Yellowstone Winter Photography Workshop 2027

W I N T E R I N Y E L L O W S T O N E

Y E L L O W S T O N E N A T I O N A L P A R K | W Y O M I N G

FEBRUARY 5th - 9th, 2027

CLASS LIMIT : FULL

INVESTMENT: $4,999 / $4,275.00

ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP

Step into a world where steam meets snow, silence feels vast, and every horizon glows with possibility, it's like a real snow globe. Yellowstone in winter is not just a destination—it's an adventure into raw, untamed beauty. Join us for a 5-day workshop that carries you deep into the heart of America’s first national park at its most otherworldly.

Travel across sweeping white valleys where bison plow through shoulder-deep drifts with their breath crystallizing in the air. Stand beneath towering plumes of geothermal steam as they rise into skies painted in soft winter pastels. Wander boardwalks that wind through surreal landscapes of boiling springs rimmed with ice. And greet the day in the quiet blue hours when wolf tracks stitch across the snow and the whole world seems to hold its breath.

Each outing is a blend of exploration and creation—chasing dramatic light, braving the cold for those fleeting moments when the sun ignites the frosted treetops, and capturing the contrast between Yellowstone’s fiery geology and its frozen wilderness. Along the way, we will help you master winter exposure, anticipate wildlife movement, and transform this frozen wonderland into compelling images that create life-long memories.

Expect early mornings, long vistas, and the thrill of venturing into a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. With a small group and our own private snow coach, we will have flexible shooting plans, and plenty of time in the field, this workshop is crafted for photographers who crave the wild and want their images to carry the pulse of adventure.

Join us, and experience Yellowstone as few ever do—glittering, primal, and breathtakingly alive in the heart of winter. Plan to arrive in West Yellowstone, MT, a day early, on February 4th, 2027.

DAY 1 | WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT

We will kick things off in West Yellowstone, Montana mid-morning with our meet and greet and workshop overview. Here we will discuss technical information about photographing wildlife and snowscapes. After that, we will spend the morning honing our skills while preparing ourselves for any wildlife encounters that we have during our days inside the park. The key focus is capturing wildlife in variable morning light using long lenses, correct exposures, and patience to work with the animals in a local Wildlife Park.

As the light grows stronger, attention shifts to grand winter vistas — snowy meadows, frozen rivers, and mountain backdrops. The contrasting textures of snow, trees, and mountains can create some dynamic compositions! After sunset, the clear mountain sky dazzles in starlight. The cold air makes for crisp, clean light — perfect for long exposures and experimenting with night sky compositions at a nearby location tbd (weather permitting).

DAY 2 | YELLOWSTONE IN THE HEART OF WINTER

Day two immerses us in Yellowstone at its most raw and dramatic as we travel in our own private snow coach for 10 hours! Photographing the park in the dead of winter, when deep snow, icy rivers, and rising steam transform the landscape into something otherworldly is simply a breathtaking experience. Old Faithful becomes a powerful winter subject, its eruptions framed by frozen trees and drifting vapor that catches the morning light in stunning fashion. Nearby, the Grand Prismatic Spring reveals striking winter contrasts—brilliant colors ringed by snow and frost, with steam swirling through the cold air creating endless compositional possibilities.

MORNING STEAM ON THE FIREHOLE RIVER

As we move through Yellowstone’s vast snowscapes, we remain alert for wildlife that thrives in these harsh conditions. Bison pushing through deep snow, elk along frozen valleys, and the chance of wolves or foxes add an exciting and unpredictable element to the day. With fewer visitors and pristine conditions, winter offers a rare, intimate photographic experience—one where geothermal wonders, dramatic weather, and iconic wildlife come together in a way that only Yellowstone in winter can deliver.

DAY 3 | GRAND CANYON AND HAYDEN VALLEY

Day three takes us deeper into Yellowstone’s winter wilderness, focusing on the park’s stunningly frozen lower falls of Yellowstone and the incredible winter wildlife of Hayden Valley. We begin by departing our hotel searching for wildlife and winter landscapes on our way to the Falls locked in ice, where some flowing water, sculpted icicles, and snow-covered cliffs create dramatic textures and striking winter compositions. The quiet of winter allows us to slow down, refine compositions, and capture the subtle details that make these frozen scenes so powerful.

Later, we head into Hayden Valley, one of Yellowstone’s premier winter wildlife locations. Sweeping, snow-filled landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop as we search for bison, elk, coyotes, foxes, and—with some luck—wolves moving across the valley in our warm and cozy private snow coach. Long lenses, patience, and careful observation come together as we work the light and weather to tell compelling wildlife stories. With vast open views and minimal crowds, Hayden Valley in winter offers an unforgettable opportunity to photograph Yellowstone at its wildest and most serene. We will attempt night photography on any giving clear sky night as well around West Yellowstone, weather permitting.

