I mentioned once before that I would totally like to take a snowmobile tour of Yellowstone.

However, to operate a snowmobile in Yellowstone, on Federal public land, you are supposed to be licensed, from what I remember reading. Talking to some people who have gone up to West Yellowstone for snowmobiling, it sounds like you can…oops, wander on to park land because it’s not well marked if you really want to.

I’m not into that. Anyhow, now that I’m back in Virginia, I’m not sure how I would get a license in Virginia that would qualify to operate a snowmobile (probably via an ATV safety course), so maybe it’d be best to find an alternative for visiting Yellowstone in the winter. There’s a nice set of vacation packages offered by Xanterra Parks & Resorts that just sound like fun. Check these out (winter 2009 prices):

Nordic Heaven at Old Faithful Snow Lodge: includes snowcoach transportation, at least 2 nights lodging, breakfast each day of stay per person, 1 welcome gift per person, 1 ski rental per person per day, unlimited ski drops per person and 1 snow card (discount card) per person which is good for additional 10% discounts on certain gift shop items, additional meals (except designated special events) and any equipment rental. Starts at $339.00 per person double occupancy, $489.00 single occupancy.

Guided Snowmo-Deal at Old Faithful Snow Lodge: includes at least 2 nights lodging, breakfast each day of stay per person, 1 welcome gift per person, 1 snow card per person discount card) per person which is good for additional 10% discounts on certain gift shop items, additional meals (except designated special events), any equipment rental and one guided snowmobile tour to either the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or Mammoth (snowmobile clothing included in the package). Starts at $389.00 per person double occupancy, $639.00 single occupancy with snowcoach transportation to Snow Lodge.

There are equivalent packages for Mammoth Lodge, and winter packages that split time between the two. It could be really neat. I really need to find someone to do this with.

For the muffin stamp afficionado, the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth is open year-round, and the Old Faithful Visitor Center has winter hours, too. My guess is that a snowcoach day tour is likely to only give you the opportunity for the Old Faithful stamp unless you do a more elaborate package tour.

Here I thought there’d be other years. Should have done it when I had the chance. Some day I’ll go back, though.