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Can we still snowmobile into Yellowstone? Yes, Temporary Winter Use Plans are in effect while a two-year environmental impact study is being conducted. We are able to continue offering you guided snowmobile tours into Yellowstone National Park. We are using the  Artic Cat Touring 4-stroke snowmobiles in Yellowstone; these machines are cleaner, quieter and offer superior comfort with heated handgrips for both driver and passenger. Our tour groups are a maximum of 10 people.

Please Note: Self-guided snowmobiles are no longer permitted in Yellowstone National Park; you must enter with an authorized Yellowstone Park concessionaire.

When is the best time to visit Yellowstone in the winter? It is nice all winter long but there are fewer visitors before Christmas and during the first three weeks in January.

What are the opening and closing dates for the Park? The winter season begins the third Wednesday in December until the second Monday in March. See the calendar at www.seeyellowstone.com for a complete listing of opening and closing dates.

Are bathrooms available in the Park? Bathrooms are available throughout the Park. Some are unheated outhouses but the longest distance between bathrooms is only 27 miles.

What do I do with my valuables? We suggest all valuables including wallets and car keys be left in a safe place and not taken on tours. Camera equipment should be in a padded case or strapped around your neck during the tour. If it is extremely cold, you may want to check your film restrictions.

What about food? Tours into the Old Faithful area of Yellowstone National Park stop at lunch facilities at Old Faithful. There are no lunch facilities at other areas within Yellowstone Park. You will need to bring your own lunch and snacks.

Will the ravens steal my lunch? Ravens within the Park have learned how to open the back compartments of snowmobiles, undo Velcro and some latches. They will go through anything that they can get open to find food or other objects to take. Some coyotes have also learned to do this to find food. Never leave your snowmobile with accessible food or clothing unattended.

Who can snowmobile? Tours into Yellowstone National Park require the driver to have a valid driver's license. On all snowmobile tours a degree of physical activity is required; and tours are conducted at elevations of 6,500 - 9,500 feet above sea level. Participants with special medical conditions should consult their physician prior to participating in any snowmobile tour. We do not recommend children under 8 as passengers. Young children tend to get cold and tired more easily.

How many people can go on a snowmobile? Only single or double riding permitted. All of our snowmobiles seat a maximum of 2 people. A double rider is a second person on a snowmobile.

What about insurance? An optional snowmobile damage waiver is available for an additional fee. Fees and deductible vary by type of snowmobile. If you have your own snowmobile insurance, we recommend that you check with your carrier prior to your trip to add any additional coverage.

What is making me so tired? West Yellowstone, Montana is situated at an altitude of 6,666 feet and our atmosphere is extremely dry. If you live at a much lower altitude or different climate, we recommend that in the first 24 hours to drink at least 64 oz of water and get plenty of sleep. Most people adjust within the first day. If you plan any mountain trail or high altitude riding, make sure to bring plenty of water. If you find you are in a situation of deep snow, or need to dig out your sled, remember to work slowly and conserve energy. Also, even in winter, you can get sunburned.

Will we go snowmobiling if it snows? Yes, due to the inherent nature of winter weather and snowmobiling, all tours will proceed on cold and snowy days.

Will we go snowmobiling if it is cold? All of our equipment is specifically designed for snowmobiling and it will keep you warm. The snowmobile's handlebars are heated and you will feel heat blowing on you from the motor. Please bring the following items to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour: something to protect your lower face and neck such as a balaclava, neck gator or scarf; sunglasses for bright sunny days. On sub-zero days you may want to use disposable hand and foot warmers. Face protection is required.

What clothing should I wear? If you rent clothing from us, we provide a full one-piece snowsuit made from Thinsulate materials, DOT approved helmet, full-length gloves, facemask, and boots. You should wear loose comfortable layers and warm socks. If you are bringing your own clothing, make sure to bring a facemask to wear under your helmet. Gloves should fully cover your wrists.

What does a guide do? Authorized guides are required for any snowmobiler entering Yellowstone Park according to the new Winter Use regulations. However, we also have authorized guide service for the three forests surrounding West Yellowstone (Targhee National Forest in Idaho, Beaverhead and Gallatin National Forests in Montana.) Our guides are experienced, local riders who understand how to ensure that you have the most fun during your day of sledding. They can take care of minor maintenance or equipment issues. They know the best trails and hidden caches of powder. They can help you improve your trail and mountain riding expertise. If you are new to the West Yellowstone/Island Park, Idaho trails and mountains, we recommend a guide for at least the first day.

What if I have never snowmobiled before? Many of our guests are snowmobiling for the first time. A complete safety orientation, snowmobile instruction, and review of the rules and regulations are provided prior to beginning your tour. Operation of a snowmobile is not difficult. Many of our touring snowmobiles even have reverse options. We recommend beginning with a touring sled before advancing to a larger engine size or high performance machine. We also have local trail maps available and daily avalanche and snow reports.

Our tours and rentals are for the full day. If possible, we recommend that you try on rental clothing the previous evening and take it to your room. Then, just go directly to the Snow Desk and fill out a Rental Agreement to avoid a rush in the morning.

Many first-time snowmobilers chose a combination snowmobile and snowcoach vacation package. They spend one-day snowmobiling into the Old Faithful area, and the next traveling to more remote areas of the Park by snowcoach in a warm and comfortable snow van.