Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I book with Old Faithful Tours instead of another operator?

Old Faithful Tours has been in business for over 30 years and we are a small family operated business. Our business is multi-day tours into Yellowstone National Park and the Continental Divide. We have a very high percentage of returning clients. Our guides represent fourth generation Jackson Hole natives. Combined, our 5 guides have over 50 years of experience guiding snowmobile trips to Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding national forests.

For First-Time Riders

I am concerned about getting cold?

We provide all of the snowmobile gear; a 2-piece snowmobile that includes an insulated jacket and bib, Baffin snow boots with removable liners, full-face helmet and leather mittens. All of our equipment is specifically designed for snowmobiling and with all of years of experience we have been able to weed through the gear that works and which doesn’t. We feel that we carry the warmest and most reliable gear available for snowmobiling. If you follow our instructions provided on how to dress in layers, underneath the outerwear we provide, the cold should not be a concern! The snowmobiles handlebars are heated as well and you are well protected behind the windshield.

I have no previous snowmobiling experience; will I find it to be difficult?

90% of our guests have been on a snowmobile before, or only have experience through touring with us. A complete safety orientation and instructions on how to operate the snowmobile are provided prior to the start of your tour. Operating our snowmobile is not difficult and most of our guests become comfortable very quickly with the snowmobile. Our fleet of Ski-Doo Grand Touring snowmobiles are designed to comfortably ride the trails, while being quiet, reliable and family friendly. It’s comfortable seating and smooth ride make it perfect for you and your passenger, with a maximum weight limit of 450lbs.

Are bathrooms available?

Bathrooms are available throughout the Park. Some are unheated outhouses but the longest distance between bathrooms is only 27 miles.

How long do we snowmobile each day while on the extended tours?

The day starts 6.30am with a pick-up at your hotel and we will be over at breakfast by 7.00am, and on the trail between 9:30-10,00am. We arrive at your lodge for the evening between 4:00-5.00pm. Your guide will make frequent stops and there is ample opportunity for photos and exploring the hydro-thermal areas Yellowstone is famous for. The days are relaxed and not strenuous. We want you to thoroughly experience Yellowstone while on the tour.

How long is a Yellowstone day tour?

It starts with a 6:00am meet time. After we have you outfitted and have had a breakfast at our office in Jackson we will get in the van to head to the South entrance of the Park and we should be on the trail between 8:30-9:00am. Your guide will make frequent stops along this 100 mile tour and there is ample opportunity for photos and exploring hydro-thermal areas Yellowstone is famous for. We provide lunch at Old Faithful and watch Old Faithful erupt. We try to have you back to Jackson between 4:30-5:30pm.

How many total miles will we travel?

Our Yellowstone multi-day tours travel a total of 250-280 miles. Our Yellowstone one-day tour travels a total of about 90 miles roundtrip.

What is the lodging like?

We have been operating our multi-day tours for 30 years. We have established relationships with the finest lodging facilities available at each stop. Both nights are at nice hotels, and all rooms have private baths. The first night we will be staying at the Stagecoach Inn in West Yellowstone MT and the second night we will be staying at the Ridgeline in Gardiner MT.

How many people are in a group?

You will never have more than 10 people in your group (unless private). We try to minimize our group size. And following Park Service requirements we will never have more then 9 snowmobiles behind the guide.

What is a double rider?

A double rider is a second person on a snowmobile.

How old do you have to be to operate a snowmobile?

Everyone must have a valid driver’s license to operate a snowmobile in Yellowstone. This is a Park Service requirement.

What is included in the tour cost?

We supply all outer clothing, lodging and meals while on the tour, transportation to Yellowstone, snowmobiles, gasoline and the guide. We do not provide alcohol but there is alcohol available at each nights lodging.

How do I carry my gear while on the tour?

Pack in a gym style duffel bag, 28 X 14. This will be carried on the back of your snowmobile. We can only fit one overnight duffle bag per snowmobile. You are welcome to bring a small duffle bag in addition. Guides will provide garbage bags to wrap your bag in and straps to secure your bag on the back of the snowmobile. We will be happy to store, at our office, any excess luggage you have while you are out on the tour.

How do I reserve a tour date?

A $500 deposit holds your reservation. A confirmation is sent upon receipt of the deposit. The balance of the tour cost is due 60 days prior to the date of the tour.

Will I have fun?

Our goal is to provide a memorable experience for all of our guests. We believe we provide the finest multi-day snowmobile tour available. Please call for a list of references if you would like to speak with prior guests.