DATES: MARCH 21 – 25, 2025
PRICE: $1,297 | TUITION & LODGING
LOCATION: LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH
GROUP SIZE: 10
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 5
PROGRAM INFORMATION
This course is designed for the active, mature Nordic skier who wants to expand their experience beyond groomed trails. Many Baby Boomers have led an active lifestyle that includes cross-country skiing, but wish to expand this experience beyond the confines of groomed trails. They enjoy the Nordic experience but are intimidated by ski touring in a wild, unmanicured environment. Yellowstone offers a unique opportunity for such an experience. The combination of natural and cultural history, including interacting with the suite of wildlife present before European contact, expands the boundaries of a typical cross-country ski course.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.
DAY 2
Back to basics:
Cross Country skiing in a controlled, wilderness environment. The day will begin with an orientation followed by a full-day tour on one of Yellowstone’s groomed ski trails.
DAY 3
An Introduction to Wild Snow:
A full-day cross-country ski tour that includes both groomed and wild snow.
DAY 4
Putting it all together:
Adventure skiing in a truly wild environment, emphasizing the unique natural and cultural history of the world’s oldest national park.
DAY 5
The Full Experience:
Class will take the full day to cross-country ski in wild snow through unforgettable terrain!
DAY 6
CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, and goes through Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 5
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Forrest, L. R. 1988. A field Guide to Tracking Animals in Snow. Stackpole Press.
*No ski gear will be provided. Participants need skis suitable for off-piste skiing on moderately rolling terrain with variable snow conditions. A waxless (scaled base) ski with metal edges is recommended. Class participants are assumed to be familiar with principles of layering for a winter environment with varying levels of activity, including a light to mid-weight down puffy coat.
*Ski equipment rentals may be obtained from Dan Bailey’s located in Livingston, MT with a 10% discount for participants: 406.222.1673 or click the logo below for the link
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.
BOOK THIS FIELD SEMINAR NOW
Jesse Logan, Ph.D.
Jesse obtained a Ph.D. from Washington State University and had a successful career in both academia (Colorado State University and Virginia Tech) and U. S. Forest Service research. Since retiring in 2006, Jesse has spent over 100 days a year ski touring in the Cooke City Area and N.E. corner of Yellowstone National Park, including over 10 years as a Backcountry Ski Guide for Beartooth Powder Guides, and more recently Yellowstone Ski Tours. In guiding, Jesse always emphasizes the total experience, including an appreciation for Yellowstone’s ecology and a reverence for both the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable place. Jesse is also the co-editor of the award-winning book, Voices of Yellowstone’s Capstone: A Narrative Atlas of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Skiing along wolf tracks
***Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
