Full course description
Course summary:
This course will help prepare you for your snowmobiling trip in Yellowstone National Park. In order to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park on a non-commercial trip, you must first obtain a permit through the lottery. Once you have a permit, in order to be allowed access to the park, you must have completed this course and be operating a Best Available Technology snowmobile. After you complete this course, be sure to print your certification and bring it with you on your trip, along with your permit. You must take and pass a final quiz 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.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should 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.
Course topics include:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Riding a Snowmobile in Yellowstone
- Wildlife and Other Park Resources
- Changing Times
- Hazard Awareness
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Informational video
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. Completion certificates expire two years after they are issued.
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.
Course creators:
This course was developed jointly by the State of Wyoming, the National Park Service, and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
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.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.