ALTERNATIVE 5: Transition to BAT Snowcoaches Only. Motorized access to the park would be in BAT snowcoaches only. Snowmobiles would gradually be phased out, beginning in the 2014/2015 season, when all snowcoaches would be required to meet BAT standards. Snowcoaches would replace snowmobiles within a five-year period (depending on snowcoach user demand). This alternative initially provides for both snowmobile and snowcoach access under present levels – 318 snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches per day. After the 2014/2015 season, snowcoach numbers would be allowed to increase to 120 per day, with a corresponding decrease in the number of snowmobiles during the five-year phase-out period. Again, probably won't happen.

ALTERNATIVE 6: Implement Variable Management. OSV and visitor use would be managed for a greater variety of winter experiences by setting times and places for higher and lower levels of use, including additional opportunities for undisturbed skiing and snowshoeing. OSV entries into Yellowstone would have a winter season limit of up to 32,000 snowmobiles and 4,600 snowcoaches, and a daily limit of up to 540 snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches. Up to 25 percent of snowmobile entries would be available for unguided use. It’s hard to react because, of course, you don’t know what the weather will bring. For a good chunk of last winter the cross-country skiing at Old Faithful was crap; setting aside time so people can eschew a crappy experience doesn’t make sense. This plan might have some merit (except for the unguided entries; there’s a reason why guides were imposed in the first place), but some more specifics would need to be listed.

If it sounds like we’re a little down on all six proposals, we are. Access to Yellowstone National Park in winter shouldn’t be limited to only those with the economic means to rent a sled, buy transport and spend $200+ a night at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Winter is such a wonderful time in the Park, especially in the Old Faithful area, and eliminating the possibility of affordable daily visits (especially when families are involved) so early in the process is very disappointing.

Yes, we know there are issues with allowing cars to the Old Faithful area; the road between West and Old Faithful is heavily used by bison and elk in wintertime, and the NPS may not feel it has the infrastructure to handle autos (service, parking, etc.). But these logistical challenges are the same as experienced in keeping the road between Mammoth and Cooke City open all winter. If the National Park Service is seriously dead-set against preventing cars access to Old Faithful in winter, then add a provision to whatever Winter Use Plan is implemented mandating cheap access. Instead of letting Xanterra getting away with $120 round-trip tariffs between West and Old Faithful, demand that any bus line running on plowed roads do so at affordable prices: $20 or less round trip for adults, free for kids. Accessing the Old Faithful area in wintertime should not be dependent on your ability to pay, and so far we’re not seeing that spirit whatsoever in any of the Winter Use Plan proposals.

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