. On these tours, an experienced guide will help you spot wolves, elk, mammoths, bison, and more.

Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone National Park

Visiting the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone in winter feels like stepping into a gorgeous winter landscape painting. On a regular day, the canyons will have you in awe, but the snowy environment adds another layer of beauty. With fewer crowds, you can truly soak in the dramatic views and enjoy the unique experience of exploring Yellowstone in its most tranquil season. This activity is great for families with kids, as no equipment is needed to get to the canyon. The canyon is accessible via snowmobile or snowcoach.

Visit Lamar Valley on Winter Trips to Yellowstone

Near the northeast entrances, Lamar Valley in the winter is like entering Yellowstone’s wildest, wide-open space. In the summer months, this area is full of meadows. However, in winter, they turn into peaceful snowfields, creating a stunning, picturesque scene. The quiet surroundings make visits here feel immersive and adventurous. Also, with fewer visitors around, you don’t have to worry about big crowds turning the peaceful scene into a busy one.

Go Fat Tire Biking on Yellowstone Winter Trips

Fat tire biking in Yellowstone during the winter is an exciting and unique way to explore the park’s snowy landscapes. These wide, grippy tires let you glide over packed snow with ease, giving you access to quiet roads and trails covered in white snow. As you ride, you’ll pass steaming geyser basins, frosted forests, and open valleys full of active wildlife. It’s a fun, active adventure that blends scenic beauty, a peaceful atmosphere, and just the right amount of adventure. This activity will provide an unforgettable experience that you should definitely include in your Yellowstone winter trip schedule.

Go on Yellowstone Snowshoeing Explorations

Grab your snowshoes and take a walk through some of the most beautiful winter sights that you will find in the USA. This is a great way to enjoy the peaceful, quiet environment winter brings to the park. This is a fun, more leisurely activity than skiing, where you can explore at your own pace. After working up an appetite on your snowy adventure, you can grab lunch at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. These are nearby lodges where you can enjoy a meal with easy access from the park via snowcoach.

Experience Dog Sledding Adventures During Winters in Yellowstone

Dog sledding near Yellowstone in the winter is an exhilarating way to experience the region’s snowy wilderness. On dog sledding adventures, you will be pulled through quiet forests and open valleys by a group of huskies. This activity is a great way to feel connected with the outdoors and have some thrilling fun! It’s a uniquely memorable adventure that blends winter magic with a true sense of exploration.

Stay at The Virginian Lodge on Yellowstone Winter Trips

If you are looking for a resort that makes embarking on winter adventures easy, The Virginian Lodge is a great choice. This is the perfect place to get cozy and bundle up after a day outside in the snow. Not only are these resorts’ rooms the ideal home away from home, but the amenities here will have you feeling immersed in the mountain town lifestyle.

At the Virginian Lodge, you’ll find things like hot tubs, communal fire pits, s’mores kits, and a winter ski shuttle. In addition to the amenities that make the winter season cozy, there are also conveniences like on-site restaurants, concierge services, and a lobby store. As for the accommodations, you can expect luxuries like spa rain showers, plush bedding, Pendleton blankets, and custom furnishings.

Nook Outdoors: Your Adventure Home for the Holidays

While it may be too cold for camping, outdoor hotels can be a great way to connect with the outdoors on winter vacations. Nook Outdoors’ collection of resorts offers destinations that will have you feeling connected to nature this holiday season. From cozy cabins to boutique hotels in the woods, a stay in one of these resorts will immerse you in the spirit of winter. In addition, these accommodations go above and beyond to provide a luxurious experience that will have you feeling right at home. Check out our complete collection and get started on planning your winter getaway!