My wife and I, both in our late fifties, are trying to plan a winter vacation to Yellowstone. We enjoy snowshoeing,cross country skiing, and just viewing the wildlife. I understand that only two lodges are open in the park during the winter. Would it be better to stay in Jackson rather
than in the park?

How much difficulty is involved in getting into the park from Jackson? I have read that snowmobiles and snowcoaches may not be allowed in the park this winter, depending on the outcome of a judicial decision. We love the snow and cold weather, but is the beauty of Yellowstone in the winter worth the hassle of getting into the park? Thanks for any assistance.

I have visited Yellowstone twice in winter (Jan). First time took the snowcoach from Mammoth to Old Faithful. Did not like it at all. Cramped, hot, humid, no view. Being a photographer like to spend more time at places then their schedules allow. Two years ago flew into Bozeman and took shuttle to W Yellowstone and took snowmobile for week staying at Old Faithful, Flagg Ranch (Tetons), just outside the E entrance and finally Mammoth. Set my own pace. Loved every minute except for lack of snow.
Not sure if is coach service from Flagg, can rent snowmobiles. You can check www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/winteruse/index.htm for latest snowmobile/coach regs.
There is no difficulty driving a snowmobile. Can rent all the clothing you need for about $15 day and they give you a short lesson on how they work. Be sure to get an electric start. Will be happy to answer any questions you have [email protected]

Thanks Photodog, I have talked with a snowmobile company and we are going with a guided tour of the park with a stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge and W. Yellowstone with a return to Jackson.
This all hinges on the ruling in early December by the federal court. No deposit, but a place in line. I hope that the number of snowmobiles is limited to about the number that Judge Brimmer had outlined. I wish that there was greater political pressure to reduce the number of cars, rvs, campers, and motorhomes in most of our national parks. I live rather close to Smokey Mountain National Park. For those of us who knew that park in the fifties and sixties, it is a rather sad situation to see the traffic jams, tacky motels, and cheap fast food restaurants that now surround that once beautiful area. Please forgive the venting. I just hope that nothing like this is in Yellowstone's future.

Yellowstone in the winter is an incredible experience. The drive from Jackson to Flagg R. is not too bad and they do rent snowmobiles from Flagg R. (if that does not change). Snowmobiling in the Teton regiong is supposedly even better - so even if the courts close Yellowstone the areas just outside will remain open. They are not banning all snowmobiles, just access to the big Parks like Yellowstone.

I hear that snowmobiling outside Yellowstone is much better but the "stops" in the Park itself are better - fumaroles, mudpots, geysers, etc.

RonS, The park service released their temporary winter use assessment yesterday. Can read it at nps.gov/yell/press/0485.htm