Snowcoach in Yellowstone

by Roger Turner

The easiest, most relaxing way to see Yellowstone National Park in winter is on a snowcoach. Your guide does the work and you can spend your time watching the scenery and wildlife. Another advantage is; you can stay warm! No need to worry about freezing your tail. You still want to take warm clothing; hats, gloves, snow boots and layered clothing are recommended.
You may be concerned that you have less control on where you stop; but the snowcoach operators are very good about stopping for scenic viewing, photo opportunities and leg stretching. Snowcoach tours are also less expensive than snowmobile tours.
From West Yellowstone, snowcoaches run every day into Old Faithful. Once you get there, you stay for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You can eat lunch there at the dining facilities, or you can bring a sack lunch. Most hotels in the area will pack a lunch for you.
There are also tours to the Canyon area 4 or 5 days a week. You can get lunch there at the warming hut, but it isn't a restaurant. They have vending machines and microwaves. Again, you can bring a sack lunch if you like.
Snow coach tours begin as soon as the park opens for winter travel. In 2006, they open December 25th and close on March 1st, 2007. If the weather gets nasty, it is possible that the tour could be cancelled or delayed. There is another plus; if weather is not so good, the snowcoaches can usually still run when snowmobiles can't.

Here are some other things you should know.
  • The park entrance fee is $10/person or $20/family. The cost of riding the snowcoach does not include this fee.
  • During the winter months, wildlife tends to move to lower elevations, thus, you should have more opportunities to see wildlife.
  • Bathrooms are available throughout the park. Some of them are unheated outhouses. The longest distance you would have to travel from one to another is about 27 miles.
  • The least crowded times to visit are just before Christmas and the first 3 weeks of January.
  • It is best if you leave your valuables where you are lodging.


West Yellowstone Tours

As I stated earlier, from West Yellowstone you can take a snowcoach tour into Old Faithful and Canyon. Here are some of the snowcoach touring companies in West Yellowstone.
  • Yellowstone Snowcoaches.
    • Pricing. The Old Faithful Tour is $95/adult and $75/child. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Tour is $105/adult and $85/child.
    • Tours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
    • Departure point is at the Three Bear Lodge Conference Room, 217 W. Yellowstone Ave.
    • You can make reservations at (800) 221-1151.
    • You can also make reservations at their website at Yellowstone Coaches

  • Yellowstone Alpen Guides
    • Pricing. $99/adult, $89/senior and $79/child. The price is the same for both the Old Faithful tour and the Canyon tour.
    • Departure point is at 555 Yellowstone Ave.
    • Reservations can be made at these phone numbers; (800) 858-3502 or (406) 646-9591.
    • You can visit their website at Yellowstone Alpen Guides.

  • Snowcoach Yellowstone
    • Pricing. $84/adult, $64/child for the Old Faithful Tour. $94/adult, $74/child for the Canyon Tour. They also offer private custom tours at $695-$925/day.
    • Departure point is at 415 Yellowstone Ave.
    • The phone number for reservations is (800) 426-7669.
    • Their website is Snowmobile Yellowstone.


Jackson Tours

From the south entrance, snowcoach tours go to Old Faithful only. The distance to go any further is too far in a single day. Here are some of the companies in the Jackson area.
  • Goosewing Ranch.
    • Pricing. $199-$229/person.
    • They leave between 6-6:30 and return between 5:00 and 7:00 pm.
    • Breakfast, lunch and refreshments are provided.
    • Departure will be from wherever you are staying. They pick you up at your hotel.
    • Their phone number is (800) 733-5251 or (703) 733-1405.
    • Their website is Goosewing Ranch

  • Rocky Mountain Snow Coach Tours.
    • Pricing. $195/person.
    • They leave around 6:30 am and return around 6:00 pm.
    • Breakfast and lunch are provided.
    • They also pick you up at your hotel.
    • Their phone number is (800) 647-2561.
    • Their website is Rocky Mountain Snowmobiles.
  • Triangle C Ranch.
    • Pricing. Shotgun seat-$250; Second row-$225; Third row-$175. Custom excursions are available at $1300.
    • Departure is around 6:30 am and return between 5 and 7 pm.
    • Breakfast, gourmet lunch, afternoon snack, welcome gift, tax and park entry fee are included.
    • Their phone number is (800) 661-4928.
    • Their website is Trian gle C Ranch


About the author: Roger Turner is the webmaster of Yellowstone Area Guide. He also teaches school and loves the outdoors.