DAY 4 |SUNRISE, EDITING AND MAMMOTH HOT SPINGS

Day four begins as we depart West Yellowstone and travel to Mammoth Hot Springs, but not before going through the stunning Paradise Valley. Along the way, winter reveals rugged beauty—snow-draped forests, steaming rivers, and wide-open valleys glowing in soft seasonal light. In Gardiner, MT, we will grab lunch together in town and then head into the park to Mammoth Hot Springs to photograph the park’s unique travertine terraces, where warm water and rising steam can create striking patterns, textures, and contrasts against the snow and ice, and of course more wildlife!! Being your laptop if you want to, we will have an editing session during this afternoon.

DAY 5 |WINTER IN LAMAR VALLEY

Day five is dedicated entirely to Lamar Valley, beginning at sunrise and continuing until mid-afternoon. We arrive early to capture first light spilling across the snow-covered valley, illuminating distant ridgelines and revealing wildlife moving in the crisp morning air. Early hours are prime time for activity, and we take full advantage of the soft light and dramatic winter atmosphere.

Throughout the day, we will focus on patience, refining wildlife photography techniques—anticipating behavior, working with long lenses, composing in vast winter landscapes, and adapting to changing light and weather. Lamar Valley offers exceptional opportunities to photograph bison, wolves, coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, and elk against sweeping snowy backdrops. With extended time in the field, patience and observation become key, allowing us to slow down, bond with nature, react to unfolding moments, and create strong, story-driven images in one of Yellowstone’s most iconic winter locations.

We will return to Gardiner in the afternoon and call it an adventure!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

(2) Two, 10 hour days traveling through Yellowstone in a warm private snow coach
Tips and Gratuities
(1) One day at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, and local scenery
Astrophotography shoots weather permitting*
(4) Nights Hotel Accommodations in West Yellowstone *double occupancy*
- Single occupancy adds $600.00 (Let us know when you sign up)
(1) Night Hotel Accommodation in Gardiner, MT.
(2) Lunches on the snow-coach days (February 6th / 7th)
(4) Free Breakfasts at our Hotel in West Yellowstone
(1) Welcome Dinner in West Yellowstone (February 5th, 2027)
How to create compelling compositions / lens selections
How to nail winter / bright snowy landscape exposures
Filter usage / Histogram usage / wildlife and actions settings
Post Processing / post processing videos
Learning how to pick up your jaw!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to, and from Bozeman, Montana
Transportation. You will still need to rent a car to get to West Yellowstone, MT.
- I can help you coordinate rentals and carpool once registration for this workshop is complete.
- Since it is winter, I suggest renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle. It's a straight shot from the airport!
Meals and beverages, unless otherwise stated above

LOCATIONS WE PLAN TO PHOTOGRAPH

West Yellowstone, Maddison River, Castle Geyser
Lower, Midway and Upper Geyser Basin Area's
Old Faithful Eruption
Firehole River
Gibbons Falls
Grand Canyon / Lower / Upper Falls of the Yellowstone
Yellowstone River
Hayden Valley
Paradise Valley
Mammoth Hot Springs
Lamar Valley

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS | ACTIVITY LEVEL

Winter in Yellowstone can be seriously cold with temps ranging from below zero, to 35f. Most of the time we will be close to our cozy snow coach, but there are opportunities to do extended hiking around Old Faithful, and some of the other geyser basins on mostly flat, snow packed boardwalk surfaces. If dressed properly, the temperature will not make a difference. Warm insulated winter boots, wool / merino socks, fleece, and thermal layers work wonders. A waterproof and windproof winter jacket and snowpants are a great choice! A full list of recommended clothing will be sent out, and I am sure that you already have most of it in your closets!

If there is a wildlife event happening in the park, we could have the flexibility to change the schedule around to accommodate any unique photo op that comes up and we can move at our own pace.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

The best place to fly into is Bozeman, Montana. It is a fairly short, but beautiful drive to both West Yellowstone and back to Bozeman. Please make arrangements to fly in the day before the workshop start date. Plan to arrive in West Yellowstone on February 4th, 2027. You will still need a rental car.

WILDLIFE THAT WE COULD ENCOUNTER

Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Fox, Bison, Coyote, Wolves, Ravens, River Otters, Swans, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats and many more!

DEPOSIT INFORMATION

A 50% deposit is due to reserve your spot on this workshop. The remaining balance will be due no later than 160 days before the workshop start date, an email notification will be sent out within 30 days of the remaining balance due date. You can also choose to pay the full amount. Payments are non-refundable.