Kids’N’Snow Weekend | January 14-15, 2012

Photos courtesy West Yellowstone Chamber

The West Yellowstone Kids’N’Snow Program, offered one weekend a month through March, continues January 14 and 15, 2012 when Kids’N’Snow welcomes the Nordic Junior Olympic Qualifier racers. Young cross country ski racers from across the Rocky Mountains will hit the Rendezvous Ski Trails and vie for places on the national team.

Upon arrival in West Yellowstone, stop by the Kids’N’Snow headquarters, located at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, 30 Yellowstone Avenue (open Friday afternoon through Sunday morning). Here, kids can pick up their “Passport” that contains a printed schedule and map, along with a complimentary water bottle and other goodies. After completing a minimum number of activities, kids can return to receive their special Kids’N’Snow patch.

Next, schedule yourself some winter fun! The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center will be presenting their Wild Winter Series. “The Mountain that Loved a Bird” will be featured on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 1 p.m. Kids will enjoy a reading of this Alice McLerran book and then discover how all things in Yellowstone are interconnected. “Predator Play” will be featured on Saturday, January 14 at 1 p.m. Kids will learn how predators adapt to be successful in winter, then use craft supplies to make a predator of their own.

“Ready, Set, Snow,” offered on Sunday, January 15 at 1 p.m. will help kids discover how people and animals prepare and adapt for winter through drawing their own picture. Shortly after the Wild Winter activities, kids (5-12 years of age) can also participate in the Keeper Kids program, which happens at 2:15 p.m. daily (there is an additional $2 charge for this program and you must sign up by 2 p.m.).

The “Wild Winter” programs are free with admission to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Passes (good for two days) are $10.50 per adult, $5.50 per child (5-12 years) and free for kids under the age of five. You can receive a $1 discount coupon when signing up for the Kids’N’Snow program at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center.

“The Wild Winter activities are designed to show kids how much fun learning about winter wildlife can be,” explains AJ Chlebnik, the Center’s Outreach Coordinator. “Come join us this weekend and discover the wonder of winter firsthand.”

Kids (and adults) can join a naturalist from the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center for a free presentation featuring live raptors on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Meet some of the resident, non-releasable raptors and discover the adaptations that help them to survive our Yellowstone winters.

On Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., join a Yellowstone National Park Ranger for a two-mile snowshoe walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. Discover Yellowstone’s fascinating winter ecology while wearing snowshoes. Bring water and a snack. This is a free program with no limit on class size. Children 1st grade (approximately age six) and under are asked to bring an adult with them to participate. Bring your snowshoes or they are available for rent at: Freeheel & Wheel, Bud Lilly’s and Yellowstone Alpen Guides. A limited number of snowshoes/ski’s for kids will be available to use at no charge.

Don’t miss S’mores, Skating and More! on Saturday evening from 6–9 p.m. at the West Yellowstone Ice Rink. Warm-up with hot beverages, toast some marshmallows and make your own S’more. All the fixings will be provided. Also, don’t forget your own sled for the Kid’s Sledding Hill. A limited number of ice skates will be available at the rink for free use. Please come early for the best selection.

Take a break from the outdoors on Sunday afternoon when a Yellowstone Park interpretive ranger presents an illustrated program highlighting a fascinating aspect of Yellowstone’s natural, cultural and scenic wonders (Grizzly and Wolf Discovery at 1:30 and 3 p.m.).

Kids (5-12 years) can also earn a Yellowstone Park Junior Snow Ranger badge during the weekend. The program is based on age-appropriate activities and an easy to follow activity book. Sign-up at the West Yellowstone Visitor’s Center.

Choose from activities focusing on geology, wildlife adaptation, weather, snow crystals and more; attend a program let by a park ranger, record wildlife observations, make a record of geyser and hot spring activity, or hike, ski, or snowshoe a trail. A limited number of “snowpacks” and special equipment will be available.

Can’t make it in January? Upcoming Kids’N’Snow weekends will be held February 4-5, 2012 and feature a free Saturday morning Ice Camp. All participating kids will receive their own rod and tackle and a chance to go on-ice to practice as part of the NAIFC West Yellowstone Ice Fishing tournament, being held that same weekend. The March program (March 3-4, 2012) will include the Youth Ski Festival.

For more information and pre-registration for some limited space events, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to www.kidsnsnow.org.