Trail

Riverside Ski Trail

Trail
A lone skier makes their way along the Madison River on the Riverside Ski Trail.

The Riverside Ski Trail is Yellowstone's most accessible winter ski system, offering groomed classic ski tracks and multiple loop options ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. Ski through forest and open meadows along the Madison River with expansive views of the Gallatin and Madison ranges. Winter wildlife watching includes elk, bald eagles, and waterfowl. This is the place to learn to ski or enjoy an easy winter outing.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
2.2
Route Type
Multiple Loops
Difficulty Level
Easiest
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
2.2
Route Type
Multiple Loops
Difficulty Level
Easiest
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
1 to 3 hours depending on loop chosen and snow conditions.
Trail Surface
Groomed snow with classic ski tracks. First mile occasionally machine-groomed; loops are packed snow.
Trail Features
  • Groomed ski tracks
  • Madison River views
  • Gallatin Range vistas
  • Madison mountain range views
  • Winter forest terrain
  • Open meadow sections
  • Elk viewing
  • Bald eagle viewing
  • Waterfowl viewing
Trail Highlights
Groomed classic ski tracks make this beginner-friendly. Upriver loop delivers mountain views across the Madison River. Reliable winter wildlife: elk, bald eagles, and waterfowl are regularly spotted. Easy access from West Yellowstone town.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
East side of Boundary Street at Madison Avenue in West Yellowstone.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required. Trailhead is in West Yellowstone town, accessible by car. No shuttle service offered for this trail.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permit required for this trail.
Fees
Park entrance fee required: $20 per person (16+) on foot/ski, or $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Trail itself is free.
Trail Status
Open seasonally during winter months when snow coverage permits. Check NPS conditions before heading out.
Seasonal Closures
Primarily accessible December through March. Closes if snow depth becomes inadequate or during extreme weather.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Creeks are frozen in winter. Carry all water you'll need—bring minimum 1.5 to 2 liters.
Accessibility
Easiest ski system in Yellowstone. Some sections occasionally machine-groomed for classic ski tracks. Flat to gently rolling terrain suits beginner skiers. Service dogs allowed. No steep climbs or technical sections.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Cold exposure and hypothermia
  • Wind chill in open sections
  • Thin ice near river—stay on trail
  • Wildlife (elk, bison, wolves, bears)
  • Limited cell service
  • Low visibility in snowstorms
Hazard Details
Winter weather is the primary threat. Wind chill in open meadow sections increases hypothermia risk—stay hydrated and warm. Thin ice forms near the Madison River; stick to marked trails. Bison and elk are active in winter; maintain distance. Federal regulations require 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and other wildlife. No cell service—come prepared with a map and whistle.
Cell Service
No cell service. Carry a map, compass, and whistle. Stick to marked trails and groomed sections.
Crowd Level
Moderate to busy on weekends during peak snow season. Trails spread skiers across multiple loop options, reducing congestion on any single route.
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends and holidays (December through February). Weekday mornings see lighter traffic.
Best Season
Winter (December through March, snow-dependent).
Best Time To Visit
December through February for stable snow and groomed tracks. Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekends to secure parking. Avoid during active snowstorms—visibility and hypothermia risk spike.
Tips Advice
  • Layer clothing—core warmth prevents hypothermia in winter
  • Carry 2 liters of water; dehydration happens in cold
  • Ski the upriver loop for best mountain views
  • Make noise for elk and bison; they're active in winter
  • Stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison
  • Check NPS grooming status before leaving town—affects snow quality
  • Binoculars for eagle and elk spotting

More details

Park Area
West Yellowstone Area
Trail Markers
Well-marked. Groomed tracks are easy to follow. Occasional blazes and signs at loop junctions. Hard to get lost on main routes.
Dogs Allowed
No. Pets are not permitted. Service dogs are allowed.
Biking Allowed
No. Ski and snowshoe use only during winter season.
Shade Level
Mixed. First mile through forest provides wind protection; loop trails cross open meadows with direct sun exposure and wind chill.
Emergency Contacts
Dial 911 in life-threatening emergencies (though cell service unavailable at trail). Nearest ranger station is in West Yellowstone. Report incidents to NPS upon return.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Typically snow-covered December through March. Winter snow depth and stability vary by year and weather patterns.
Mud Season
Not applicable. Winter trail. Summer conditions (May-October) are unsuitable for skiing.
Wildflower Peak
Not applicable. Winter ski trail.
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable. Winter ski trail.
Bug Season
Not applicable. Winter conditions suppress insect activity.
Insider Tips
  • Rent skis in West Yellowstone—avoid traveling with rental equipment
  • Check grooming status mid-week before planning your ski day
  • The upriver loop is shorter but has the best views; skip the long full downriver loop if time is tight
  • Binoculars increase eagle and elk spotting odds
  • Go early (before 10 AM) on weekends to avoid crowds and secure parking
  • Short downriver loop (2.2 miles) is the sweet spot for time vs. views
Recent Updates
No recent trail closures or major changes reported. Winter grooming continues December through March based on snow conditions. Check NPS.gov/yell for current status updates.
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for families with beginner skiers. The 1-mile approach to loop junctions is gentle and manageable for children. Groomed tracks help younger skiers maintain control. Keep children close due to river proximity and active wildlife. Teach them to make noise for elk and bison awareness.
Nearby Facilities
West Yellowstone town is adjacent (within 1 mile). Full services: lodging, restaurants, ski rental shops, gas stations, and grocers. Mammoth District Ranger Station available for information.
Review Summary
Skiers rate this as the most reliable beginner ski option in Yellowstone. Groomed tracks and multiple loop options earn consistent praise. Winter wildlife viewing and Gallatin Range views are the real draw. The trade-off: moderate crowding on weekends versus reliable, accessible skiing and mountain scenery.

Frequently asked questions

Is this suitable for beginner skiers?

Yes. This is the easiest ski system in Yellowstone. Groomed tracks and gentle terrain make it ideal for learning or casual winter outings.

Do I need special gear?

You need skis or snowshoes, appropriate winter clothing (layer heavily), and water. No avalanche beacon, crampons, or technical equipment required.

Are there bears on this trail?

Bears den in winter and are inactive. Wolves and bison are active. Follow distance rules: stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison. Make noise on the trail.

What if there's no cell service?

There's no cell service. Bring a map, compass, and whistle. Stick to marked groomed trails. Tell someone your plan before heading out.

Can I ski during a snowstorm?

No. Visibility and hypothermia risk become severe. Avoid the trail if storms are forecast or active. Check NPS conditions.

How much does it cost?

The trail is free. Yellowstone park entry fee applies: $20 per person (16+) on foot/ski, or $35 per vehicle (7-day pass).

Brink of Lower Falls

0.7 miles out-and-back. Steep climb back. The brink of Lower Falls rewards the grit.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.