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

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

Bighorn Pass Ski Trail - 10.5mi Winter Route

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

10.5 mi

Est. Time

8-10 hours

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter (December through March)

Overview

About This 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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Variable (Intermediate to Advanced)

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Winter (December through March)

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 10.5 miles

Duration: 8-10 hours

Difficulty: Variable (Intermediate to Advanced)

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Skier-tracked snow; surface quality varies with recent snow and consolidation. Lower sections may be icy; upper sections breakable or wind-scoured.

Getting There

Trailhead: 20.5 miles north of West Yellowstone along US Highway 191

Requirements

Permit Required

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)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle available. Park directly at signed trailhead on Hwy 191. Arrive early for parking; winter traffic is light but lot capacity is modest.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Service animals only (leashed and under control at all times)

Biking: No (winter ski trail only)

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: Limited shade at upper elevations. High altitude and wind exposure mean full-sun conditions are typical. Sunscreen and glacier glasses essential.

Cell Service: No cell coverage in backcountry. Bring satellite communicator or personal locator beacon if emergency contact capability is needed.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: 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).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Low (backcountry ski trail in winter; day-use only)

Peak Times: Modest uptick on weekends and days following fresh snowfall. Generally quiet compared to summer trails.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Steep terrain in final 2 miles. Service dogs allowed (must be leashed). Not wheelchair-accessible backcountry skiing.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

FAQs

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?

Do I need a permit?

Can I bring my dog?

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

Is cell service available?

What about the river bridge crossing?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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