Winter Wildlife Watching

$2,037.50

Dates:
February 6 - 10

Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Meals Included?:
Yes (all meals included)

Instructors:
Sam Archibald

Audience Type:
Adult

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Program Subject:
Wildlife

Winter in Yellowstone is a wonderful time to visit – less people, enchanting snowscape scenery, and opportunities to view Yellowstone's lesser-seen wildlife. Although much of the wildlife viewing may be possible from the road, each day will consist of short snowshoe jaunts. While snowshoeing participants will learn more about wildlife that thrive in Yellowstone’s harsh winter climate. Tracks and signs of various species will also be examined in the field with a comprehensive look at wildlife ecology within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, to include winter adaptations, natural history, and wildlife management. Evenings will be spent at the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch surrounded by new and existing friends, conversing about that day’s activities and hosting facilitated discussions related to Yellowstone specific topics.

New this winter: All meals will be catered, from dinner on the first evening to breakfast on the last morning . There is also an option to add a round trip airport shuttle for an additional $125.00.

About the instructor

Sam Archibald is a Lead Field Educator for Yellowstone Forever. After completing his B.A. in history, Sam served with the US Peace Corps, working with an Ecuadorian nonprofit organization to develop outdoor leadership and environmental education programs for youth. Sam has continued to focus on outdoor education, joining the National Park Service as a Crew Leader for the Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps and earning his Master’s degree in Environmental Management. Sam is grateful for every day he gets to spend out in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and looks forward to the continual discoveries offered by this wild and wonderful landscape.

Download Program Information:

Winter Wildlife Watching Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Audience Descriptions

We are continually updating and refining our COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety our guests, staff and volunteers. Read our COVID-19 guidelines for program participants.

SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.

WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
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.