Yellowstone Tourism

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By Katie Ussin

Story Published: Jan 11, 2009 at 11:31 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 11, 2009 at 11:31 PM MST

BILLINGS - Snowfall is welcome at Yellowstone Park this time of year; it is a much needed element to ensure winter season recreation activities for tourists, but, visitation is down so far this year.

"December was disappointing," said Al Nash, park spokesperson. Nash said the slowing economy may be to blame, as well as the confusion over what was happening with winter use of snowmobiles and snowcoaches.

"Our goal remains a long-term winter use plan for the parks," said Nash. "We've just struggled with finding a way to come up with one that isn't immediately challenged in the courts."

Rick Hoeninghausen, director Xanterra Parks & Resorts, said fewer visitors is a good thing for last minute travelers. "There are lots of opportunity as a result to still get rooms, and get on tours, and to things here in the park this winter," said Hoeninghausen.

Snowmobiling is a popular recreational activity in the park, but if you are going to get on a sled there, you have to be with a permitted guide service. Several hotels in Gardiner, located just outside the north entrance to the park, lost lucrative snowmobiling package deals with out-of-town guests because of the late decision over snowmobile use in Yellowstone by the National Park Service.

"That's really hammered their businesses," said Clay Willis. Willis manages the Absaroka Lodge in Gardiner. He said he is now seeing more folks snowshoeing, sight seeing, or cross country skiing during their visit to the park.

"There's been a change in what people do during their activities," said Willis. No matter what you do, America's first national park promises a great view. "You can show them pictures all day but it doesn't explain it unless you see it, it's beautiful," said Peter Janker, visitor from New York.

The park usually sees about 30,000 visitors during the winter season. Nash said they will start working on yet another winter use plan in the spring.

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shubhranshu said on Monday, Jan 12 at 6:30 AM

No doubt whole of the world is passing through the ugly phase of week economy. But if someone plans his tour with little cleverness, he can save a lot. To get more information prior to visit this park, one may also visit http://travel.justluxe.com/.

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