Itinerary

DAY 1 (Arrival: Saturday, Feb 12 or Saturday Feb 19, 2011)
Depart for Bozeman, Montana. Overnight in Bozeman and meals on your own.
Hotel assistance in Bozeman provided so group is together for briefing and am departure.

DAY 2 Early morning shuttle from Bozeman to Mammoth Hot Springs located in
northwest Yellowstone Park. It is not unusual to spot big horn sheep on the steep
rocky bluffs as we enter the park. We will pick up lunch along the way. We spend
the night at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel - a comfortable classic hotel located
at the base of immense travertine terraces with steaming hot springs and bubbling
pools. After a brief trip orientation, we enjoy an afternoon ski in the upper
terraced area or Indian Creek. Basic ski instruction provided as needed. (L)

DAY 3 We enjoy a full day of touring in the famed wolf release area, Lamar
Valley. Wonderful rolling countryside with big open vistas, snowy meadows and
spruce-fir forests leading into the canyon walls of Barronette and Abiathar Peaks.
Ski the favored Bannock trail leading to lunch at the end of the winter road in
Cooke City. The trails in these areas are rated as easiest to more difficult. It is not
uncommon in these areas to sight coyote, elk, bison and occasionally big horn
sheep! In addition, the Lamar Valley is where, in 1995, fourteen gray wolves were
reintroduced into Yellowstone Park. There is always the possibility of seeing wolves
or at the very least, signs of their presence. Evening interpretive programs
covering a variety of topics related to wildlife and geothermal activity are offered
at the lodge by park naturalists. (BL)

DAY 4 After breakfast, we depart via snow coach to the Old Faithful area. This
four-hour shuttle offers great opportunity for viewing winter wildlife in their
natural habitat. Our journey is narrated by a park naturalist. In addition to viewing
elk, bison, pronghorn antelope and the occasional moose, this area is the winter
home for many birds such as the bald eagle, osprey, snow geese and trumpeter
swan. Upon arrival at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, we enjoy a late afternoon /
evening ski tour through the steaming Biscuit Basin and Old Faithful geyser areas.
This are is the largest concentration of geysers in the world...these geothermal
features cloaked in winter weather are spectacular! (BL)

DAYS 5-6 Full days of backcountry ski options in the Spring Creek / Lone Star
Geyser areas. We are shuttled by snow coach out to the trailhead and then follow
the beautiful Spring Creek trail on a mostly gentle downhill slope (some steeper
sections) to the Lone Star Geyser trail. Visit the Old Faithful interpretive center
and evening park naturalist program. Optional group tour: the north rim of the
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone River. Witness the rivers upper and lower water falls
and the complex geologic park history in dramatic colors, shapes and smells.
Sightings of snowshoe hare, deer and river otter are a possibility here. (BL)

DAY 7 Sunrise ski the Fern Cascades loop - stunning trail through a hilly section
of the 1988 burn area. Or, if you wish, there is the option of spending the morning
walking along the boardwalk through the Old Faithful geyser basin with boiling
blue green hot springs, bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. After lunch
we return via snow coach to the Mammoth Hot Springs lodge and a final evening
banquet. (BLD)

DAY 8 (Departure date: Saturday, Feb 19 or Saturday Feb 26, 2011)
After breakfast, we depart for Bozeman, Montana and depart for hometown.
Return flights should not be scheduled until after 5 pm. (B)

More information from Adventure Associates of Washington:

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  www.adventureassociates.net/adventures/w_yellowstoneski.html…
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