Due to a lack of snow, ski, snowmobile and some snowcoach travel will be limited in parts of Yellowstone National Park when the winter season begins on Friday, Dec. 15.
Consequently, no snowmobile traffic will be allowed from the North Entrance near Mammoth and there are areas of little snow on portions of the roads from the East and West entrances.
Only the southern portion of the park has received enough snow to cover roads closed to auto traffic, according to a park press release.
"Throughout the winter season, park staff will work closely with all operators and provide updates as conditions change," the Park Service said.
Winter travel into Yellowstone is limited to permitted snowmobilers with reservations or those traveling with a guide. Snowcoach travel is provided by concession operators in gateway communities.
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When road conditions do not allow for snowmobiles, the non-commercially guided snowmobile access program permits are cancelled and refunded.
The winter season ends in mid-March when plowing crews begin to clear a winter’s worth of snow. Roads will start to re-open to automobiles in mid-April. The exception is the route from Gardiner, at the North Entrance, to Cooke City, at the Northeast Entrance, which remains open all winter to auto travel.
Most facilities are closed during winter. Check winter operating dates to see which visitor centers, stores, restaurants, lodges and warming huts are open.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open during winter. Make reservations as far in advance as possible. Lodging is also available in nearby communities. There are no campgrounds open this winter.