Yellowstone in the Winter Lodging in the Park

If you really want to explore different parts of Yellowstone National Park in the wintertime, consider splitting your time between Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. These are the only lodges open during the cold-weather season and they are approximately 90 miles apart. Neither one is a luxury lodge, but both are very comfortable and entirely non-smoking. In either lodge, request a top-floor room. The prices at these properties are considerable cheaper in the winter than in the summer during prime tourist season.

Which Lodge is for You?

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is the only lodge in the park accessible by automobile during the winter. Looking out your guestroom windows at the elk nibbling on the grass below and the steam rising from nearby hot springs adds an entertaining, natural touch to the scene. This lodge, which opened in 1937, isn’t fancy but it’s very comfortable. The rooms vary in size and have two regular-size double beds. Not every mid-size room has a shower-a few only have claw-foot tubs-so if a shower is important request a room with one. You can also book inexpensive rooms with a bathroom down the hall. The Dining Hall, in a separate building, is a large charming room with interesting game entrees and delicious desserts.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge can only be reached by snow coach or snowmobile in the winter. It’s a five-minute walk from the lodge to the Old Faithful geyser and the front desk always knows the approximate time it’s expected to erupt. Snow Lodge was built in 1998 and the lobby has an attractive outdoor feel, with massive beams overhead. It’s a modern building with comfortable bedrooms and plush bathrobes in the bathrooms. If you get bumped out of bed at night, don’t assume it’s someone jumping in the room above. There was a class 3–minor–earthquake the night I stayed there.)

How to Book A Room

All of the lodges in Yellowstone are managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. For reservations visit Travel Yellowstone or call 307-344-7311. 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375).

Top 9 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone in the Winter

Visit the "Top 9 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone in the Winter " to learn more about this spectacular park when snow covers the ground and mist rises from the hot springs. To see pictures visit "Winter in Yellowstone Park is More Than Old Faithful.

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