Like a climber heading toward a mountain summit, West Yellowstone’s winter season is about to reach its peak. With a ski race and snowmobile expo slated in March, West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, offers families and outdoor enthusiasts a rich value for their vacation dollar. The park is open through March 15 to over-the snow travelers who want to experience this winter wonderland by ski, snowcoach, snowmobile or snowshoe, all from one location.
“With an average annual snowfall of 143 inches, snow conditions just get better and better toward the end of the winter season,” says Marysue Costello, director of the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. “And, West Yellowstone’s free or low-cost events, tours and outdoor pursuits help stretch vacation dollars, offering maximum bang for a visitor’s buck. Check out our ‘Sweetheart Specials’ for discounts on lodging, restaurants, and tours during the month of February.” …Â More info
Some people dream of winter wonderlands. Others take matters in their own hands and create them.
Backyard snowmaking setups can lend a hand, even if the process must be approached with a great deal of care. Matthew Pittman, owner of SnowatHome.com based in Terryville, Conn., has seen sales of snowmaking equipment double each year for the past six seasons, though he wouldn’t provide figures. In December, his busiest month, he says his site averaged 3,000 visitors each day.
Likewise, snowguns.com, an online forum for snowmaking enthusiasts, says it has 5,665 members.
“These backyard snowboarders are really big for us. … They make little jumps in their yard…Â More infoÂ
Dillon Police are doing more than just slapping the wrists of kids sliding rails and stairs on public property. Riders who ignore warnings will lose their gear, catch jail time and fines if they continue to “disrespect” public property. In early December, police riled the local snowboard scene when they started swiping equipment from riders caught sliding down handrails and concrete barriers around town.
So far, eight riders and filmmakers have plead guilty and been fined for…Â More info