Trail

Roller Coaster Ski Trail

Trail
A person excitedly cross-country skis down a steep hill in the forest.

The Roller Coaster Ski Trail is a 1.8-mile roundtrip winter route through lodgepole pines with rolling descents and several steep drop-offs. This is technically demanding skiing—icy sections and a narrow bridge crossing demand precision and grit. You'll experience fast-flowing descents through forest, interspersed with white-knuckle technical sections and exposure. Not for casual skiers: this trail bites back.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.8
Route Type
Roundtrip
Difficulty Level
More Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
150

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.8
Route Type
Roundtrip
Difficulty Level
More Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
150
Estimated Time
1-2 hours for fit skiers; 2.5-3 hours for cautious or less experienced
Trail Surface
Packed snow on service road (first 0.3 mi), transitioning to skier-tracked forest trail
Trail Features
  • Rolling ski descents
  • Steep drop-offs
  • Narrow bridge crossing
  • Lodgepole pine forest
  • Service road beginning
  • Meadow section
  • Canyon Rim Trail junction
Trail Highlights
Fast, technical ski descent through dense forest with adrenaline-pumping drop-offs. Bridge crossing is the crux. Merges with Canyon Rim Trail.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
From Canyon Visitor Education Center, go east on North Rim Drive 100 yards, turn left up service road 0.3 miles
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
One-way or round-trip skier shuttles available for a fee. Reservations and information: park hotels, 307-344-7311 (Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395)

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Service dogs allowed with backcountry access permit. Skier shuttle may require advance reservation (check with park hotels).
Fees
No trail fee. Park entrance: $35 vehicle or $20 per person on ski. Shuttle fee varies.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Closed May through November. Winter access dependent on snowpack and road conditions to trailhead.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No natural water sources. Carry all water—2L minimum.
Accessibility
Service road beginning is smooth and wide. Trail narrows in forest. Narrow bridge is tight. Total elevation gain 150 feet. Rolling terrain requires constant leg engagement and technical skill.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Steep drop-offs
  • Icy conditions
  • Narrow bridge crossing
  • Wind exposure
  • Hypothermia risk
  • Rapid weather deterioration
Hazard Details
CAUTION: parts of trail have steep drop-offs hazardous when icy. Narrow bridge is tight. Exposure on service road and meadow. Cold and wind can turn dangerous quickly. Icy patches demand expert technique.
Cell Service
Spotty to none. Bring emergency whistle and let park rangers know your plan.
Crowd Level
Moderate—winter conditions and shuttle limits keep crowds manageable.
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends during stable snow windows in late December and January
Best Season
Winter (December through February typical; March possible but less reliable)
Best Time To Visit
December through February when snow is stable. Start at first light to maximize visibility and stable snow conditions. Afternoon can bring wind.
Tips Advice
  • Helmet mandatory—drop-offs are unforgiving.
  • Carry 2L water—dehydration is silent at altitude and cold.
  • Sharp skis are non-negotiable—icy patches will test your nerve.
  • Scout the narrow bridge before committing downhill.
  • Dress in layers—weather in the canyon shifts fast.
  • Make noise on blind turns—signal your presence to other skiers.
  • Never ski alone on technical terrain.

More details

Park Area
Canyon Village Area
Trail Markers
Well-defined through forest section. Trail merges with Canyon Rim Trail at end.
Dogs Allowed
Service dogs only with backcountry access permit
Biking Allowed
No—winter ski trail only
Shade Level
Forested sections provide heavy shade. First 0.3 miles on exposed service road and meadow.
Emergency Contacts
Yellowstone Park: 307-344-7311 (Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395)
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
December through March typical; early season snow (November) and late season (April) possible but unreliable
Mud Season
N/A—winter ski trail, no mud season
Wildflower Peak
N/A—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak
N/A—winter trail
Bug Season
N/A—winter trail
Insider Tips
  • The service road opener (0.3 mi) is your warm-up—dial in your edges and rhythm before the real descent.
  • Meadow section is your pressure-relief valve if conditions deteriorate—bail here if needed.
  • Scout the narrow bridge at walking pace before skiing downhill.
  • Trail merges with Canyon Rim Trail at end. Left fork extends your run; right returns to start.
  • Check snow conditions with park rangers the morning-of. Icy days change everything.
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children. Steep drop-offs and icy conditions are unforgiving. Older kids (12+) only with expert supervision and helmets mandatory.
Nearby Facilities
Canyon Village has lodging, dining, shops. Canyon Campground nearby for winter camping. Canyon Visitor Education Center at trailhead area.
Review Summary
Winter skiers rate this trail intense and rewarding. Icy conditions keep you honest and the drop-offs demand respect. Definitely not for casual skiers—requires expert technique and mental toughness.

Frequently asked questions

Can I handle the drop-offs?

Yes, if intermediate-plus. Scout them first. Icy sections make them scarier than they are.

Do I need special gear?

Helmet mandatory. Sharp skis essential. Wrist guards recommended. Gaiters for snow.

What if weather turns ugly?

Bail immediately. The meadow is your escape. Don't be brave—mountains kill brave skiers.

Is a guide required?

No, but skiing solo is foolish. Bring a partner or book a park guide.

How long will it take?

1-2 hours for fit skiers. Cautious skiers: 2.5-3 hours. Fitness and snow conditions vary timing.

Am I fit enough?

If you ski 2 miles of intermediate runs without stopping, yes. This trail never lets your legs rest.

Brink of Lower Falls

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

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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.