Winter Activities in Yellowstone Country

When snow begins to blanket Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, it creates a winter wonderland of new opportunities for those who venture here. Despite the bears hibernating, you’ll spot all sorts of wildlife like elk, moose and trumpeter swans roaming the valleys in search of food.

In Yellowstone, you’ll find a buzz of activity from snowcoach and snowmobile tours to cross-country ski trails.

2019 Winter Trip Planner for Yellowstone and Grand Teton — NPTM

With far fewer snowmobiles touring around, Grand Teton is much quieter than Yellowstone, making it a cross-country skier and snowshoer paradise. Snowmobiles are only allowed in the park on the frozen surface of Jackson Lake for ice fishing only or on Grassy Lake Road on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway.

Start planning a winter vacation by reading the stories below and downloading the Winter Trip Planner for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park today.

Winter sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. Photo by USFWS Lori Iverson

Our list of top Yellowstone winter activities includes watching wildlife, swimming in hot springs, eating waffles and taking exhilarating rides.

The Yellowstone area has many places to go swimming and soak in the natural mineral hot springs.

Snowmobiles passing bison on a road in Yellowstone

Day 1: Head to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park for elk, art and views. Then spend Day 2 among Yellowstone's wildlife and geysers.

A Wildland Trekking outdoor guide gives the inside scoop of why winter is the best time to visit Yellowstone.

Just eight miles from Yellowstone's North Entrance, these naturally hot pools feel surprisingly remote and far from the park’s crowds.

Snowcoach in Yellowstone near bison and the Madison River

West Yellowstone is the closest entrance to Old Faithful, find out why this town is a great basecamp for winter fun in and out of the park.

Here are all the reasons why a winter vacation in Gardiner and Cooke City, Mont., next to Yellowstone is one of the most magical you’ll ever take.

This pair of skiers started in West Yellowstone and were skiing to Old Faithful. They are skiing under the steam from the geysers at the Fountain Paint Pots.

Take a cross-country ski tour of Yellowstone, or go it on your own on these three trails that range from easy to difficult.

Winter sleigh ride on the west side of Grand Teton National Park

Just west of Grand Teton National Park lies a string of snowflake-filled towns in Idaho that offer world-class and often free winter experiences.

The Yellowstone region is fast becoming a dog-sledding destination for both recreational fun and serious racing.

The greater Yellowstone region boasts several world-class mountain resorts.

Where to snowmobile in Yellowstone Park and surrounding areas including West Yellowstone and Wind River Country. Find tours, rentals and snowmobiling trails.

Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park during the winter

During the off-season, many feet of snow bury the road to Old Faithful, and the only way to reach it is by skis, snowmobile, or snow coach.

Migrating elk at the National Elk Refuge

Take a sleigh ride and see more than 5,000 elk when they migrate to this lower elevation during the winter near Grand Teton National Park.

Scenic Safaris tour van in Grand Teton National Park

Don't miss the best of the national parks. Tour with an expert guide in a luxurious van or ATV in the summer, or a snowcoach or snowmobile in the winter.

If you're looking for an easy, affordable way to beat the winter blues, then you must try snowshoeing in Yellowstone National Park.

Roosevelt Arch at Yellowstone's North Entrance

Fly into Bozeman, Mont., for a fantastic ski and snow-fueled vacation including Yellowstone excursions.

Find out exactly how to get to Yellowstone's Boiling River and the rules and regulation for this hot spring near the Mammoth area of the park.

In Grand Teton, all’s quiet on the western front in winter, except one unique lodging operation that come alive when the snow starts to fall.

Heading to Yellowstone for the winter holiday season? Check out this list of events and activities in and around the park!

Steam from Cistern Springs melts the snow in Yellowstone's Norris Geyser Basin.

Wildlife and scenic views covered with magical snow in Yellowstone

Experience Yellowstone in its winter glory, then stop by a warming hut to grab a bite to eat, take a load of your feet and/or get away from the chill.