Get Ready To Snowmobile In Yellowstone This Winter
If you love snowmobiling and have never done it in Yellowstone National Park without a guide, get ready. August 1st marks the start of this year's lottery to obtain a permit.
The open application period will be from August 1 to 31 at recreation.gov. Applying doesn't guarantee that you'll receive one of the coveted permits, but if you don't apply, you'll not get one.
The Non-commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program permits people to snowmobile in Yellowstone without the presence of a commercial guide. Up to four non-commercially guided groups are allowed to enter the park daily: one at each oversnow entrance.
Please apply by visiting recreation.gov and completing the application. Each permit will cost $40 per day, plus a $6 application fee.
If someone is selected in the lottery but cancels their permit or fails to claim it, it will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here are the requirements and restrictions courtesy of NPS.GOV
- Non-commercial guides are responsible for ensuring that everyone in their group complies with park regulations and program logistics. Non-commercial guides should be familiar with snowmobile safety, general first aid, snowmobile repair, the park road system, and park regulations. In addition:
- Non-commercial guides may not charge a fee; these trips are for friends and family groups only.
- The maximum group size is five snowmobiles per permit.
- All snowmobiles must be registered and certified as meeting NPS requirements for the New Best Available Technology (BAT). No side-by-side machines with tracks are allowed. BAT snowmobiles can be rented from local businesses.
- All snowmobile operators must:
- be at least 16 years old by the first day of the trip;
- have a valid driver’s license;
- Pass the course.
- Non-commercial guides may lead no more than two trips per winter season.
- To lead an overnight trip (lasting a maximum of three days and two nights), non-commercial guides must secure a multi-day permit through the lottery.