Old faithful
Our History
Three Decades of Winter Adventure in Jackson Hole
28 Years Guiding Yellowstone
The Beginning: 1987
Under the trade name “Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours,” our story began in 1987 when the first operator recognized something special about experiencing Yellowstone National Park in winter. Back then, snowmobile access to the park was still relatively new, and few people understood the magic of seeing Old Faithful erupt against a snowy backdrop or watching bison herds move through steaming valleys.
What started as a simple idea—sharing the incredible beauty of Yellowstone’s winter landscape—has grown into something much larger while maintaining the personal touch that makes all the difference.
Three Successive Owners, One Continuous Vision
Since that first winter in 1987, three successive owners have carried forward the Old Faithful Tours legacy, each building on the foundation laid before them. Through different eras of park regulations, changing equipment standards, and evolving guest expectations, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to providing exceptional winter adventures while respecting the privilege of operating in America’s first national park.
Over these decades, we’ve grown to become the largest operator of multi-day snowmobile trips in the greater Yellowstone area—a testament to the quality of experience we provide and the trust guests place in us year after year.
Jon Toolson: Fifth Generation Jackson Native
In 2008, Jon Toolson purchased Old Faithful Tours, Inc., bringing a lifetime of local knowledge and genuine passion for these mountains to the business. As a fifth generation Jackson native, Jon didn’t just move here for the lifestyle—this landscape is literally in his blood.
Jon’s Background:
- Born and raised in Jackson, Wyoming
- Snowmobiling his entire life in these mountains
- Guiding Yellowstone National Park tours for the last 30 years
- Involved with snowmobile guiding since 1995
- Intimately familiar with every aspect of the snowmobile business
What sets Jon apart isn’t just his technical knowledge—it’s his deep understanding of what makes a winter adventure truly memorable. Having grown up here, he knows which routes offer the best wildlife viewing, when conditions are perfect for powder riding, and how to read weather patterns that can change an entire day’s experience.
Senne Mulder-Toolson: The Perfect Partnership
In 2011, Senne Mulder-Toolson joined as Jon’s partner, bringing her own expertise to the front office operations. Senne handles:
- Booking reservations and trip planning
- Preparing visitors for their tours with detailed information
- Safety and sustainability oversight
- Managing the countless details that arise in running adventure tours
Jon and Senne’s hands-on approach is unique in the industry. While many operators have grown into corporate enterprises, they’ve maintained the personal touch that comes from owners who are personally invested in every guest’s experience.
What Sets Us Apart
Family Business Values: We’re still a small, family-operated business after more than 30 years. That means when you call, you’re talking to people who genuinely care about your experience—not a call center reading from a script.
Loyal, Returning Guests: We have a very high percentage of returning clients. Some guests, like the mother who’s taken our tours six times for birthday celebrations, become part of our extended family. This loyalty isn’t accidental—it’s the result of consistently delivering experiences that exceed expectations.
90% Multi-Day Focus: While many operators focus on quick day trips, 90% of our business consists of multi-day tours into Yellowstone National Park and the Continental Divide. This specialization allows us to perfect every detail of the multi-day experience, from route planning to lodge relationships.
Local Knowledge & Relationships: After 30+ years of operation, we’ve built deep relationships with the finest lodging facilities, guest ranches, and service providers in the region. These partnerships allow us to offer experiences that newer operators simply cannot match.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours, we believe that experiencing the wonder of Yellowstone is a privilege and comes with the responsibility to help protect it. As stewards of this extraordinary landscape, we are committed to operating in ways that support the health of the environment, the wellbeing of our community, and the enjoyment of future generations.
Our Commitments:
- Cleaner Operations: We use the best available technology in snowmobiles to minimize emissions, noise, and impacts on wildlife. We continually evaluate new technologies and practices, and offset carbon through the Good Traveler Program to further reduce our footprint.
- Protecting Yellowstone: We work closely with the National Park Service and local partners to ensure that our tours respect park regulations, protect sensitive habitats, and contribute to research and conservation efforts. Our partnership with Teton Science Schools demonstrates this commitment.
- Waste Reduction: We practice “leave no trace” principles and encourage our guests to do the same. Our staff lead by example in reducing waste, recycling, and conserving resources. We are working toward eliminating single-use plastics for our guests and we compost food waste.
- Community Commitment: We support a thriving Jackson Hole and Yellowstone gateway economy by providing good jobs, supporting local businesses, and giving back through local partnerships.
- Continuous Improvement: Sustainability is an ongoing journey. Each season we set goals to further reduce our impacts, enhance guest education, and contribute to the protection of Yellowstone’s natural and cultural heritage.
By choosing Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours, our guests are not only experiencing the magic of Yellowstone in winter—they are also joining us in helping protect one of the world’s greatest treasures.
Looking Forward
- As we move forward, our mission remains the same as it was in 1987: to provide unforgettable winter adventures while respecting the incredible landscapes we’re privileged to explore.
- Jon and Senne’s passion for helping visitors see the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, for providing educational winter experiences, and their hands-on approach continues to set Old Faithful apart from competitors. Every guest matters, every trip is important, and every day offers the chance to create memories that last a lifetime.
- After more than three decades, we’re still here because we never forgot why we started: winter in Wyoming and Yellowstone is something everyone should experience at least once. Our job is to make sure that experience exceeds every expectation.