Winter Ecology of Yellowstone National Park (Lottery Entry)

Important Requirements

1. A lottery process is in effect for this program. Lottery entry opens November 14, 2024 and closes November 20, 2024. Selected registrants will be notified via email by November 25, 2024. Any registrants who are not selected will be placed on the waitlist in case of a cancellation. Click or tap here for full details about the lottery process.
2. This is an active field-based winter course. Participants must be able to meet ALL the physical and ski skill requirements outlined at the bottom of this page

Description

The serenity and beauty of Yellowstone in winter is truly one-of-a-kind, and this field course will provide a hands-on field exploration of winter ecology in the heart of the Lamar Valley.

The first afternoon includes a presentation by legendary ecologist and wildlife tracking expert Dr. James Halfpenny. The following three full days will be staged out of the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch (LBR) and spent with field educators from Yellowstone Forever (YF). Your mornings in the Lamar Valley will begin with early wildlife viewing on foot and from the bus, followed by a post-breakfast presentation at the LBR. Afternoons will be spent exploring winter ecology, wildlife, habitats, snow science and tracking while traveling on foot, skis or snowshoes with YF field staff.

Each evening, participants will return to their comfortable rustic accommodations at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch to enjoy a catered dinner and educational presentation from Yellowstone Forever or Yellowstone National Park staff.

This program is limited to 13 participants.

Dates and Times

The program begins and ends at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and goes through Sunday, February 23 at approximately 1:00 p.m. A mandatory pre-class ski excursion will be held at the Lindley Park ski trails on Feb 6 at 2 p.m.

Lodging

Lodging will be at the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch (LBR) in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Originally a stop for the Cooke City to Gardiner stagecoach in 1882, the LBR played a role in bison reintroduction efforts in the early 1900s. Over ninety years later, Yellowstone Forever manages LBR as a field site for courses, school programs and research.

You will be accommodated in small, modest guest cabins that sleep two people on twin-sized beds. There is also a limited option to upgrade to a single occupancy cabin. For your convenience, the ranch features a heated bathhouse with separate men's and women's bathrooms and private showers. Please note that there are no bathrooms in the individual cabins. A large communal cabin houses two classrooms, our shared kitchen, and a dining area.

Transportation

Leave the winter driving to us! Round trip bus transportation between Bozeman and the Lamar Buffalo Ranch and daily field trip transportation is provided via Yellowstone Forever bus.

Meals

The program includes a catered lunch on day one, three hearty family-style dinners with appetizers, morning coffee and tea. Participants provide their own breakfasts (3), lunches (2), and snacks (3).

Tuition

Double occupancy cabin $1150 per person for two people.

Private single occupancy cabin $1520 for one person

Requirements

This is an active field-based winter course. Participants must be able to meet the following requirements:

Physical Requirements

• Walking and standing outdoors, exposed to the elements in cold winter temperatures and conditions.
• Hiking on snow-packed trails.
• Cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing up to three (3) miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
• Extended periods of standing (up to 2 hours)
• Participate in field learning activities as part of a group. If group members cannot participate in the day's activities, they must inform the educator in advance.
• To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign health questionnaires and assumption of risk waivers. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days before the program start date.

Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet.

This is a remote location with limited emergency response services and no nearby medical facilities.

Ski Skills Requirements

• Skill level of beginner to intermediate or better.
• Ability to put on and take off your ski gear without help.
• Ability to stand up on skis from a sitting position in the snow without the aid of another person.
• Participants are responsible for bringing their own (or rented) ski gear. Waxless Cross Country touring skis are recommended.
• We may snowshoe if conditions do not permit skiing.

Contact Rab Cummings at 406-994-4820 with any questions regarding the requirements as outlined above.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship before entering the lottery for this program. The application deadline is November 13.

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.