It’s winter and the whole family has cabin fever… what to do? Don’t think twice, just book it to West Yellowstone, Montana. This place is a mecca for outdoor winter adventures, geared toward adults and kids alike. With winter activities at your fingertips, including world-class Nordic skiing and downhill resorts nearby, what’s not to love? The Kids’N’Snow weekends offered 4 times during the winter offer a free opportunity for kids to play outside and try different snow sports. Here’s what you can look forward to during a winter vacation in West Yellowstone…
Orientation and arrival
West Yellowstone is a quaint town at the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park in southern Montana. The easiest air arrival is through Bozeman International Airport (less than a 2-hour drive).
Lodging
West Yellowstone, Montana has accommodations for every style of traveler and every budget. From quaint bed and breakfasts and inns, to luxurious lodges and chain hotels.
Dining
Taste the West with local specialties such as bison and trout! There are many restaurants suited to a variety of palettes, whether you’re seeking pizza and pub grub, a deli sandwich for a day’s adventure, or just an excellent cup of coffee.
FREE, kids-friendly activities?
West Yellowstone offers Kids’N’Snow weekends throughout the wintertime. During these weekends, kids from anywhere are welcome to explore winter activities for free! Under safe guidance, kids can try out an assortment of winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing and ice fishing. They’ll also have the opportunity to meet with rangers and learn winter ecology in the area. Bringing the family during one of these weekends is educational, inspiring, and most importantly-tons of fun!
Hop on a machine
Have you ever thought of watching Yellowstone’s famous Old Faithful geyser erupt in the wintertime? It’s magic. Tour operators in West Yellowstone can jet you through the National Park in a safe and comfortable manner aboard snowmobiles or enclosed snowcoaches.
Outside Yellowstone National Park, there are over 400 miles of groomed trails, from the flats to the mountaintops, with plenty of powder in between. All sledding skill levels will find something that suits their preferences in West Yellowstone. Snowmobiling in West Yellowstone is one of the best winter experiences in the Rockies!
Go skiing
There are multiple Nordic centers and other touring trails in West Yellowstone. The Rendezvous ski trails offer stunning views and are perfect for skiers of all skill levels. The Boundary Trail runs along the national park border and is pet-friendly. That’s right, bring the whole family on this vacation! For downhill junkies, 3 major ski resorts are basically at your fingertips near West Yellowstone: Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort, and Grand Targhee.
Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at several local businesses in West Yellowstone.
What else?
Beyond skiing and snowmobiling in this winter wonderland, you can also take a spin at the community ice rink, rip down the sledding hill at City Park, try your luck at ice fishing, or wind through the snowy pines from the comfort of a dog sled. A winter vacation in West Yellowstone will leave you and your family yearning for more.
This article was created in partnership with Visit USA Parks.
Photos courtesy of West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, Lauren Anderson Lifestyle Photography, Paul Borash, and Dobson Ent. Inc.