For people who have dreamed of snowmobiling at one of America’s most beautiful National Parks, this could be the perfect opportunity. The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced its lottery for permits to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park without a commercial guide. The lottery runs from August 1-31, and those interested can apply on Recreation.gov.
The lottery was first authorized in 2013 with the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program. The program allows permit holders to enter the park for up to three days with a group of up to five snowmobilers to enjoy the natural scenery the park has to offer.
Every year in early November, most of Yellowstone’s roads close to regular traffic in preparation for the winter. The only open road is between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance, which is open to regular traffic all year.
Later in the winter, once enough snow has accumulated, the park opens roads to “oversnow” travel only. Oversnow travel includes guided snowmobiles or snowcoaches, as well as permits granted by the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program.
-
1Passo Stelvio Sees Much Needed Snowfall → -
2Marco Siffredi: The French Shralpinist Who Disappeared on Everest's Formidable Hornbein Couloir →
-
3Gear Review: Dynafit Blacklight Alpine Touring Bindings—Light, Efficient, and Dependable →
-
413-Hour Glacier Rescue After Phone Call from Inside Crevasse →
-
5Yellowstone Announces 2026-27 Snowmobile Access Lottery →
The access program allows people to snowmobile in Yellowstone without the presence of a commercial guide. The park allows up to four non-commercially guided groups to enter the park daily: one at each oversnow entrance. The maximum group size is five snowmobiles per permit, and all snowmobiles must be registered and certified by the NPS for New Best Available Technology (BAT). The park does not allow side-by-side machines with tracks. If a group member does not have a BAT snowmobile, they can be rented at local businesses near the park.
Yellowstone is home to some of the most beautiful natural features in North America. From the famous Old Faithful geyser to its iconic wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, and wolves, the park is an outdoor lover’s wonderland. And thanks to snowmobiles, people can experience Yellowstone in the winter.
For those who are selected to receive a permit, snowmobiling at Yellowstone offers a rare way to experience one of America’s most iconic areas. While the park is famous for its summer crowds and sights, the winter brings out a quieter side of the park, giving guests a completely different experience.
Anyone 18 or older can apply to be a non-commercial snowmobile guide in Yellowstone. The NPS will distribute permits in mid-September, and each permit costs $40 per day, plus a $6 application fee. All snowmobile operators must possess a state-issued driver’s license and complete the free online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification program. For guests who want to lead an overnight trip, they must secure a multi-day permit in the lottery.
Cancellations occur throughout the winter, and any unclaimed or canceled permits become available on a first-come, first-served basis starting October 1.
