Banff

Flying into Jackson Hole this winter and I've been a little alarmed at the prices...I know I shouldn't be but I am.

1) Snowmobiling into Yellowstone for one day costs about $800 for 4 while the same tour costs about $400 for 4 from West Yellowstone. Problem is that I hear the mountain pass road connecting the two cities can be closed down at times during the winter. Does anyone know how often that occurs? Does the weather have to be really bad for them to close the road or is it rather frequent?

2) Has anyone ever stayed inside Yellowstone during the winter? Is it worth the additional costs for lodging? Or would you suggest we just go in for the day tour? I noticed that the Old Faithful Snow Lodge has both regular rooms and cabins with the cabins being cheaper? Any suggestions on room selection?

Other advice is greatly appreciated.

tomfuller

The big rotary plows have been busy for the last 2-3 weeks.
There has been more than the "average" amount of snow this winter in many National Parks. This link may answer some of your questions: http://trib.com/news/state-and-regio...db225cf6b.html

janisj

uh -I think the OP is asking about next winter, not current road conditions??

Banff

Yes, we are looking to go over this coming Christmas. From the link it does look like they have had a tremendous amount of snow this year but it was referring to roads in the Park itself. I am actually trying to find out information about Teton pass and it's predictability during the winter. I know that it can close down at times, just wondering from those who are familiar with it if that is often or not? Someone told me that people actually commute over the pass daily - so that would lead me to believe it shouldn't typically be closed down for too long.

roundthebend

We visited Yellowstone last Feb. and stayed in both the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and the Lodge at Mammoth. We signed up directly with the National Park Service for a 3 day trip, which included snow coach from the S Yellowstone entrance to the Snow Lodge, guided snowmobile trip from the Snow Lodge to Mammoth, then back to the Snow Lodge the next day. Cost was about $850, and we each had our own snowmobiles. Both the Snow Lodge and Mammoth accomodations are first class. Great rooms, great food. The S Yellowstone entrance is an easy 2 hour drive from Jackson on well cleared roads. Beautiful scenery on the way as you pass through part of Grand Teton NP. I'll do this trip again.
I'm no expert on Teton Pass, but every time I've been there in mid-winter it's been clear. It's one of the primary routes, so they work hard to keep it open.

Placename

Maybe the Yellowstone in-park tours are more expensive because there is a limit on the number of snowmobiles allowed. Maybe the West Yellowstone trip does not actually go into the park.

Banff

Placename, Actually, from what one employee told me over the phone the reason why W.Yellow is less expensive is b/c it is closer and therefore shorter and therefore you pay less "guide" time. Also, the Jackson tours include a shuttle from Jackson up to Flagg Ranch in the price.

doug_stallings

It takes a LOT longer to get into Yellowstone from Jackson in the winter. And it can be a punishing trip on a snowmobile if the weather is bad. So I would definitely spend at least one night in the park. I'd never ever try to do a day trip from Jackson in the winter. I know friends who tried this once, and they did not have a fun time.

OCdogsmom

We were in Jackson Hole last Feb and totally loved our trip. Along with skiing, we did two days of snowmobiling. Both trips were beautiful bucket list trips.

One trip was to Gros Ventres, it was all day and a fun riding day, finally saw a moose, actually about 25 of them! It was a beautiful valley and enjoyed getting speedy on the machines. The other one was into Yellowstone, we chose the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone loop, it was sooo great! It was all day 125+miles more cruising and photo ops. It felt like we were sharing the park with just us and the buffalo.

We choose not to go to Old Faithfull because we did that trip two years ago out of West Yellowstone. It was a great trip too. Only drawbacks were that we were in a group of 10, because it is obviously a popular destination, so the riding was slower, and we encountered more people on the road than this year's trip.

The tour guide picked us up from our hotel at 5:00am. I agree that the drive up to Flagg Ranch was pretty. Watching the sunrise against the Tetons is amazing.

OCdogsmom

Opps, hit submit by accident!

Jackson Hole was so much fun. Really loved the town and plan to go back next year. Our snowmobiling was a highlight of the trip and we had so much fun with our guide. I wouldn't drive to West Yellowstone just for that. When we were there the pass was closed a couple days due to ice.

Have a great time, you will love it!