The Winter Wolf Discovery package focuses learning about wolves, and other exciting wildlife, along Yellowstone’s famous northern range. Winter is prime time to view wolves in Yellowstone, and this package is designed to take advantage of this rare opportunity. A Yellowstone Forever field educator will share up-to-date information about Yellowstone wolf biology, behaviour, and ecology throughout daily outings. Each evening, participants will return to the comfortable Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

The first evening includes an informative orientation with a Yellowstone Forever field educator. The following three full days involve getting up early and traveling to viewing points in hope of observing wolves in the wild. Afternoons are spent exploring wildlife habitats and traveling on snowshoes to examine tracks and other animal signs. Participants will likely encounter many other wildlife species during daily outings, where field educators will discuss the role these other species play in the ecosystem in relation to wolves. 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.

This award-winning Lodging & Learning programme is developed through a partnership with Yellowstone National Park Lodges and Yellowstone Forever. It combines the best hotel accommodation with an exceptional immersive field education experience. Yellowstone Forever is Yellowstone National Park’s official non-profit education partner. Its mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. Yellowstone Forever Field Educators are world class. The Yellowstone Institute has been providing in-depth educational programs in Yellowstone for over 40 years. Yellowstone Forever field educators are among the best experts in Yellowstone. Educational staff are passionate professionals with significant training who are dedicating their careers to this vital work. They live in the Yellowstone ecosystem, they work and train alongside park researchers and educators, and thus can provide accurate and exciting behind the scenes perspectives on the park’s natural and cultural history. They know where to go and when, and they handle all the details to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

The small group size typically has a maximum capacity of 13 however due to Covid-19 safety precautions, this programme is currently been limited to 9 participants (up to 12 same family). The programme capacity size allows participants to enjoy camaraderie with fellow participants and receive more attention in a small group setting. It allows the educator to take an inquiry-based approach to learning and tailoring the experience to the group’s specific interests.

Essential equipment is provided. Yellowstone Forever provides high-quality scoping equipment to bring distant wildlife into crisp, clear view. 

Educators are at a minimum Wilderness First Aid certified. They carry a first aid kit and handheld radio during all outings and provide bear spray to participants if hiking in bear country. Additionally, they incorporate teaching aids such as skulls, tracks, pelts, books, I-Pads with videos, and test equipment such as temperature guns for thermal features.

The itinerary is designed to take advantage of the best opportunities in the park, but may be adjusted to adapt to weather conditions, animal movements, holidays, and road construction.

Transfer to for two nights in Bozeman at the Best Western Grantree for two nights on room only. 

Bozeman is one of the most diverse small towns in the Rocky Mountain West, with an eclectic mix of ranchers, artists, professors, ski enthusiasts and entrepreneurs drawn hereby world class outdoor recreation, Montana State University and a slice of old fashioned Americana. Art and culture is alive and well in Bozeman. It is home to many museums and excellent galleries, as well as opera, theatre, symphony, ballet and rodeo. 

  

The shuttle to Mammoth Hot Springs departs at 1300 from the Rivers Hotel just a minute’s walk from the Best Western and arrives at about 1500 for your check in at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel for four nights. At about 1700 guests will meet a Yellowstone Forever field educator for an orientation, going over the programme, discussing clothing and equipment needed for daily outings, and answering any questions. After the orientation guests will have dinner reservations in the Mammoth Hot Springs Restaurant (you will receive a Snow Card discount)

Breakfast on your own in the restaurant (with coupon)

0745 Meet at the bus with day’s gear (pack, water, and appropriate clothing)

Depart for northern range wolf habitat for wildlife viewing, history, and geology overview

Lunch at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch (on your own)

Interpretive snowshoe tour

1530 Return to Mammoth

Dinner on your own (advanced reservations required). You will receive a Snow Card discount

2030 Optional evening program or free time on your own

Overnight in Mammoth Hot Springs

0630 Meet at the bus with day’s gear (pack, water, and appropriate clothing)

Depart for northern range for wildlife viewing in prime wolf habitat

Coffee and bag breakfast provided on bus

Lunch at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch (on your own)

Interpretive snowshoe tour

1500 Return to Mammoth

Dinner on your own (advance reservations required), Snow Card discount

2030 Optional evening program or free time on your 

Overnight in Mammoth Hot Springs

0630 Meet at the bus with day’s gear (pack, water, and appropriate clothing)

Depart for northern range for wildlife viewing, wolf ecology, and management  

Coffee and bag breakfast provided on bus

Lunch at Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Interpretive snowshoe tour

1400 Return to Mammoth

1745 Group dinner (reservations made) (with coupon)

Overnight in Mammoth Hot Springs

Take the shuttle from Mammoth Hot Springs back to Bozeman airport departing at 0915 arriving at Bozeman airport at 1115 and check in for your flight

Take the shuttle from Mammoth to Old Faithful departing at 0745 arriving at old Faithful at 1200.  

Stay two nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. 

Breakfast is included each day and unlimited ice skate rental and ice skating. Tours to the Canyon of Yellowstone as well as various snow shoe and skiing tours can be arranged.  

Explore on your own or join one of the optional tours available. We recommend booking any additional tours in advance. We can send you full details when booking. 

Take the Snowcoach back to Mammoth Hot Springs departing at 1345 arriving at 1800 where you will spend your final night.

 

Take the shuttle from Mammoth Hot Springs back to Bozeman airport departing at 0915 arriving at Bozeman airport at 1115 and check in for your flight.

Included in the Price: Return flights from London to Bozeman, two nights in Bozeman on room only, four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs in a premium room, four breakfasts (one in the restaurant and three box breakfasts, three box lunches, one dinner at mammoth Hot Springs Restaurant, transfers between Bozeman and Yellowstone, in park transportation via 14 passenger minibus, full programme with Yellowstone Forever Field Educator as listed, a 32 oz. Nalgene wide mouth water bottle, field equipment as needed (except snowshoes). 

9 night package includes one additional night at Mammoth Hot Springs and two at Old Faithful Snowlodge on bed and breakfast

Not Included in the Price: Meals not listed, transfers in Bozeman, gratuities for the Yellowstone Forever field educators, optional tours.