YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 1 began accepting applications for permits for non-commercially guided snowmobile trips into the park during the 2016-2017 season. All non-commercially guided snowmobile groups entering the park must have a permit.
Permits will be allocated through a lottery. Applications are being accepted online at recreation.gov through Sept. 30. Successful lottery applicants will be notified in mid-October.
The Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program was authorized in the 2013 final Winter Use Rule. The program allows one non-commercially guided group per day to enter Yellowstone from each of its four winter entrances for a trip up to three days long.
A maximum of five snowmobiles are permitted in each group and all snowmobiles must meet the park’s new Best Available Technology standard. A list of approved snowmobiles is available at nps.gov/yell/learn/management/newbatlist.htm.
All snowmobile operators in a non-commercially guided trip must be at least 18 years old, possess a state-issued driver’s license and have successfully completed the free online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification program.
Additional details regarding the program, including specific rules and regulations for non-commercially guided trips, can be found at nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/ngsap.htm or by contacting program coordinator Ivan Kowski at ivan_kowski@nps.gov or (307) 344-2165.
