Yellowstone Winter Photo Tours and Workshops

I am an Authorized Permittee of the National Parks.

Join us for a winter photo tour and workshop in Yellowstone, capturing snow-covered landscapes and abundant wildlife in the park’s quietest season. Travel by private snow coach and van to reach areas few visitors see, from steaming geysers and bubbling mud pots to the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Winter offers prime wildlife photography—frost-covered bison, elk, moose, foxes, coyotes, bighorn sheep, river otters, bobcats, and more. Bird sightings may include trumpeter swans, bald and golden eagles, and the elusive Great Gray Owl. Lamar Valley, one of the best places to photograph wolves, is a highlight for many. This is Yellowstone’s winter at its best.

PRIVATE VAN
We will have our own private van and explore the incredible Lamar Valley. This is one of the best places in the world to photograph wolves and other wildlife.

PRIVATE SNOW COACH
We will travel by private snow coach to explore Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, including the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, erupting geysers, vibrant pools, mud pots, rivers, waterfalls, and fumaroles. Along the way, we’ll look for wildlife drawn to the warmth of these thermal areas.

We use modern, heated snowcoaches designed for comfort, with panoramic views, better fuel efficiency, faster and quieter rides, and more space than older models. While they can seat 13, we limit tours to 6–7 participants for extra room and gear storage. The speed and efficiency of these vehicles allow us to cover more ground and spend more time photographing wildlife and landscapes.

DATES

January 4-13, 2026 (TOUR A): Sold out
January 15-23, 2026 (TOUR B): 2 spaces left

GETTING THERE
Airport: Bozeman, Montana (BZN)

Both tours begin and end in Bozeman, Montana. The hotel has a free shuttle to and from the airport, and we will have an optional drop-off to and from the airport and hotel. No need to rent a car.

ITINERARY
Each day, we maximize the best opportunities at the best time of day.

Day 1: Participants arrive at Bozeman, Montana (BZN) Airport and take a free shuttle to the hotel in Bozeman. We will meet at 4:00 pm for an introductory session covering safety, recent wildlife sightings and behavior, and the plans and goals for the week ahead. John will then give a presentation on photographing wildlife and landscapes, followed by dinner. In the morning, we will be picked up by a private van and driven to our hotel in Yellowstone.

Day 2: On our way to our hotel, we’ll stop for lunch and explore the scenic Paradise Valley, known for its incredible wildlife opportunities. We may see bald eagles, golden eagles, river otters, pronghorns, and close-up encounters with bighorn sheep. We will continue photographing until sunset.

Days 3 through 9: Tour A
Accommodations will be at Mammoth Hot Springs and also Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Days will be spent exploring by snowcoach, and the Lamar Valley by private van.

Days 3 through 8: Tour B
Gardiner is the gateway town to Yellowstone, with easy daily access (10 minute drive to the park entrance) and a lively atmosphere after photography sessions. Guests get the same snowcoach and Lamar Valley experiences but also enjoy the charm of Montana restaurants.

The guided photo opportunities are identical in quality. The difference is simply where you rest your head.

Last Day: This is a travel day. We will check out of the hotel and travel back to Bozeman Airport for afternoon flights. We will target being at the airport at 1 pm.

NOTES
We will be traveling in one private van and a snow coach designed for wildlife viewing and photography. This specialized transportation enables us to explore remote areas and quickly respond to wildlife sightings. By being in smaller groups, we can approach animals more closely, as larger groups tend to make them more nervous.

SKILL & FITNESS LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Anyone with an interest in photography, from beginner to professional. The participants should have a love of nature and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

• There will be several brief walks, sometimes across slippery terrain. The majority of these walks will be less than a mile.

• Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

• The snowcoach ride can be bumpy, so it is not advisable for anyone with back or joint problems.

PRICE INCLUDES

• Hotels. Lodging is double occupancy. If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy), it is an additional $395. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart.

• Private snowcoach and driver

• Private van tour and driver in Lamar and the surrounding areas

• Professional Instruction on photography and wildlife

• Transportation (no need to rent a car)

NOT INCLUDED

• Snacks, dinner, and drinks. Participants will cover their food expenses, but we’ll make stops for snacks and drinks throughout the day. We’ll also explore a variety of restaurants outside the park.

• Air travel is not included.

• Tips for the drivers

PRICE
Tour A: $8195 per person (Sold Out)
Tour B: $6695 per person (2 spaces left)
Deposit: $1000
Balance Due: 6 months before start date

PAYMENT
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards through our online shopping cart. Choose between Tour A or Tour B.

Cancellation Policy

Our job is not only to help you create beautiful images and to have fun, but to teach skills and techniques that you can use to take your photography to the next level.

Click here to see Testimonials.

John Slonina, tour leader, is a professional nature photographer with decades of experience and has been leading photo tours to Yellowstone for many years. During the workshop, you will learn photography techniques and gain insights into the natural world, deepening your appreciation of nature and helping you become a better photographer.

We hope you can join us! If you have any questions, please contact us.