Description
Details
About
In order to operate a snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park on a non-commercial trip, you must obtain a permit through the lottery, complete this course, and be operating a Best Available Technology snowmobile. You must take and pass a brief assessment in order to complete this course. Completion certificates expire two years after they are issued.
The purpose of this course is to educate visitors who intend to visit and snowmobile in Yellowstone about the rules and regulations governing winter use in the park, as well as to prepare them for the park’s unique environment.
This course is part of a non-commercially guided snowmobile access program, which allows members of the public to enter Yellowstone without being accompanied by a commercial guide. This does not mean unguided access: if you follow the guidance in this course, you will have the knowledge you need to act as a guide for your party. The primary goals of the park are to protect Yellowstone's resources and make possible a high quality visitor experience. Whether you are a novice or an experienced snowmobiler, there are several important things you will need to know about snowmobiling in Yellowstone.
The National Park Service is pleased to provide this education course and the Non-commercially Guided Snowmobile Education Program. Both were developed with input from a working group that includes members of the snowmobiling community, environmental organizations, local businesses, and local government. In particular, the National Park Service would like to thank Governor Matt Mead of Wyoming and the State of Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Recreational Trails Program for providing funding.
Course Schedule
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need. While exploring course content, learners can investigate topics in greater detail through enrichment activities that link to real-world examples, original source materials, and policy documents. Learners can easily move from section to section as they navigate through the course, revisiting concepts as needed.
Elements of the course
- Informational text
- Informational video
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
After completing all course activities, you will complete a brief assessment to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course Chapters
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Riding a Snowmobile in Yellowstone
- Wildlife and Other Park Resources
- Changing Times
- Hazard Awareness
- Conclusion
Be able to:
- Identify the tools, safety and emergency equipment, apparel, and personal items to bring to Yellowstone.
- List sources of local weather forecasts
- Select Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobiles and rental locations as necessary
- List entry and certification documents required for park entry.
- Explain the check-in process.
- Determine the correct snowmobile speed limits for roads within developed and undeveloped park areas.
- Determine how to drive in adverse conditions, such as inclement weather or poor road conditions.
- Recognize hand signals.
- Identify appropriate group riding order, appropriate following distances, safe speeds, procedures for transporting passengers, and stopping times.
- Describe when and why different riding positions should be used.
- Use Yellowstone's roadside markers to safely navigate terrain.
- Recall the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Yellowstone.
- Explain why staying on the roads is required and how this procedure reduces the risk of getting stuck and preserves resources.
- Explain the importance of interacting with wildlife safely and minimally.
- Identify and contact Emergency Services available in the park.
- Identify the steps to take to get help and keep riders in your group safe when presented with emergency scenarios.
If you require additional assistance while registering for this course or creating your account, please contact the Eppley Institute help desk at 812-855-3095 or use our contact form to submit a request online.
Recommended Background
Each snowmobile operator, including the trip leader, must successfully complete this course prior to your snowmobiling event. The non-commercial guide (the trip leader) must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license by the first day of the trip. The trip leader requirements need not be met prior to completing this course.
Reviews
- SNOWMOBILE Review by Jukeya
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Rating - wordyReview by Julianna
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Rating - Unecessary trick questionsReview by WYOGirl
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Rating - okReview by Bryan
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Rating - Great courseReview by Barry
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Rating - Great courseReview by Barry
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Rating - Great courseReview by Linda
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Rating - unsatisfactoryReview by Constant
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Rating - Marginally satisfactoryReview by Constant
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Rating - Good courseReview by Tif
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Rating - greatReview by Di
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Rating - Great practical, and useful information.Review by Ryan
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Rating - The course was a very good and is applicable to all snowmobilersReview by Tarry
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Rating - Great courseReview by Elizabeth
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Rating - Very GoodReview by Robert
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Rating - Useful Review by Callin
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Rating - Learn alotReview by John
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Rating - Very informativeReview by Ahalya
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Rating - Good!Review by Jim
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Rating - simpleReview by Ryan
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Rating - Very informative. Review by Ed
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Rating - veri niceReview by Kyle
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Rating - concise yet practical and comprehensiveReview by John
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Rating - The course is fine but gives different information than the assessment test wantsReview by Lauren
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For example: one question asks what equipment you should bring and gives two options. 1) Whistle, rope, blanket 2) Blanket, rope, batteries. In the course materials a blanket and extra batteries are specifically listed as items to bring. No where in the PDF was a whistle mentioned yet the correct answer is whistle, rope, blanket.
The other question that was flawed was in regards to how many spare drivebelts should be brought on your trip. The course specifically says "make sure there is at least one extra for your group." So on the test I put that 1-2 drivebelts for a group was sufficient and it was incorrect. The test wanted me to put that there should be 1 belt per snowmobile.
Now, I do not disagree that a whistle, blanket, and rope should be brought in your survival kit nor do I disagree that each rider should have their own drivebelt. That makes perfect sense to me. The course does not say that though and either the teachings are incorrect or the test is. Either way, something needs to be fixed so that groups do not go into the parks with bad information and improper equipment.
Other than that, the format of the course is well done. (Posted on 12/12/2018) - Good courseReview by Gary
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Rating - good courseReview by Bill
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Rating - niceReview by elvin
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Rating - Good courseReview by Brianna
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Rating - good courseReview by Smokey
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Rating - Some questions really poorly wordedReview by Jennifer
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Rating - The course is quite helpful, especially for inexperienced sledders and those who don't understand the needs of wildlife.Review by Dr. John
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Rating - well doneReview by Peggy
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Rating - Informative and well laid outReview by Kenneth
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Rating - Good informationReview by Rich K
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Rating - Assessment Test needs rewritingReview by Eric
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For example, it should be TRUE that idling your snowmobile for 5 minutes is not allowed (even if 3 minutes is the limit). That is still a TRUE. (Posted on 1/29/2018) - ExcellentReview by Ken
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Rating - One of the final questions misleadingReview by Troy
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No idling longer than five minutes. While I get that you all are testing to see if we remember the three minute idling rule...the statement "no idling over five minutes" is also technically true (as 3<5). I would rephrase to say T/F: It is okay to idle your engine for less than 5 minutes to clear up any ambiguity. (Posted on 1/22/2018) - Well done.Review by Barbara
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Rating - HelpfulReview by Alan
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Rating - it was informativeReview by Richard
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Rating - very usefulReview by POLINA
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Rating - okReview by Chris
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Rating - A lot of good information!Review by David
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Rating - Very GoodReview by Chuck
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Rating - GoodReview by Taylor
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Rating - goodReview by ryan
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Rating - Basic Review for Preperation to Ride in Yellowstone.Review by Amy
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Rating - !Review by Eric
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Rating - very well doneReview by Jay
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Rating - niceReview by Daniel
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Rating - This Course is very basicReview by Matthew
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Rating - Good courseReview by Anthony
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Rating - good courseReview by Bruce
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