Yellowstone Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program

Yellowstone National Park's winter landscape offers a magical experience for those willing to brave its cold temperatures. Most roads in the park are groomed for over-snow traffic via either snowcoaches or snowmobiles, and the majority of visitors travel these roads with commercially guided tours. However, the park has set aside four trips per day for groups that want to enter Yellowstone without commercial guides. This program, the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program (N-CGSAP), allows one group of up to five snowmobiles through each of the North, South, East and West entrances per day. Trips can be 1, 2 or 3 days in length, and the leader, or guide, of each group is determined by lottery. Groups may apply for permits for up to 3 days/2 nights and can leave and re-enter the park through any gate during that time. Group leaders must be 18 years old by the first day of their trip, and all snowmobile operators must carry a valid driver's license. The lottery opens annually for applications in September; open dates and entrances, due to cancellations or spaces not filled through the lottery, are available on a first-come, first-served basis following the lottery and throughout the remainder of the season. All snowmobiles must meet current New-Best Available Technology (New-BAT) standards. You most likely will need to rent these special New-BAT snowmobiles from vendors in nearby communities. Additionally, all snowmobile operators, including the trip leader, must complete the free online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification course; if you are successful in securing a reservation, you will receive the link to the course when it is available. Park staff encourage participants to secure lodging and snowmobile rentals as early as possible in the trip planning process. Many visitors treasure opportunities to witness the park's wildlife, thermal features and snow-covered scenery without summer crowds. However, winter also offers unique challenges. Snow conditions can vary, leading to difficult riding conditions. Avalanche danger on Sylvan Pass, west of the East Entrance, can close the park road for hours or even days. Recent mild winters have resulted in roads opening late or closing early in the season due to insufficient snow levels, and there is no rescheduling due to road closures. There are sometimes long distances between popular destinations and entrance stations, possibly leading to long days and fatigue. Sparse cell phone coverage may mean that help in times of emergency is a long time coming. Severely cold temperatures and sudden snowstorms can affect unprepared riders, and lodging and dining opportunities are rare. Before you commit to a trip through the program, prepare an itinerary and give it to a responsible loved one, use the lessons from the Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification course to assemble a well-stocked first aid and survival kit, and plan ahead to procure New-BAT snowmobiles and area lodging.