Bighorn Pass Ski Trail

Glimpses of mountain views can be seen through the trees along the Divide Ski Trail.

The Bighorn Pass Ski Trail is a 10.5-mile winter ski route in Yellowstone's northwest backcountry with variable difficulty—from meadow cruising to steep alpine terrain. The real test: extreme avalanche danger in the final 2 miles. You'll cross the Gallatin River on a narrow bridge and navigate variable snow conditions, making this a technical winter mountaineering challenge, not a casual ski outing. Expected duration: 8-10 hours round trip. This is backcountry skiing that demands avalanche awareness, winter navigation skills, and respect for exposure.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 10.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Variable (Intermediate to Advanced)
Estimated Time: 8-10 hours

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 10.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Variable (Intermediate to Advanced)
Estimated Time: 8-10 hours
Trail Surface: Skier-tracked snow; surface quality varies with recent snow and consolidation. Lower sections may be icy; upper sections breakable or wind-scoured.
Trail Features: Meadow sections (flat terrain first 4.5 miles)
High alpine terrain
River crossing on narrow bridge
Mountain views of northwest Yellowstone
Exposed high-elevation terrain
Trail Highlights: Remote backcountry access to Bighorn Pass (9,500+ feet) with views into northwest Yellowstone. Multiple route options: moderate skiers can turn back at Fawn Pass Cutoff (4.5 miles); advanced skiers push to Bighorn Pass for full exposure and payoff. No permit hassle—just go.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 20.5 miles north of West Yellowstone along US Highway 191
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle available. Park directly at signed trailhead on Hwy 191. Arrive early for parking; winter traffic is light but lot capacity is modest.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day-use winter skiing in Yellowstone.
Fees: No trail-specific fees. Yellowstone entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass)
Trail Status: Open (winter seasonal, weather-dependent)
Seasonal Closures: Closed during non-winter months (April-November). Winter road access depends on Hwy 191 plowing status; check park website 24 hours before trip.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Gallatin River crosses the trail early in the route. In winter, unreliable for drinking. Carry all water needed: 2-3L minimum. High altitude increases dehydration risk even in cold.
Accessibility: Steep terrain in final 2 miles. Service dogs allowed (must be leashed). Not wheelchair-accessible backcountry skiing.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Extreme avalanche danger (final 2 miles)
Steep terrain
Narrow river bridge crossing
Altitude/wind exposure
Wildlife (bears, bison, elk)
Cold exposure and dehydration
Navigation difficulty in whiteout
Hazard Details: Extreme avalanche danger in the last 2 miles to Bighorn Pass—turn back if instability is evident. Gallatin River crossing is a narrow bridge (~0.5 miles into route); requires careful footing, especially if icy. Terrain steepens significantly after Fawn Pass Cutoff. Federal regulations: stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison and other wildlife. High elevation and wind exposure create rapid cold injury risk; plan for temperature swings between exertion and rest.
Cell Service: No cell coverage in backcountry. Bring satellite communicator or personal locator beacon if emergency contact capability is needed.
Crowd Level: Low (backcountry ski trail in winter; day-use only)
Peak Crowd Times: Modest uptick on weekends and days following fresh snowfall. Generally quiet compared to summer trails.
Best Season: Winter (December through March)
Best Time To Visit: Mid-December through March when snow pack is established. Start before 6:30 AM to ensure 8-10 hour descent in daylight. Avoid late-season (April+) when avalanche stability declines and conditions become unreliable.
Tips Advice: Check avalanche forecast before departing—final 2 miles are extreme danger zone.
Carry avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, shovel. Know how to use them.
Bring 2-3L of water; high-altitude dehydration is real even in winter cold.
Layer for temperature swings (exertion creates heat; wind exposure kills it fast).
Make noise crossing meadow sections—bison and elk frequent this area.
Dawn start mandatory; turn around by 3 PM to ski descent in daylight.
Tighten boot cuffs over pant legs to keep snow out; gaiters essential.

More details

Park Area: West Yellowstone Area
Trail Markers: Skier-tracked trail; well-worn during winter but navigation can be challenging in poor visibility or whiteout. Map and compass (or GPS) recommended.
Dogs Allowed: Service animals only (leashed and under control at all times)
Biking Allowed: No (winter ski trail only)
Shade Level: Limited shade at upper elevations. High altitude and wind exposure mean full-sun conditions are typical. Sunscreen and glacier glasses essential.
Emergency Contacts: Contact Yellowstone Park Rangers via emergency marker system along Hwy 191, or via park radio frequency (check with ranger station). Nearest ranger station: Mammoth District (from trailhead, south on Hwy 191 then east into park).
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December through March (varies by year). Early December may lack full base; April+ conditions deteriorate rapidly due to spring melt and wet slab avalanche risk.
Mud Season: N/A (winter trail)
Wildflower Peak: N/A (winter trail)
Fall Colors Peak: N/A (winter trail)
Bug Season: N/A (winter conditions)
Insider Tips: The Fawn Pass Cutoff at 4.5 miles is a solid turnaround for intermediate skiers; the final 6 miles is steeper and avalanche-exposed.
The meadow section lulls you into complacency with easy cruising; don't burn out before the climb starts.
Winter conditions vary dramatically year-to-year; early season (Dec) may lack continuous snow; April+ becomes unstable.
Respect the narrow bridge crossing—scout it in good visibility; give yourself time.
On descent, the speed can tempt you to cut time; resist it. Skiing tired in fading light on unfamiliar terrain kills people.
Family Friendly Notes: Extreme avalanche danger and technical ski terrain make this unsuitable for children. This route requires advanced winter navigation and mountaineering skills. Not recommended for families with young children or inexperienced winter recreationalists.
Nearby Facilities: West Yellowstone (20.5 miles south of trailhead) has lodging, gas, groceries, and winter sports rental shops. Fill fuel and supplies before heading to the trailhead.
Review Summary: Backcountry skiers call this a rewarding but serious route. The first 4.5 miles are achievable for intermediate skiers; the final 2 miles demand advanced skills and avalanche sense. Most who complete the full 10.5 miles praise the remote payoff and sense of true alpine accomplishment. Several report turning back due to weather concerns or avalanche instability—the right call.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need avalanche gear?

Yes. Beacon, probe, and shovel are non-negotiable for the final 2 miles. Know how to use them. If conditions feel unstable or visibility is poor, turn back.

Can I do this as a day trip from West Yellowstone?

Yes. It's 20.5 miles to the trailhead (45 minutes to 1 hour driving). Plan to be on the trail by 7-8 AM to complete the 8-10 hour route in daylight.

Do I need a permit?

No. Yellowstone doesn't require permits for day-use winter skiing. Just pay the park entrance fee and check road conditions before departing.

Can I bring my dog?

Service dogs only, leashed and under control at all times. Bison, elk, and bears are present; wildlife distance rules apply.

What if I'm an intermediate skier—can I do this?

Yes, with a caveat: turn back at Fawn Pass Cutoff (4.5 miles). The meadow section is manageable; the final 6 miles demands advanced technique and avalanche awareness.

Is cell service available?

No. You're in the backcountry. Bring a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator if you need emergency contact capability.

What about the river bridge crossing?

Dismount and walk; snow may obscure the narrow bridge. Use extreme caution, especially if icy. Scout it in good visibility.