Winter tours accent Yellowstone’s snowy side

There’s something bone-chilling yet exciting about visiting Yellowstone National Park in winter, but it’s not something you can do without a guide. Three-day guided tours of the park include snowmobiling to hotels and lodges and out to the park’s famed geyser, Old Faithful, at prices easy on the wallet.

The deal: The Trail of the Wolf tour (not guaranteed you’ll see wolves, of course) starts at $439 per person plus tax, based on double occupancy. It includes two nights at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and one night at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

I like this deal for the activities -- a wildlife tour of the Lamar Valley and a guided snowmobile ride to see Old Faithful -- which provide a way to experience the winter wonder of this national park. Other extras: unlimited skating, some meals and a hot-tub rental. Check the trip itinerary for details.

When: Three-day tours are offered Mondays and Thursdays Jan. 2-March 1, with some exceptions.

Tested: I called to ask about availability and found most trips still have space (Jan. 19, however, is sold out). This tour begins and ends at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and covers the land part of the tour only (airfare is extra). So how cold does it get? Winter temperatures range from 0 to 20 degrees F, so bundle up.

Contact: Yellowstone National Park Lodges/Xanterra, (866) 439-7375