About this trip
If you’ve ever wanted to join a small group of open-minded, adventurous women to:
- explore the Greater Yellowstone in winter,
- cross-country ski among hot springs and geologic wonders,
- dog sled through the mountains,
- look for wolves in Yellowstone’s famed Lamar Valley,
- soak in a hot spring pool while gazing at mountains (and maybe wildlife),
- wander charming small town Montana,
- get cozy around outdoor and indoor fires,
Then this trip is for you!
February 4 – 10, 2024
I have made hygge (a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality) and friluftsliv (outdoor life) my lifestyle and want to share it with you this winter. We will play outside by day and be cozy and friendly by night.
Most of all we will have a ton of fun in and around Yellowstone.
This is your chance to experience an itinerary specially designed for you by Yellowstone/Montana expert and lover of winter, Melynda (Mel) Harrison, on the adventure of a lifetime.
Who is This Trip For?
Women 21+ yrs who crave adventure and unique experiences in beautiful destinations, and want to make new friends with like-minded women while exploring the outdoors in winter.
*Please note this trip is limited to only 8 women + 2 guides/hosts
Because the weather and road conditions can’t be predicted, you will need to be flexible and willing to go with the flow.
You do not need to have any specific winter skills – I am here for that!
You should have a moderate fitness level. You must be able to walk two miles on uneven surfaces (snow) on a gradual hill and be outside most of the day. None of the activities are super strenuous, but having a good fitness level is ideal for your enjoyment and ease
I will make sure everyone stays warm (I hate being cold!), hydrated, and safe, but you need to be willing to take care of yourself during this trip.
While you will have your own bed and share a room and bathroom with one other person in a lovely house on the Yellowstone River.
Food
Let me know if you have special food needs.
We will be eating many meals at our accommodations and they will be catered. The food is so good!
There will be one or two restaurant meals, as well, and some packed lunches.
There will be coffee, tea, and hot chocolate every morning (or anytime you want it).
We will have tons of food and snacks! You will have opportunities to purchase wine, beer, cocktail ingredients etc.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations before October 1, there is a 50% refund. After that, there will be no refunds for cancellations, even for illness or COVID-19. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and we need to cancel the trip, we will either refund you or reschedule for an agreed-upon time in 2025 or 2026.
It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance. This way if you need to cancel your trip, you will be reimbursed.
What’s Included (and Not Included)
| YES | Accommodation | House with 4 bedrooms (2 twins in each) with ensuite bathrooms and a bedroom loft, with full bath on main level on the Yellowstone River, 10 miles from Yellowstone National Park |
| YES | Meals | All meals and snacks from dinner on Feb 4 – breakfast Feb 10 (excluding alcohol and specialty drinks) |
| YES | Airport transportation | Please fly to Bozeman, Montana (BZN) or drive to Bozeman or Livingston |
| YES | Activities | All activities are included along with necessary gear rentals |
| no | Airfare | Transportation to and from Bozeman or Livingston, Montana is not included |
| no | Pre Trip Accommodation | Pre and Post trip accommodations are not included, but I can help you plan extra days! |
| no | Gratuities | Gratuities for wildlife watching guides, ski lesson instructors, and dog sledding guides not included |
| no | Alcohol / Specialty Drinks | |
| no | Souvenirs |
Trip Price
$2300 if paying via Venmo or check until September 15, 2023 ($2370 credit card or PayPal)
$2500 if paying via Venmo or check until September 15, 2023 ($2575 credit card or PayPal)
50% due at registration, 50% due December 1, 2023.
Contact me to discuss payment options, introduce yourself or ask questions.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive in Bozeman
Arrive in Bozeman (Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport) before 4 pm for a pickup and transportation to Cowboy Lake Lodge in the Paradise Valley. It’s about an hour – hour 1/2 drive depending on road conditions.
We can stop at a store to pick up any extras you want (eg: beer/wine, special snacks).
Day 2-6 (Monday-Friday) Hygge, friluftsliv, and fun!
Activities include:
Dog Sledding in Mill Creek. We will have the dogs to ourselves for the day and learn all about dog sledding, play with the dogs, and mush on a snow-covered road along Mill Creek. You’ll get to drive the dog sled with a professional musher and switch with a partner who rides in the sled. This is one of my favorite things to do in winter!
Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe in Yellowstone. We will rent skis one day and snowshoes another to explore Yellowstone in the most beautiful season. Expect to see hot springs, waterfalls, and killer views. We will have a beginner’s cross-country ski lesson for those who want one. We will have time to walk around the Mammoth Terraces and view the wonderful colors, sounds, and smells of the hot springs.
Wolf Watching. We will take a tour into Yellowstone’s famed Lamar Valley to look for wolves and other wildlife. Our guides will have binoculars and spotting scopes to better catch the action. Wildlife sitings are not guaranteed, of course, fortunately, being out there in winter is magical in itself.
Hot Springs. There is nothing better than hot water on a cold day. Unless that’s sitting in hot water with a group of new friends and a mountain view. We will visit at least one developed hot springs pool.
Explore Small Town, Montana. We will check out the art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and small-town charm.
Puzzles and Games. We will gather around the fire to piece together puzzles and play games.
Surprise Activities! I have a few surprises that I am still working on but trust me, you will love them!
Day 7 (Saturday) Departure
Please try to make your flight out of Bozeman for 10 am or later. Our house is nearly 2 hours from the airport. If you are planning to stay in the area longer, I can drop you off at a hotel in Livingston or Bozeman.
Packing List
I will send a packing list by early December.
Suffice it to say, you will want warm clothes and boots.
Apply to Join the Winter Hygge Trip in Yellowstone Country
Your Guide to Winter in Yellowstone Country
Melynda (Mel) is an avid traveler, travel blogger, content creator, and former guide. Mel has spent nearly two years living abroad, most of the time in Europe. She has guided trips throughout the Yellowstone region and Montana. Mel writes about travel at TravelingMel.com and for many freelance outlets.
She lives in the Original Gateway to Yellowstone with her husband and their two teenagers.
Testimonials
“Fantastic winter women’s trip!! Mel covered every detail from luxury accommodation in the stunning Paradise Valley outside of Yellowstone surrounded by snowcapped mountains, catered meals, airport transfers, and, of course, the winter adventures! In Yellowstone National Park, we tried XC skiing, saw incredible wildlife (fox, wolves, moose, coyotes, bison, big horn sheep, elk, deer…) and the incredible beauty and geology of the park. Outside the park, we had a snowshoe trek and, everyone’s favorite, DOG SLEDDING! My dog sledding team was in training for the Iditarod in Alaska – it was so cool to experience the dog’s joy and athleticism as we mushed through the snow of the National Forest. We also spent a morning in the hot springs of Yellowstone – including trying out Kneipp Walks (alternating walks through cold and warm water) plus hot/cold plunges! Best of all – the women who came on the trip – fun, open-minded women who were ready for adventure, trying new things, making friends, and lot of laughing. If you have a chance to go on an adventure with Mel – DO IT!!! (just don’t take my spot – haha).” – Lisa, NC
“You turned me into a winter convert!” – Gina, IL