The Old Faithful Winter Expedition Lodging & Learning package is designed for those who want to explore the heart of Yellowstone’s winter wilderness with an expert field educator. The serenity and beauty of Yellowstone in winter is truly one-of-a-kind, and this will provide the setting for discovery, reflection, and fascination. Wildlife, history, ecology, and geology will be incorporated into daily activities, additionally the group will discuss a variety of issues that affect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Yellowstone Forever field educator will lead you through the most scenic and awe-inspiring features in the park and share stories behind the rare magic of Yellowstone National Park.

This program begins at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, where a field educator will deliver an informative evening orientation. The following three days will be based out of the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Days will be spent visiting some of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic interior-based locations, such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful. The final day of programming will be spent traveling back to Mammoth Hot Springs where participants will spend their final night, before departing the next morning.

Most sightings of wildlife occur at a distance; the field educator will provide high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars for group use. However, participants are encouraged to bring additional scopes and binoculars if they have them.

Airport Shuttle from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport

Daily shuttles (winter season only) are now offered from the Bozeman Airport to/from Yellowstone. You can reserve your seat(s) when making your lodging reservations by phone.

Why Choose a Lodging & Learning Package?

Our award-winning Lodging & Learning packages are developed through a partnership with Yellowstone National Park Lodges. These packages combine the best lodging locations with an exceptional immersive field education experience. Here’s why this package stands out:

• Yellowstone Forever is Yellowstone National Park’s official nonprofit education and fundraising partner. Our mission is to partner with Yellowstone National Park to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Yellowstone forever.
• You’ll help preserve Yellowstone. Proceeds collected by Yellowstone Forever for this package are used to preserve Yellowstone National Park and provide more opportunities for people to experience its magic.
• Our field educators are formally trained. The Yellowstone Institute has been providing in-depth educational programs in Yellowstone for over 40 years. Our field educators are among the best expert naturalist instructors in Yellowstone. They’re professionals with academic credentials who are dedicating their careers to this vital work. They live in the Yellowstone ecosystem, they work alongside park researchers, and thus can provide accurate and exciting “behind the scenes” perspectives on the park’s history, management, geology, flora, and fauna. They know where to go and when, and they’ll handle all the details to make your experience is as enjoyable as possible.
• Small group size. This program has a max capacity of 9 participants (up to 12 same family). You’ll enjoy camaraderie with fellow participants and receive a lot more attention in this small group package. It allows your naturalist guide to take an inquiry-based approach to learning, tailoring the experience to your specific interests.
• We provide the essential equipment. Your instructor will provide high-quality scoping equipment to bring distant wildlife into crisp, clear view. We also provide snowshoes or safe travel over snow and ice on daily hikes. Our guides are CPR and Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certified. They carry a first aid kit and handheld radio during all hikes and provide bear spray if hiking in bear country. They will incorporate teaching aids such as skulls, tracks, pelts, books, and test equipment such as temperature guns for thermal features.
• You can’t beat in-park lodging. All lodging in this package is located in the park, within short walking distance from popular features and spectacular scenery. This minimizes drive time during daily outings, and allows more time to enjoy the park’s features at a relaxing pace. It also allows more time in the evenings, after daily outings, to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Airport Shuttle from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport

Daily shuttles (winter season only) are now offered from the Bozeman Airport to/from Yellowstone. You can reserve your seat(s) when making your lodging reservations by phone.

Testimonials

"What a wonderful experience for myself, daughter and grand daughter." - Mary, CA

"This was our first time to Yellowstone National Park. The description of this package is what drew us into going. Turned out that the description was not adequate. What Sam provided in his explanations and talks along with the scenery cannot be put in words. Magical Outstanding Exceptional. Once in a life time trip that begs to be experienced again." - Miles, CA

"The expertise provided by the guide and driver was spectacular. The knowledge of these two complimented each other and made the experience great for everyone, whether they were thermal feature lovers or birding aficionados." - Dale and Charla, OH