Blacktail Plateau Ski Trail

A skier travels along a trail with a mountain peak in the distance.

The Blacktail Plateau Ski Trail is an 8-mile winter ski route crossing high-country meadows and forested terrain with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities—elk, deer, coyotes, and bison frequent this trail in winter. The route climbs 900 feet over 6 miles through open plateau to "The Cut," then descends 2 miles through spruce-fir forest. This is an intermediate-to-advanced ski, occasionally groomed but exposed to wind and whiteout conditions. The payoff is solitude, broad vistas, and real grit—not a beginner playground.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back (one-way trail; can be skied from either trailhead)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Elevation Gain Feet: 900

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back (one-way trail; can be skied from either trailhead)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Elevation Gain Feet: 900
Estimated Time: 3–5 hours depending on fitness, snow conditions, and whether you ski the full 8 miles or turn back at The Cut (6-mile mark)
Trail Surface: Occasionally groomed dirt road
Trail Features: Open high-country meadows
Spruce-fir forest
360-degree panoramic vistas at The Cut
Winter wildlife encounters
Trail Highlights: Broad vistas from the plateau, winter wildlife viewing (elk, deer, coyotes, occasional bison). The Cut at 6 miles offers expansive views before the forest descent.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Primary: 8 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs at a parking area across from a self-guiding trail. Alternate: Approximately 1 mile farther east at a service road access point
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits or reservations required
Fees: $35 entrance fee (Private Vehicle pass, valid 7 days). No trail-specific fee.
Trail Status: Typically open during winter season (weather-dependent)
Seasonal Closures: Summer and fall (snow-dependent winter access)

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Bring your own. Melt snow if necessary (avoid dehydration in cold). No reliable water sources on trail.
Accessibility: Trail follows a dirt road for the entire 8 miles. Gradually climbs 900 feet over 6 miles (moderate grade), then descends 2 miles through forest on a steeper angle. Rooty and rocky terrain is possible if snow cover is thin. Not suitable for novice or recreational skiers.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Hypothermia and wind chill
White-out visibility
Trail-finding difficulty
Bison encounters
Avalanche risk on descent
Crevasse or hidden obstacles under snow
Hazard Details: Bison and elk frequent this trail. Federal regulations: Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and all other wildlife. Blowing snow can reduce visibility to near-zero. Wind chill on the exposed plateau is intense. The descent through forest requires technical control to avoid trees and avoid skis catching on hidden rocks.
Cell Service: Unreliable or none (winter conditions in backcountry Yellowstone)
Crowd Level: Light to moderate (winter season; Tower Area is quieter than Old Faithful)
Peak Crowd Times: Winter weekends and school holidays
Best Season: Winter
Best Time To Visit: Start by first light to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon white-outs. Mid-winter (January–February) offers more stable snow. Check National Weather Service forecast the evening before—wind and visibility are killers on the plateau.
Tips Advice: Bring an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe—this is backcountry terrain.
Carry 2L water minimum; dehydration is real even in winter.
Layer aggressively (base, insulation, wind shell); hypothermia kills.
Pack a topo map and compass or GPS—grooming is inconsistent.
Bison congregate in meadows in winter—stay 25 yards minimum.
Gaiters are mandatory to keep snow out of your boots.
Turn back if visibility drops below 50 yards or weather deteriorates.

More details

Park Area: Tower Area
Trail Markers: Trail occasionally groomed and marked. May be hard to follow in fresh powder or whiteout. Bring a topo map and compass/GPS for navigation certainty.
Dogs Allowed: No. Qualified service animals only, must be leashed and under control
Biking Allowed: No—winter ski trail only
Shade Level: Mostly exposed in the meadow section (first 6 miles)—full sun or white-out wind. Shaded in the lower forest descent.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 if in cell range. Carry a satellite communicator (inReach, PLB) for backcountry rescue. Tower Ranger Station (seasonal, summer-only). Yellowstone has 24-hour emergency dispatch via satellite.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically December through March (weather-dependent; early season and late season may have insufficient snow coverage)
Mud Season: Not applicable—winter ski trail only
Wildflower Peak: Not applicable—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable—winter trail
Bug Season: Not applicable—winter conditions
Insider Tips: The Cut (6-mile mark) is your psychological halfway point—panoramic views reward the grind. Many parties turn back here instead of skiing the full 8.
The forest descent requires technical control; it's steep enough to gather speed fast. Confidence and edge control are non-negotiable.
Bison congregate in the meadows in winter—give them space and do not approach for photos.
Scout conditions at Tower Ranger Station (if open) before dawn departure.
The occasional grooming helps, but fresh snow erases the track—navigation is a skill, not a joke.
Ski as a group if possible; solo winter skiers on exposed terrain increase rescue complexity.
Family Friendly Notes: Intermediate to advanced skiers only. Children should have solid winter skiing experience and fitness for 3+ hours of continuous work. No beginner-friendly features. Cold exposure and avalanche terrain are real hazards.
Nearby Facilities: Tower Junction is 1.4 miles from the trail's eastern end. Limited facilities in Tower Area; nearest gas and lodging at Mammoth or Tower Fall Campground area (open seasonally).
Review Summary: Experienced winter skiers praise the wildlife viewing, high-country solitude, and technical challenge. Common feedback: the plateau climb is relentless, wind is unforgiving, and trail finding in powder is brutal. The reward is worth the grit if you're fit and prepared.

Frequently asked questions

Can a beginner ski this?

Not recommended. This requires intermediate-to-advanced skiing fitness and winter navigation skills. The elevation gain, distance, and exposure are real. Start with Tower area groomed trails first.

Are there bears on this trail in winter?

Bears are hibernating, but the 100-yard rule still applies in case of emergence. Bison and elk are your actual winter threat—stay 25 yards minimum and make noise.

What gear do I absolutely need?

Backcountry or touring skis, boots, skins, avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, topo map, compass or GPS, proper winter layers (base + insulation + wind shell), goggles, gaiters, and a headlamp. A satellite communicator is smart.

How long does it actually take?

3–5 hours depending on fitness, snow conditions, and whether you ski the full 8 miles or turn back at The Cut (6-mile mark). Assume 45 minutes per mile on the climb.

Is the trail marked well enough to follow in fresh snow?

Occasionally groomed, but fresh powder erases the track fast. In white-outs, trail finding is challenging. Bring a topo map and know how to use a compass. GPS is a backup, not your primary nav.

What's the worst-case scenario?

Whiteout visibility on the exposed plateau, wind chill dropping to -20°F or lower, trail loss, and no cell service. If you're unprepared for self-rescue, this is too serious. Avalanche risk exists on the descent if conditions are unstable.