Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WINTER
While the grouse roost in snowdrifts and bison huddle in frosted masses, the skiing, snow-
shoeing and wildlife-watching options are excellent. Though an increasingly popular sea-
son, winter still only attracts a fraction of summer's numbers. Winter sports are practiced
from the end of November to April, though February and March generally offer the best
snow conditions. In Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, winter activities include
cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, skate skiing (with short skis on groomed hard-
pack trails), snowshoeing and snowmobiling. One useful resource is the
Montana Winter
Guide
(
www.wintermt.com
)
.
RESPONSIBLE BACKCOUNTRY USE
Backcountry environments are fragile and cannot support careless activity, especially in the wake of heavy visita-
tion. We recommend following the Leave No Trace principles (
www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php
).
Hiking
» To prevent further erosion, always stay on the trail and don't create shortcuts. Stay-
ing on muddy trails will prevent damage to the surrounding terrain.
Campsites
» Use old campsites instead of clearing new ones.
» Camp at least 200ft from the nearest lake, river or stream.
Campfires
» If there is already a fire ring, use it. Burn only dead and downed wood.
» Build fires at least 9ft away from flammable material (including grass and wood).
» Watch fires at all times and extinguish them completely.
Water & Toilets
» Always use toilets established at trailheads, campgrounds or along trails.
» Where no toilet exists, bury human waste in a 6in-deep 'cat hole' at least 300ft from
the nearest lake or watercourse.
» Pack out toilet paper in a sealed plastic bag.
» Avoid soaps and detergents - sand or a kitchen scouring pad clean pots remarkably
well. In high-altitude lakes even biodegradable soap may not degrade.
» Tip dishwater far from streams and separate food residue with a small basin or
strainer. Put these residuals in the trash - leaving it or dirty dishes might attract bears.
