Wyoming: Tour Yellowstone by ski or snowshoe

Here’s one way to experience Yellowstone National Park as nature intended: quietly, without the summer crowds. But you’ll need to don cross-country skis or snowshoes and brave chilly weather to do it.

VBT, a longtime operator of hiking and biking tours that recently added ski itineraries, is offering a six-day trip, “Yellowstone in the Winter: Skiing America’s First National Park,” next year. The park’s renowned geysers can seem even more spectacular amid snow, and wildlife can be easier to spot against the stark landscape.

Participants will spend two to four hours a day on skis or snowshoes, covering two to nine miles. Highlights include Old Faithful Geyser and other geothermal features, frozen waterfalls and Lamar Valley wildlife.

Dates: Departures Jan. 5 and 26, and Feb. 9, 16 and 23.

Price: $2,595 a person, double occupancy; $595 single supplement. The price includes five nights in two park lodges, 12 meals, free use of ski or snowshoe equipment and boots, ski clinics, local snow coach transport, route maps and government taxes and fees. It does not include transportation to and from the park. A two-night, pre-trip stay in Bozeman, Mont., can be added for $195 a person, double occupancy; $195 single supplement.

Info: VBT, (800) 245-3868

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