Nordic skiing is a form of cross-country skiing that allows you to travel across snow-covered terrain using lightweight skis and boots. Unlike downhill skiing, Nordic skiing does not require a chairlift or ski resort. Instead, you use your own movement to glide across trails, making it a wonderful way to explore winter landscapes at a slower, more immersive pace.
On this trip, we use Nordic skis to explore the winter landscape of Yellowstone National Park, traveling through snow-covered forests and open terrain while experiencing the park during its quieter winter season.
This trip is designed for guests with some prior cross-country skiing or Nordic skiing experience. You should be comfortable skiing on groomed or relatively gentle terrain and be prepared for several hours of activity in winter conditions.
You do not need to be an expert Nordic skier, but this is an active winter adventure rather than a beginner ski lesson. Guests should feel comfortable balancing and gliding on skis, stopping, and skiing over varied terrain.
If you are new to cross-country skiing, we recommend gaining some experience before the trip so you can feel confident and enjoy the experience.
Cross-country ski equipment is arranged as part of the trip, so you do not need to bring your own Nordic skis and boots.
Your guide will help make sure you have the appropriate equipment for the conditions and terrain. If you already own Nordic skiing equipment and prefer to bring your own, you are welcome to do so.
During the winter season, many roads in Yellowstone National Park are closed to regular automobile traffic. We travel into the park using over-snow transportation, allowing us to access Yellowstone's winter landscape when much of the park is inaccessible to traditional vehicles.
Traveling by over-snow vehicle is part of the experience and provides a unique way to reach the park's winter trails and scenery. Once we reach our destination, we explore the landscape on Nordic skis.
Yellowstone winters can be very cold, with temperatures potentially well below freezing. Conditions can also change quickly, so dressing properly is essential.
We recommend a layering system that allows you to adjust your clothing throughout the day. This generally includes a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layers, and a wind- and weather-resistant outer layer. Warm gloves or mittens, a winter hat, and insulated footwear are also essential.
Because Nordic skiing is an active sport, you may warm up while skiing even when the air temperature is extremely cold. Having multiple layers allows you to regulate your temperature as conditions and activity levels change. Make sure your backpack can hold all of your extra layers as needed.
Guests will stay in carefully selected historic hotels and iconic park lodges that capture the spirit of the American West while providing a comfortable retreat after days of winter exploration in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Accommodations include Yellowstone’s iconic Snow Lodge and historic Mammoth Hotel, offering a unique opportunity to experience Yellowstone in winter, when the park is quieter and fewer visitors are on the roads and trails. These distinctive accommodations add to the adventure, combining historic character, comfortable lodging, and an authentic connection to the landscapes of Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Your Yellowstone winter adventure includes everything you need for a comfortable and fully supported Nordic skiing experience. The trip includes:
The services of an expert trip leader or leaders
A cross-country ski rental package, including skis, boots, and poles
All accommodations, including 9 nights in carefully selected hotels
Meals as shown on the daily itinerary: breakfast, snacks or picnic lunches, and dinner
Ground transportation aboard luxury snowcoaches
All admissions for excursions listed on the itinerary
Full support throughout the trip, including luggage transfers
Airfare, transportation between Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and Jackson, Wyoming, alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, specialty drinks with meals, and personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and room service are not included. Optional tips or gratuities for trip leaders and staff are also not included.
Trip insurance is not included but can be purchased separately.
Yes. ONe or two experienced Alpenwild guides accompanies the group throughout the scheduled activities.
Your guide(s) provides instruction and assistance with Nordic skiing, helps navigate winter conditions and terrain, and shares knowledge about Yellowstone's natural and cultural history. Having a guide also allows you to focus on enjoying the experience while we take care of the logistics.
Our trips are intentionally kept to a small group size to provide a more personal experience and allow for flexibility while traveling and skiing in Yellowstone. On average, tours will be about 10 - 14 guests.
A Dark Sky Park is a location recognized for having exceptionally dark, naturally occurring night skies and for taking steps to protect them from light pollution.
Yellowstone is an incredible place to experience the night sky because of its remote location and limited artificial light. On a clear night, you may have the opportunity to see an extraordinary number of stars, planets, and other celestial features that are difficult to see from more developed areas.
Experiencing Yellowstone after dark adds another dimension to a winter visit, particularly when snow-covered landscapes reflect the moonlight and the skies are filled with stars.
Alpenwild trips are designed for active travelers with a spirit of adventure. We rate this trip as moderately strenuous. Guests should be comfortable cross-country skiing for 4 to 6 hours per day at elevations reaching up to 8,000 feet above sea level.
Please note this is a true Nordic ski adventure designed for experienced cross-country skiers. Guests should have previous cross-country skiing experience and feel confident skiing varied terrain and winter conditions. This tour is not recommended for first-time Nordic skiers.
