Yellowstone Winter Family Vacation

Step into Yellowstone's winter wonderland with the people you love most. On this family-friendly winter tour of Yellowstone, you'll watch steam rise off geyser basins, look for bison against fresh snow, and chase frozen waterfalls by snowcoach and snowshoe. Each night, you'll warm up in cozy lodges in and near the park, and end the week with a well-earned soak in Paradise Valley hot springs.

Start - End: Bozeman - Bozeman

Total trip: 6 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 1

from NZD 10,199/pp including taxes and fees

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Family enjoying a winter hike in Yellowstone National Park

Guests taking a break on their snowcoaching exploration of Yellowstone National Park

A family enjoying the Yellowstone Canyon in Winter

Snow-shoeing in Yellowstone National Park in winter

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Yellowstone National Park winter tours for families

There’s something magical about a winter trip to Yellowstone National Park. The roads grow quiet, the forests sparkle, and the park’s famous steam and color feel even more dramatic in crisp air. Wildlife stands out against the snow, too. Bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and sometimes even wolves, which makes winter one of the best seasons for families who love the “did you see that?!” moments.

This Yellowstone family tour is built for maximum wonder with a kid-friendly pace. You’ll explore by private snowcoach, walk snowy boardwalks to Old Faithful, snowshoe or cross-country ski through silent landscapes, and end your days with hot meals and cozy lodging. We handle the details so your family can focus on the best part: being together.

Trip Highlights

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Snowshoeing around Old Faithful

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Mammoth Hot Springs

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Upper Geyser Basin

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Lamar Valley Winter Wildlife Drive

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Private Snowcoach to Old Faithful

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Soak at Chico Hot Springs

Day by day trip

^{Click map to explore.}

Day 1

Bozeman to Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs

Your family's winter vacation begins in Bozeman, Montana, with a scenic drive along the Old Yellowstone Trail Road. Keep your eyes on the frosted valleys, this is the kind of morning when wildlife likes to show off.

We’ll stretch our legs in Gardiner (the gateway to Yellowstone’s North Entrance), enjoy an early lunch, then head into the park for your first winter “wow”: steaming terraces and hot springs surrounded by snow. The contrast is incredible! White trees, pale rock, and clouds of warm geothermal mist drifting through the cold air.

Tonight, settle into the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and get ready for an unforgettable week.
Accommodation: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Sunrise wildlife in Lamar Valley and snowshoe adventure

Today starts early, and families quickly learn why: sunrise in Lamar Valley is prime time for wildlife watching. Known as the “Serengeti of the West,” this wide-open valley is where winter can deliver truly jaw-dropping sightings. There’ll be bison, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and sometimes wolves.

After lunch on the go, you’ll stop near Tower Fall for a snowshoe adventure. It’s a fun way to explore the quiet side of Yellowstone, with plenty of time for photo stops, snowball breaks, and those “I can’t believe this is real” views.

Back at Mammoth, enjoy a warm dinner and a cozy night in.
Accommodation: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Private snowcoach into the heart of Yellowstone and Old Faithful Snow Lodge

One of the best parts of Yellowstone in the winter tours is how you get around. Today, you’ll climb aboard a private snowcoach which is specially designed for Yellowstone’s snowy roads, and venture deep into the park’s winter landscapes.

Along the way, watch for frozen waterfalls, bison moving like shaggy tanks through drifts, and coyotes trotting across open flats. You’ll see iconic Yellowstone scenery dressed in winter white, including places like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone area, Hayden Valley, and Lake Yellowstone.

Tonight, arrive at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Ski or snowshoe adventure, Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin

After breakfast, choose your winter adventure: cross-country skis or snowshoes. Either way, you’ll experience Yellowstone’s peaceful side. Enjoy the hush of snow underfoot, frosted pines, and wide-open views that feel like your family has the park to yourselves.

After lunch, you’ll walk the boardwalks through the Upper Geyser Basin to Old Faithful. In winter, the geysers feel even more dramatic, and the warm ground often draws wildlife close by. Then comes the moment everyone’s waiting for: Old Faithful erupting into the cold air.

Spend the afternoon your way... hot chocolate by the fire, exploring the lodge area, or swapping wildlife stories with new friends before dinner.
Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Snowcoach north and Chico Hot Springs celebration

Today you’ll ride the snowcoach again, traveling through a Yellowstone that feels wonderfully remote. With no summer traffic and a landscape that stretches out in quiet whites and blues, the journey itself is part of the adventure.

After lunch in Gardiner, you’ll head to the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort in Paradise Valley. This is a family favorite: warm mineral water, mountain air, and the perfect way to relax after a big week of exploring. Celebrate your final night together with a great dinner and that satisfied “we really did it” feeling.
Accommodation: Chico Hot Springs Resort, Pray
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Shuttle back to Bozeman and say your goodbyes

Wake up early and spend your last morning soaking in the hot springs, or sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast - the choice is yours. We'll then hop into the van one last time for a short drive back to Bozeman. Wave farewell to the magical landscapes you've called home for the past five days, and say your goodbyes to newly found friends.

We hope you had an incredible time discovering the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in winter!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

This trip includes:

5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities described in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

FAQs

Please note accommodations are subject to change as outlined in the itinerary.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western GranTree at 8:45am, or The Element Hotel at 9:00am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Bozeman, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Bozeman Airport at 11am in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Bozeman around 11:15am.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Bozeman at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Bozeman after 1pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yellowstone. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be when we are at Chico Hot Springs on Day 5.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

This trip is the perfect introduction to adventure travel. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, with hikes typically take between two to three hours, though some days may involve more or less hiking depending on the itinerary.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

Why Travel With Us

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.