Chittenden Loop - 5.3mi Advanced Ski Trail

A skier travels along a trail on the edge of a canyon.

The Chittenden Loop Ski Trail is a 5.3-mile winter ski loop in Yellowstone's Tower Area, designed for advanced skiers only. Steep terrain and exposed ridge sections demand technical skill and fitness; the trail ranges from easier forest navigation to challenging descents that can accelerate with packed snow. Mount Washburn views reward clear-day efforts, but wildlife hazards (bison, elk, bears, wolves) and cold exposure at elevation test your judgment and conditioning. Plan 4–5 hours of intense skiing through lodgepole pine with potential whiteout risk—not for recreationalists.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5.3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Advanced. Steep terrain with exposed sections. Not for beginners.
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours if you're fit and snow is firm. Soft snow or poor fitness = 6+ hours of grinding.

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5.3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Advanced. Steep terrain with exposed sections. Not for beginners.
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours if you're fit and snow is firm. Soft snow or poor fitness = 6+ hours of grinding.
Trail Surface: Packed or untracked snow (skier-tracked). Conditions vary by recent snowfall and temperature. Icy on south-facing descents. Soft on north-facing climbs after warm days.
Trail Features: Mount Washburn views on clear days
Dense lodgepole pine forest
Unplowed Tower-Canyon road section (~3 miles of lower-angle return)
Steep terrain sections (more difficult zone)
Ridge elevation exposure
Trail Highlights: Mount Washburn vista on clear days. Transition from dense forest to open ridge offers dramatic views of the Absaroka Range.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Tower Fall, 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Tower Junction. Parking at Tower Fall area.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Your own transportation to Tower Fall; winter shuttle services available from Mammoth/Gardner.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required. Reservation not required.
Fees: $35 (private vehicle, 7-day pass) or $20 (per person on foot/ski); trail access no additional fee
Trail Status: Open winter season when snow permits. Typically mid-December through early April.
Seasonal Closures: Closed May through November. Early season (late November) and late season (April) closures depend on snow accumulation and storm activity.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: None on trail. Carry 2–3L minimum. Snow available to melt but risky in winter (dehydration danger in cold, dry air). Do not depend on melting snow—bring your own water.
Accessibility: Advanced skiing required. Not accessible for beginner or intermediate skiers. Service dogs permitted but must be leashed. Trail difficulty increases significantly in poor snow conditions or high winds.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep terrain with avalanche potential
Bison and elk (25-yard minimum distance)
Bears and wolves (100-yard minimum distance)
Cold exposure and wind chill at altitude
Dehydration despite cold temperatures
Whiteout conditions in poor visibility
Icy or soft snow conditions
Remote location with unreliable cell service
Hazard Details: Bison and elk frequent this trail—federal regulation requires 25-yard buffer. Bears and wolves require 100-yard distance. Steep terrain, especially in the 'more difficult' section, has avalanche risk; soft snow consolidation in March–April raises slide probability. Exposed ridge sections at ~9,000 ft elevation create wind chill risk and rapid weather changes. Cold, dry air causes dehydration even when you don't feel thirsty. Whiteout conditions in storms reduce visibility to near-zero; navigation becomes map-and-compass only. Poor snow packing after warm days = wet slides; solid pack after cold nights = dangerous high-speed descents.
Cell Service: Unreliable to none. Do not depend on cell reception for emergency communication. Carry a satellite communicator or inReach device for remote contingencies.
Crowd Level: Light to moderate in peak winter conditions. Fewer skiers than summer hikers, but bison and elk encounters more likely.
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and holiday weeks (winter break, Presidents Day). Weekday mornings offer more solitude.
Best Season: December through early April, weather-dependent. Peak conditions typically mid-January to early March.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive at Tower Fall by 6:00 AM, before weather deteriorates or snow softens. Winter windows close fast at elevation—clear mornings turn cloudy by noon. Check avalanche and wind forecasts the night before. Avoid warm spells (late March–April) when steep slopes destabilize.
Tips Advice: Make noise constantly—bears and bison frequent this trail. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Layer aggressively: remove mid-layers climbing, add them on descent to prevent sweat freeze.
Carry 3L water minimum despite cold; altitude dehydration is real.
Bring map, compass, avalanche beacon (check forecast for risk).
Ski first, rest second—momentum is your ally on descents.
If visibility drops below 50 yards, turn back immediately. Whiteout navigation kills.
Watch snow consistency: soft = exhausting climbs, packed = dangerous descents.
Sunscreen and goggles non-negotiable—UV reflects off white snow.

