Yellowstone Opens Winter Lottery for Snowmobile Permits
Written by Andrew-Rossi on August 4, 2021
As Summer 2021 dries up, Yellowstone National Park is allowing people to plan their winter excursions through the annual snowmobile permit lottery.
On Sunday, August 1, the 2021-2022 winter lottery for Yellowstone snowmobile permits is officially open. Authorized in 2013, the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program allows one group of up to five snowmobiles without a commercial guy to enter Yellowstone from each of its four winter entrances per day.
Courtesy Yellowstone National Park
There are several pre-requisites you will need if you’re interested in this unique opportunity.
- Permit holders are considered non-commercial guides and must be at least 18 years old on the first day of their trips.
- All snowmobile operators must possess a state-issued driver’s license
- You must complete the free online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification program, a free course thru the website proValens learning which covers the lottery and essentials of snowmobile handling, park resources, and safety while in the park.
- All snowmobiles must meet the park’s New Best Available Technology There’s a full list of the standard and compliant snowmobile models on the Yellowstone website.
This year’s lottery is open on www.recreation.gov from August 1-31, 2021. Successful applicants will be notified in early September. Unclaimed or canceled permits will be made available via www.recreation.gov on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning on October 1, 2021.
There is no waiting list. Cancellations may occur throughout the winter season, so check the website often for openings.
Trips can be for a maximum of three days in length. Permits cost $40 per day with a $6 application fee.
