DAY 1

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

The program begins with an evening orientation where participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted and learn about the program. During this session, we’ll review the itinerary, introduce key seminar concepts, and provide guidance on what to pack for the field each day.

DAYS 2 – 4

Each day will typically begin with an early trip out into the Lamar Valley in the YF bus. We will then gather to discuss one of the seven teachings, and write a reflection accordingly. This is a very loosely-formed program without set goals or benchmarks. The discussions each day will go where we take them and I try to make sure and break at least every 90 minutes or so unless we are really in the middle of something. If word arrives via radio that there is something to look at, we may pile onto the bus again in the evening for an outing.

DAY 5

CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2027, and goes through Tuesday, January 31, 2027 at 5:00 p.m.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2027, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2027.

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 2

• Be prepared for hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
• 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.

• Notebook or journal and something to write with.

TESTIMONIALS

“I feel as though the experience changed my life, thinking, and is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” – Marianne

“I loved having time to listen, share, read and write! I loved meeting Katie and Umber! I loved every minute of this experience!” – Jen, MT

“I am so grateful that I started attending sessions at the Institute so many years ago. Memories of a lifetime.” – Jean, WY

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.