National Parks offer deals and packages during winter season

October 27, 11:08 AMYellowstone National Park ExaminerAndrew Stanton

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Winter visits to the park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities
Xanterra.com

DENVER, October 27, 2009 -- The country’s national park lodges are looking ahead to the fast-approaching winter season when the temperature, number of visitors and, in some cases, prices drop. At places like Zion, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks, visitation decreases dramatically over summer-season numbers, and many lodges offer a variety of packages and reduced rates.

“Some guests tell us they prefer to travel in the winter season because they feel as if they have a bit more solitude, and they appreciate the special beauty of a frosty park and the wide-ranging adventures that can only be experienced in winter months,” said Dave Hartvigsen, vice president of sales and marketing for Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

Despite the colder temperatures, visitors can find as wide an array of adventures as they do during the summer season. For example, winter is the best time of the year to spot wolves in action on the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park. And many of the park’s hiking trails are groomed for cross-country skiers. Hiking the popular Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is popular year-round, and since temperatures increase as hikers make the descent into the Canyon, hikers are often treated to mild and comfortable conditions for their winter-season hikes.

Examples of lodges with special packages and pricing during the winter months are listed below. Unless otherwise noted, rates are based on double occupancy. Some blackout dates apply.

In Yellowstone National Park, where only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open during the winter, the focus is on combining accommodations and specific winter activities. Most of the park is closed to wheeled vehicles in the winter, and transportation is provided by over-snow vehicles – snowcoaches and snowmobiles. Many visitors prefer the convenience of Xanterra’s “Winter Getaway” and interpretation-based “Lodging & Learning” packages.

One of the most popular Winter Getaways is the “Frosty Fun” package. Available at both Mammoth and Old Faithful Snow Lodge, this package combines some of the park’s most popular winter-season activities and lodging. It also includes a Snow Card discount card good for discounts of 10 percent on meals, selected gift shop purchases, ski rentals, tours and other activities. The “Frosty Fun at Mammoth” package is available Jan. 3 – March 6, 2010 and includes a minimum of two nights of lodging, two breakfasts per person, a welcome gift, use of a hot tub for one hour, unlimited ice skating and skates and a Snow Card. Rates start at $134 per person for double occupancy and $219 for single occupancy. The “Frosty Fun at Old Faithful” package is available Jan. 3 – March 5, 2010 and includes two nights of lodging, two breakfasts per person, a welcome gift, unlimited ice skating and skates, round-trip snowcoach transportation between Old Faithful and the preferred park entrance, and a Snow Card. Rates start at $295 per person for double occupancy and $439 per person for single occupancy. Winter Getaways can be reserved by visiting www.travelyellowstone.com or by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375).