INSTITUTE

2016–17 INSTITUTE PROGRAMS
Join the Institute on a journey of discovery and engage with Yellowstone like you never have before. For 40 years,
the Yellowstone Association Institute has worked in partnership with the National Park Service to connect people
to Yellowstone and the natural world. Now, as the legacy of national parks continues into a second century, we are
in-depth and engaging educational programs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LODGING & LEARNING 2
PRIVATE, GROUP,
& CUSTOM TOURS 3
YOUTH & COLLEGE 4
TEACHERS 5
FIELD SEMINARS 6
LODGING 12
INSTRUCTORS 13
ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through
relatively flat terrain on maintained or
snow-packed trails.
Hikes on snow-packed trails, snowshoe or
ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs
up to 250 feet.
Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to
5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet,
including some trail-breaking in snow.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to
8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet;
or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or
snowshoeing—including breaking trail
in variable snow conditions.
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up
to 12 miles per day with climbs up to
1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing
or snowshoeing—including breaking trail
in variable snow conditions.
HOW DOES ALL THIS WORK?
options; itineraries; required clothing and equipment; and our payment,
refund, and cancellation policies.
from us. Please be sure to read it thoroughly and return any requested
information as soon as possible. We want you to be prepared so you
can have the time of your life.
as well as many other benefits. If you are not yet a member, you will
receive an introductory subscription to our magazine Yellowstone Quarterly.
To become a member, please visit us online or call today!
WINTER SPECIFICS
Flexibility is a virtue in this winter wonderland, where snow and temperature
can change arrival and departure times or other program details. Instructors
may choose different trails or destinations depending on snow conditions.
In the rare event of extremely cold weather, program activities may be modified
or cancelled to protect your safety.
In the winter, you must come through the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana,
because all interior park roads are closed to wheeled vehicles.
DO YOU NEED SKIS OR SNOWSHOES?
In some of our winter programs, you will need cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Snowshoes are provided for all Lodging & Learning programs and Field Seminars
where required, and may be available for your private tour. Skis are provided
for some of our programs, but please check our website or call us for details and
local rental options.
HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE?
Institute courses are based in the field, and most require you to be an active
participant. If you take part in a field outing, you will need to carry a daypack—
with food, clothing, water, and other essentials—that generally weighs up to
15 pounds. You will be exercising at elevations of 5,000 to 12,000 feet. Activities
at these altitudes are more strenuous than the same activities at lower altitudes,
and some people can experience associated health complications.
To rate the difficulty of each course, we consider distance, pace, elevation gain,
and terrain. Many courses involve cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Their
difficulty will vary based on your skill and experience on skis or snowshoes,
the current snow conditions, and the parameters addressed in the activity level
scale. For more detailed information about each program, please refer to our
website or call us.
406.848.2400 | YellowstoneAssociation.org 1