In winter a rustic peace and a fairytale-like beauty pervades Yellowstone as deep snow blankets the park. Against the white background, it’s actually easier to spot the animals (except for the hibernating bears) and fun to spy tracks, figuring out whether these belong to wolves or coyotes, pronghorn antelope or deer.

Park rangers, Xanterra Parks and Resorts and the Yellowstone Association Institute offer special day seminars and multi-day programs throughout winter. Board a snowcoach (an enclosed vehicle similar to a school bus but with tractor-like treads) for wildlife spotting and naturalist talks. Some outings visit the Lamar Valley, an animal-rich area, and others take in Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and West Yellowstone.