Most of Yellowstone is backcountry and is managed as wilderness. There are many miles of trails available for skiing. Track is set only on a few trails. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and showshoeing. Remember that snow conditions can be icy and change abruptly between open meadow and shaded forest.

Not a cross-country skier? Big Sky with its deep, dry powder is known as one of the best downhill ski areas in the world. And it's not all that far from Gardiner.

Snowshoeing is a different means of enjoying the scenery and getting exercise. You can snowshoe any place you can ski. And some people prefer the stability of a snowshoe to the sliding surface of a cross-country ski. See the Yellowstone National Park Service for more information.