Fun, Fitness, and Fresh Air

Crisp air, clear days, a fresh blanket of snow on the ground – it’s time to head outside and play. A visit to Yellowstone National Park during the winter months means there’s no shortage of ways to have fun and stay active on vacation. Skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and walking adventures await, just steps from your cozy guestroom. What could be better than combining fun, fitness, and fresh air!

Here are just a few ways to stay active while discovering Yellowstone’s stunning snowy landscape this winter.

Snowshoeing in Yellowstone

Snowshoeing is a family-friendly, low-impact activity that’s also a fantastic workout! Our guided Old Faithful Snowshoe Tour is slow-paced, takes up to three hours, and introduces participants to Yellowstone’s backcountry around the upper geyser basin. Explore wooded trails for signs of wildlife, then snowshoe along the Firehole River for a peek at some of the park’s thermal basins.

With a slow, leisurely pace, the tour is appropriate for new and experienced snowshoers who want to enjoy time outside, snap some photos, and ask their guide questions about Yellowstone. The terrain is primarily flat, with a few slight hills, and experience is not required to participate. Snowshoes are available to rent at the Bear Den Ski Shop. Snowshoe tours are offered from December through early March.

Head out on the Grand Canyon Snowshoe Tour for a full day of snowshoeing. This tour departs from Old Faithful Snow Lodge and follows a route through prime wildlife-watching areas to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where participants can spend up to two hours and snowshoe up to three miles. The Grand Canyon Snowshoe Tour includes a bag deli lunch, but participants are encouraged to pack extra snacks, water, hats, and gloves. Due to the length of the excursion, it’s best for experienced snowshoers. This tour is available from mid-December through early March.

Learn more about our guided snowshoe tours from Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

Already have your own snowshoes? We’ve got the trails for you! Prefer to explore solo? We have knowledgeable ski shop staff to point you in the right direction. Stop by the Beard Den Ski Shop at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel for snowshoe rentals, trail recommendations, and the latest trail conditions.

Cross-Country Skiing in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park has more than 100 miles of cross-country ski trails, offering endless opportunities to observe natural wonders, view wildlife, and get in a great workout at the same time. Whether you’re new to cross-country skiing or an experienced skier, Yellowstone’s pristine snowy scenery provides a stunning backdrop for a day on the trails.

For an unforgettable winter experience, explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on skis! This full-day tour begins with a two-hour snowcoach ride to the Canyon Village area, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Participants will then follow a guide on skis along the Canyon rim, with views of the Upper and Lower Falls and the Yellowstone River. In total, the tour covers up to six miles on skis and is best for skiers with some experience. Tours include a boxed deli lunch, but make sure to pack extra snacks, water, hats, and gloves, and dress in layers. Ski tours are available from mid-December to the first of March.

If you prefer to ski on your own, cross-country ski equipment is available for rent at the Bear Den Ski Shops at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. A number of the trails in the park are groomed for classic stride as well as skate skiing. In addition, ski shuttles are available (for a fee) in the Old Faithful and Mammoth areas that drop skiers off at popular locations like Fairy Falls Trail, Indian Creek, Lone Star, and more. Visit the Bear Den Ski Shop for a daily ski trail condition update before heading out.

Winter Walks in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a year-round destination, and winter walks on the boardwalks afford opportunities to see thermal features, wildlife, and dramatic snow-covered landscapes from a unique perspective. With fewer visitors during winter, the park is yours to explore, and a simple morning walk can be a magical excursion.

A crisp winter day in Yellowstone makes for perfect conditions to cross the Continental Divide on a snowcoach! This guided afternoon tour heads south from Old Faithful Snow Lodge and bypasses the West Thumb Geyser Basin before crossing the Continental Divide for a walk along the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalks, taking in sights such as Abyss Pool, Black Pool, the Fishing Cone, and Lakeshore Geyser. The tour returns to Old Faithful for lunch. Book the Across the Great Divide tour here. Please note additional snowcoach transportation is required to reach Old Faithful Snow Lodge in the winter.

Walks in the winter are usually on snow-packed trails or boardwalks, sometimes with stairs. It’s important to wear boots with excellent traction and consider renting or bringing additional traction like Yaktraks. We also rent hiking poles for additional support. For ideas on where to head out for a walk on your own, visit the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth or the Old Faithful Visitor Center in Old Faithful Village.

Ice-Skating in Yellowstone

Want to stick close to the lodge but still get some fresh air and exercise? No problem! Ice skating rinks at Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open daily on a weather-dependent basis. For guests, skates are free to use and are located near the ice rinks. Spend an hour or two circling the rink on a frosty afternoon or work up an appetite before dinner.

Ice skating at Old Faithful Snow Lodge

No matter how you like to stay active during the snowy months, Yellowstone National Park is the perfect place to combine fresh air and fitness this winter!

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Want to experience Yellowstone in-depth? See what makes Yellowstone National Park a great place to work for a season or longer!