More details

Park Area: Tower Area
Trail Markers: Skier-tracked but trail markers may be covered by snow. Navigation depends on visible tracks and map reading. Compass essential in whiteout.
Dogs Allowed: Service dogs only. Must be leashed and under control at all times. Regular pets prohibited.
Biking Allowed: No. Winter ski trail only.
Shade Level: Mostly shaded in forest (dense lodgepole pine). Ridge sections fully exposed to wind and sun—sunburn risk despite cold.
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone emergency: 911. Non-emergency dispatch: (307) 344-7381. Register your trip with a responsible person; include expected return time.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Operational mid-December through early April. Winter transitions bring variable snow. Late season (March–April) = avalanche risk from warming and consolidation.
Mud Season: Not applicable. Winter-only trail. Spring snowmelt occurs April–May when trail is closed.
Wildflower Peak: Not applicable. Winter ski trail.
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable. Winter ski trail.
Bug Season: Not applicable. Trail is active in winter when insects are dormant.
Insider Tips: Start right through Tower Fall Campground to do the easier section first—climb the steep part early while fresh. Clockwise = easier route.
Advanced skiers may prefer counterclockwise (steeper first) if snow is soft; fast descents reward firm snow.
The unplowed Tower-Canyon road return is deceptively long (~3 miles)—pace yourself for the home stretch.
Mount Washburn views appear at the ridge transition; don't expect summit access (that's the Chittenden Road–Mount Washburn Trail).
Bison and elk bed down in meadows along the route—give them space and make noise. Watch for them before descending into clearings.
False flat sections lull you into thinking the trail continues when it turns steep—stay alert.
Skiing the loop in moderate temps = sticky snow, extra effort, reduced speed control. Cold mornings = fast skating; warm afternoons = mushy nightmare.
Recent Updates: No recent trail changes reported.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for families with children unless they are advanced, experienced skiers. Steep terrain, wildlife hazards (bison, bears), and cold exposure at altitude create serious danger. Adult hand-holding doesn't prevent an avalanche or a bear encounter. Recommend minimum age 14+ with expert skiing ability and adult supervision.
Nearby Facilities: Tower Fall Campground (closed in winter). Nearest winter services: Mammoth Hot Springs, ~21 miles north. Limited services in winter; plan accordingly.
Review Summary: Experienced skiers report this loop is physically and technically demanding, especially steep sections that require precise descent control. Mount Washburn views reward the effort on clear days, but weather and snow conditions dictate the experience. Wildlife encounters are common—respect distance buffers. Fitness and winter skillset are non-negotiable.

Frequently asked questions

Can a beginner skier do this trail?

Absolutely not. The NPS explicitly rates this 'advanced skiers only' due to steep terrain. One mistake on a slope like this = injury or worse. Train on easier slopes first; come back when you can handle mogul runs and icy steeps.

How likely am I to see bears or bison?

Very likely. Bison and elk frequent this trail year-round, even in winter. Bears can be active in late winter during warm spells. You WILL encounter wildlife. Bring bear spray, know how to use it, and maintain 100-yard distance from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison/elk. Make noise; do not surprise them.

What is the altitude, and will I be affected?

Tower Fall starts around 6,000 feet; the ridge sections reach ~9,000 feet. Most people feel thin air on the climbs. Acclimatize the day before (sleep in the park). Drink extra water despite cold—altitude dehydration is real, especially in dry winter air. Headache, nausea, or dizziness = signs of altitude sickness; descend and rest.

What gear do I absolutely need?

Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel (check avalanche forecast first; if danger is low, you may skip these, but carry them if moderate or higher). Layers (not cotton—wool or synthetic only), goggles for wind, sunscreen (UV reflects off snow), sunglasses, and a headlamp for early starts. Trekking poles help on descents. Carry 2–3L water. A map and compass are mandatory backups to GPS.

What if a storm rolls in while I'm skiing?

Visibility drops to zero. Whiteout conditions make navigation impossible—you're trusting your map/compass or skier tracks that are buried. If a storm approaches, descend immediately to lower elevation or stop and wait for clarity. No summit, no view, no turns are worth getting lost in a whiteout. Turn back early; ego kills.

How hard is this really compared to other ski slopes?

If you can handle mogul runs, icy blacks, and ski ungroomed terrain confidently, you have the technical base. The hard part is fitness and remoteness. This trail is 5+ miles and 4–5 hours of non-stop effort with no bailout. If you're not regularly skiing challenging terrain, you'll be shattered by mile 3. Honestly assess your fitness before you commit.

Will my cell phone work for emergencies?

No. Cell service is unreliable to non-existent in this remote area. Carry a satellite communicator (inReach, Garmin) or file a trip plan with someone on the outside: route, start time, expected return. If you disappear, someone knows where to tell rescuers to look.