|
 Frequently
Asked Questions
What is required to drive a snowmobile?
To operate a snowmobile inside Yellowstone National Park you must have a
valid drivers license. Outside the Park you are required to have either a
valid drivers license or state approved snowmobile safety education course
certificate to operate a snowmobile on plowed public streets or highways
that are open to snowmobile traffic. You must be in the physical presence
and under the supervision of another rider who is 18 years of age or older.
What type of snowmobile clothing do you have and what should I bring?
We offer one-piece snowmobile suits designed with a tightly woven exterior,
ploy-filled lining and a quilted interior. The suit (sizes XS to 4XL tall)
will keep you very warm accounting for the extreme temperatures and
wind-chill factor. Snowmobile boots (sizes up to 15 men's), gloves, a
facemask and a helmet (sizes up to XXL) are available for rent, or may be
included with your snowmobile package. To compliment your outerwear, bring
clothes that can be easily layered. Avoid wearing tight clothes because
restricted circulation leads to being cold. Evenings out in West Yellowstone
are casual and jeans can be worn anywhere.
Is guide service required in Yellowstone National Park?
Snowmobilers riding inside Yellowstone National Park are required to be with
a guide at all times. Our guides are well trained, licensed, and highly
professional. They provide excellent knowledge of the terrain as well as a
history of the area. The maximum number of snowmobiles that can accompany
our guide inside the park is 10. If your group is larger, we will divide the
group, usually according to riding capabilities and/or desires. Private
guides service may be arranged at an additional cost.
Is guide service required in the surrounding National Forests?
A guide is not required to ride in surrounding National Forests of Gallatin,
Beaverhead or Targhee. We can arrange for a private guide and have permits
for all three national forests.
Are out of state snowmobilers required to register sleds for Forest
Service trail riding?
Idaho & Wyoming have both charged out of state snowmobilers a fee to ride
their trails and now Montana will too. Idaho and Montana tags will be
available at the Visitor Center office at the West Yellowstone Chamber of
Commerce Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Where is the nearest airport?
The largest commercial airport near West Yellowstone is located in Bozeman,
Montana,
and is serviced by Alaska Airlines, Delta, Sky West, Horizon, and Northwest
Airlines. West Yellowstone's airport is open from June through September and
is serviced by Sky West Airlines, a Delta connection. Nearby Idaho Falls,
Idaho also has a large airport.
Yellowstone Tour and Travel
has discounted
airfare and can help you make your reservations.
Is there a speed limit in Yellowstone?
The maximum speed limit is 45 miles per hour, with some areas posted below
that.
What is the elevation of West Yellowstone, Montana?
West Yellowstone is located at 6,666 feet above sea level. Some places
commonly toured run as high as 10,000 feet.
What is the weather like?
Mountain weather can be very unpredictable, so the trick is to -- always be
prepared. Dress in layers so that you can add or subtract for comfort.
When is the best time to come?
There is no easy answer to this question! Basically it depends on you! Trail
use is usually lighter in Early December and January, but there tends to be
more snowy days in those months. February and March have milder temperatures
and the snow is more compact but the trails are more crowded, especially on
weekends. We advise you to make your reservations early for the
Christmas/New Years holiday and again in February and around the
Presidential holiday.
When is the snowmobile season in and around Yellowstone?
Yellowstone National Park is open mid-December through the first part of
March to snowmobiles (depending on weather conditions). Snowmobiling is
available December through March in the surrounding National Forests. |
