For a couple of years now there has been talk of another ski trip to Yellowstone, but for several reason beyond our control nothing has come from these discussions.  The main problem was that the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel was closed for remodeling which meant lodging was more limited than normal and more expensive. However, Mammoth Hot Springs is now remodeled and open and Yellowstone seems to have their winter programs more organized again.  So this coming year might be a great time for a Yellowstone ski trip.

      Our bus trips are scheduled for January 10-13 and February 21-24 so Ruth and I, as a self-appointed committee of two, are proposing a Yellowstone trip for January 31 to February 5^th or 6^th.  We are proposing that the trip be handled like our New Year’s trips to Silverton where everyone makes their own reservations.  We have attached an information sheet that covers available lodging, restaurants, guided tours, shuttles to ski drop offs, and shuttle from Bozeman airport to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. 

      A possible itinerary would be to fly into Bozeman and spent the first two nights taking advantage of the Frosty Fun package at Mammoth.  This is a pretty good deal but you would need a roommate. There are lots of ski trails around Mammoth and snow coach trips to Lamar Valley the prime wolf watching area in the park.  Then spend the next 2 or 3 nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or the Western cabins by Old Faithful Lodge. There are 70 miles of cross-country ski trails around Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Western Cabins.  But since this could be a self-directed trip you could elect to go directly to Old Faithful Snow Lodge for your stay in the park. Check out prices on the attached information sheet with corresponding links.  

      Airfare to Bozeman is currently about $400 to $450 round trip. Delta currently has a flight that leaves ABQ at 6:00 a.m and gets into Bozeman at 12:30p.m. in time to catch the 1:45 shuttle to Mammoth.  Shuttle cost $54.00 from the airport to Mammoth and then another $54.00 to Old Faithful.  On Delta Skis are considered just checked luggage and do not have to be in hard shell cases but cost $40 each way if you have checked another bag. 

      I would estimate that a 5-night trip would cost around $1500.00 per person including food and airfare and shuttles ifs you stayed two nights at Mammoth and 3 nights in a Western Cabin near Old Faithful.  Guided tours would of course increase that costs as would different lodging options.

      The challenge is to know when to make lodging reservations, which can be made online.  When I was doing this research, Frosty Fun was available for the period suggested above and at least one Western Cabin was available, but the person I talked to could not tell me how many rooms were available at Old Faithful or the Western Cabins.   I have not explored the possibility of a better rate for a group since I have no idea how many people might be interested.

      If you are seriously interested please let me know.

Max Shepherd

Max.shepherd@comcast.net