Winter at Mammoth
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 2/6/05
This last January (2005), I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time in Yellowstone. Staying at the Mammoth Hotel was part of a Living & Learning program offered through the Yellowstone Association Institute.
The moment I stepped through the hotels door, the front desk staff jumped into action. Charles ensured that during my stay (extended at the last minute by two days either side of the programs) I would be in the same room. Less than two hours later, Victor from the front desk had left a message for me, letting me know that meal tickets for my extended package awaited picking up at my convenience.
For the next two days I ran around the Lamar Valley, after eating a well prepared breakfast served in the Old Officers Mess. Before driving off, the complimentary coffee/tea bar in the hotel was of definate use. I would return each evening just in time for my dinner reservations (highly recommended) to find a nicely prepared menu, with choices from small portions to a large slab of prime rib.
Not much to do at night if you are single and looking to be entertained. It's five miles back to Gardiner and any possible nightlife. There is a small, non-smoking lounge attached to the Officers Mess Hall, which has a great selection of beers and top-shelf brands for mixed drinks. For me, listening to the wolves howl and coyotes sing was entertainment enough.
The room was what I expected from an older national park hotel. The steam heat made several clunks through the night, and as it was unexpected, it led to several startled awakenings.
The programs that I attended from the Yellowstone Association Institute were well worth the time and cost. The programs, which included breakfasts and lunches along with lodging, were a good value when broken down on a daily cost basis.
On my last day I took the Snocat ride to Old Faithful. Jennifer was our driver, and as luck would have it, all of us aboard were photographers. Once she realized this, Jennifer took the extra time to find the best locations to take pictures. From coyotes to eagles, the geysers to the sunset, she seemed to catch each spot at just the right moment.
If you are contemplating a trip to Yellowstone in the Winter, stop thinking about it and just go. The magic you will find there will last a lifetime.