Experience the dramatic beauty of Yellowstone National Park in winter by joining a field seminar offered by Yellowstone Forever, the park’s official nonprofit partner. These immersive programs are led by experienced instructors and are based at Lamar Buffalo Ranch in Lamar Valley, located in Yellowstone’s northern zone. Participants stay in shared cabins and have access to a heated bathhouse with private showers. Classes and meal preparation take place in a community building, and group sizes are intentionally limited to ensure an engaging, hands-on learning experience.
From Jan. 20–22, join Cougars: Yellowstone’s Seldom-Seen Carnivore to learn about the park’s elusive big cats. Led by wildlife biologist Colby Anton, this seminar combines classroom sessions with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing—participants may travel up to eight miles per day to reach remote cougar habitat. Expect an active experience with variable snow conditions and occasional trail-breaking. The seminar fee is $360 per person.
In February, the Learning to Ski in Wonderland seminar runs Feb. 8–11. Instructor Julianne Baker, M.A., teaches basic cross-country skiing techniques and guides participants on both groomed and backcountry routes featuring gentle hills and flat terrain. The program blends skill-building with opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and exploration of Yellowstone’s rich natural and cultural history. Baker brings more than a decade of local skiing experience to the course. The seminar fee is $425 per person.
Yellowstone Forever also offers additional workshops and Lodging & Learning programs in collaboration with Yellowstone National Park Lodges. These offerings provide a range of seasonal experiences that emphasize interpretation, safety, and low-impact travel in Yellowstone’s winter landscapes.
Whether you’re keen to track wildlife, improve winter outdoor skills, or deepen your understanding of Yellowstone’s ecosystems, these small-group seminars provide expert instruction, meaningful interpretation, and the chance to explore one of America’s most iconic parks during a uniquely quiet and spectacular season.