Winter transforms Yellowstone National Park into a landscape of quiet drama—where rising steam curls through frozen air, snow softens the vast terrain, and wildlife moves deliberately across a stark, beautiful world. With fewer visitors and ever-changing winter conditions, this is one of the most intimate and visually compelling times to experience the park. For photographers, it offers a rare opportunity to explore the interplay of light, weather, and motion in one of North America’s most iconic wild places.

This small-group retreat is designed to immerse you in Yellowstone’s winter rhythms while refining your photographic vision. We’ll spend time in wildlife-rich areas like Lamar Valley, where bison, coyotes, and the park’s famous wolf packs roam, as well as explore the geothermal wonders of the geyser basins, including the iconic Old Faithful. With shorter days keeping us closer to home base in the evenings, there will be ample opportunity for image review, critiques, and discussion—helping you elevate both your technical skills and creative approach.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Led by Art Wolfe

assisted by Libby Pfeiffer
Limited to 8 participants
Minimal hiking involved

Transportation and Accommodation

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Bozeman, MT
• As part of our tour we have secured rooms in Gardiner, MT and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Lodging is Included
• Transportation throughout the tour is provided by private shuttle and private snow coach.
• Upon registration you will download a PDF that includes the hotel information.

Day 1 Jan 18 – Arrival & Orientation (D)
Arrive in Bozeman. We’ll gather for a welcome meeting to review the plan for the week. Once everyone has arrived the group will depart for Gardiner together in our private shuttle and overnight at our selected hotel in Gardiner. We will overnight in Gardiner for three nights.

Art may provide a lecture this evening to prepare the group for the days ahead.

Day 2 Jan 19 – Into the Winter Landscape (B,L,D)
Our first full day begins with an early departure into the Lamar Valley. We’ll explore accessible geothermal areas, working with steam, frost, and soft winter light. Expect a mix of wildlife, landscape, and abstract photo opportunities.

Day 3 Jan 20 – Lamar Valley Wildlife (B,L,D)
We head to Lamar Valley in search of wildlife. With luck, we may observe wolves at a distance, along with bison, foxes, and other winter-adapted species. Emphasis will be placed on long-lens technique and storytelling.

Optional critique session this evening.

Day 4 Jan 21 – Geyser Basins & Old Faithful (B,L,D)
Today we head out for the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, photographing along the way in our private snow coach. We’ll explore the park’s geothermal heart, including Old Faithful. Winter conditions often create striking contrasts between boiling water and frozen surroundings. We will overnight at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge for two nights.

Day 5 Jan 22 – Wildlife & Winter Light (B,L,D)
Another day dedicated to landscapes around the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. We’ll continue refining field techniques and adapting to dynamic winter light.

Optional critique session this evening.

Day 6 Jan 23 – Final Shoot & Wrap-Up (B & L)
Today the group will board our private snow coach for our transfer back to Mammoth Hot Springs, again in our private snow coach which will allow us to stop and photograph along the way. Following that the group will be transferred back to Bozeman by late afternoon or early evening (our driver can drop you at the airport or a local hotel).

Highlights

• Explore Yellowstone in its most serene and atmospheric season
• Photograph wildlife in winter conditions, including bison, coyotes, and the possibility of wolves
• Visit the famed Lamar Valley, one of the best places in North America to observe wild wolves (sightings not guaranteed)
• Capture geothermal features in dramatic winter conditions, including Old Faithful and surrounding geyser basins
• Small group size for personalized instruction and ample shooting opportunities
• In-the-field guidance focused on composition, exposure, and storytelling
• Evening image reviews and constructive critiques to refine your vision
• Experience Yellowstone with fewer crowds and a more intimate connection to the landscape

Reserve Your Spot Today

Trip Inclusions:

• Five nights lodging based on double occupancy in rooms with two beds
• All meals: five breakfasts, five lunches & five dinners
• Multiple critique sessions to round out the day
• Photography instruction provided by Art Wolfe and assistant Libby Pfeiffer
• Transport from Bozeman to Mammoth, Paradise and Lamar Valleys and back to Bozeman by one 15-pax van
• Transport from Mammoth to Old Faithful by one 13-pax snow coach with driver
• Services of one experienced, local naturalist guide who will drive the van and guide the group on short walks to view wildlife and the natural features of the area
• Two meeting spaces for lectures/review of photographs
• Use of spotting scopes

Trip Exclusions:

• Pre/post tour travel
• Alcoholic beverages
• Rental snowshoes/skis (an option at Old Faithful)
• Gratuities for Naturalist Guide – we recommend approximately $250 per guest payable direct to guide

Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.