deg@druhi.UUCP (GillespieD) (11/02/85)
Has anyone ever gone to Yellowstone in the winter time? I understand that the Old Faithful Inn is open year round. Does anyone know how expensive it might be, how difficult it is to book accomodations, how to arrange transportation (snow cats?). Any pointers are appreciated. Don Gillespie inhp4!drutx!druhi!deg (303)538-3969
mazlack@ernie.BERKELEY.EDU (Lawrence J. &) (11/04/85)
>Has anyone ever gone to Yellowstone in the winter time? I understand >that the Old Faithful Inn is open year round. Does anyone know how >expensive it might be, how difficult it is to book accomodations, how >to arrange transportation (snow cats?). > >Any pointers are appreciated. > > Don Gillespie > inhp4!drutx!druhi!deg I have went there several time in the winter and will be going again this winter. The Park is open in the winter from about the middle of December to the beginning of April (dates are a guess). You can stay at either Old Faithful or Mammoth Hot Springs. You get into Old Faithful by either private snow mobile or by a snow cat (they call them snow "coaches"). It is very difficult to get a reservation for the Christmas-New Year period - otherwise its not so bad. The operator is "TW Services" (used to own TWA until the airline was spun off.) I don't have their number handy, but the reservation office is located in Mammoth (Montana, I think). Call them for more information. They are usually friendly - but disorganized. About the only thing to do there is to XC. If you're not into that, I'm not sure that I would go - very pretty - but you don't really see much if you're not on skiis. Minimal social (aka meet them there sex life) activities. It is pretty much a case of couples and families. Me, I often go single -- and get to practice the joys of celebacy. (It is a pity, the cost of the room is the same for 1 or 2.) However, most of the visitors are friendly and the staff is just great. ...Larry Mazlack (415) 642-8228
gates@bdmrrr.UUCP (Al Gates) (11/05/85)
> Has anyone ever gone to Yellowstone in the winter time? I understand > that the Old Faithful Inn is open year round. Does anyone know how > expensive it might be, how difficult it is to book accomodations, how > to arrange transportation (snow cats?). > > Don Gillespie I have always wondered this myself. If anyone responds please post to the net. Or Don, please post a followup article summarizing the responses you get. To the best of my knowledge all of the roads leading to Yellowstone are closed in the winter. I have also heard that Old Faithful has not been to faithful lately. Does anyone have any information about that? -- Al Gates BDM Corporation ^ ^ ^ ^ {seismo,rlgvax}!bdmrrr!gates 7915 Jones Branch Drive McLean, Virginia 22102
friedman@asgb.UUCP (Jo Friedman) (11/05/85)
My husband and I went to Yellowstone last winter for a week. It was one of the best vacations we've ever had! Two types of lodging are available - a room without bath in the Snow Lodge for about $26/night for two people and cabins with bath for about $40 (I think). We stayed in the lodge and found it clean and comfortable if somewhat noisy. There is one restaurant in the Snow Lodge. Dinner prices ranged from one or two selections below $10 ($8.95 or so) to the upper teens. There's also a snack shop that's open till 5:00. You get to the Snow Lodge via a snowcat from various entrances to the park. The South entrance is from Flagg Ranch on the southern edge of the park - no cars are allowed in the park. The snowcoach trip costs about $50/person round trip. Once at the Snow Lodge you can take a day trip in the snow coach (also for $50) which takes you around inside the park to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Fountain Paint Pots, etc. You can rent snowmobiles (including snowmobile suits), cross country skiis, and snowshoes. However, you can see alot just walking around. The trails around Old Faithful are hard packed. We got around by skiing. The snowmobiles are restricted to the roads. Be prepared for cold weather! We were there during a particularly cold spell - the highs were around -20F. But the cold weather is what makes Yellowstone so spectacular - Old Faithful looks twice as big when it erupts because of all the steam which it gives off! The cold weather can be tough on your camera too. You have to be careful of breaking film. I don't have any details with me, but you should be able to get the information you need to make reservations from a travel agent. It's certainly too late to make reservations for Christmas, but we had no trouble getting reservations for our trip in January. If a travel agent can't help you try calling Yellowstone Natl Park (or send me mail if you get desparate). Have a good time! Jo Friedman
hansen@utah-cs.UUCP (Chuck Hansen) (11/07/85)
The Park is open from mid-December until early March (when the bears wake up!) Accommodations include Old Faitful Snow Lodge ($40 - double ... $27 - single these are 84-85 prices). Cabins are available for larger groups. There's a toll free number to call: 800-421-3401 or write: Winter Inofrmation Yellowstone National Park Wyo. 83020 (307)344-7381 Have fun! Chuck Hansen utah-cs!hansen