Wild Death Valley
March 13 – 18, 2026
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Yellowstone Winter Wildlife
2 Spots Left
At a Glance
Location
Wyoming, USA
Tuition
$10,995
Dates
January 21 – 28, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 6 Guests
Collections
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Photography Workshop
Yellowstone National Park in Winter: Wildlife and Landscapes
January 21 – 28, 2027
- Spend three full days in the park on a snow coach
- Dedicated wildlife photography in Lamar Valley over three full days
- Intimate small-group ensures equal access and personalized guidance
Winter transforms Yellowstone National Park into a quiet, snow-covered wilderness—one of the most rewarding seasons for photographers. Steam rises from geyser basins into cold blue skies, wildlife stands out in fields of white snow, and the usual crowds are replaced with stillness and space to work the scene. This workshop is your chance to experience and photograph Yellowstone in its most peaceful, dramatic form.
We’ll explore the park by private snow coach, giving our small group of six guests access to remote areas while staying warm and ready to shoot. Every guest has a window seat and room for gear, so you’re always prepared.
Wildlife photography is front and center on this workshop. You’ll photograph bison dusted with snow, moose along frozen rivers, and elk navigating open plains. Coyotes and red foxes are often seen curled up sleeping in the snow, while lucky sightings may include wolves or even bobcats. Along the rivers, otters, trumpeter swans, and waterfowl add variety to your portfolio.
Yellowstone’s geothermal features offer equally compelling subjects. Geysers erupt against frigid air, colorful hot springs steam in the morning light, and mineral patterns add rich textures to wide landscapes and close-up studies. These scenes invite creative approaches, motion blur, tight compositions, and careful use of light and contrast.
Throughout the week, you’ll receive expert instruction from your pro guide. In the field, we’ll help you dial in exposure, nail focus, and build strong compositions. Back at the lodge, we’ll hold image reviews and post-processing sessions to help you get the most out of what you’ve captured. We also spend time in the scenic Lamar Valley, where wildlife is abundant. We normally spend time photographing bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and occasionally wolves. Coyotes here are typically beautiful due to their thick winter coat.
This all-inclusive workshop includes ground transportation from Bozeman, private snowcoach access, park permits, and thoughtful logistics. Whether you’re new to photographing in winter or returning for another go, you’ll leave with unforgettable experiences, sharper skills, and images that reflect the wild beauty of Yellowstone in winter.
Your Pros
Itinerary
About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
January 21, 2027: Arrive in Bozeman, Wildlife Photography in Gardiner, Introductory Meeting
You should arrive at Bozeman airport no later than 1:00 PM today. We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in Gardiner. We’ll photograph some wildlife and landscapes around Gardiner in the late afternoon. After dinner, we have an introductory meeting to review conditions, wildlife reports, and shooting preparation. Overnight in Gardiner.
January 22, 2027: Explore Lamar Valley, Sunrise and Wildlife Photography, Evening Repacking
We’ll spend the entire day in Lamar Valley and its surroundings, focusing on wildlife, driving between Gardiner and Cooke City to our favorite spots. We’ll start early enough to reach one of many locations to capture early sunrise light in the valley. We plan lunch in the field while we keep our eyes on the wildlife. After the last light, we’ll head back to Gardner for dinner.
On this night, we’ll repack our luggage and the leaders will assist you with what to leave out for the snow coach ride the following day.
January 23–25, 2027: Snow Coach Adventure, Wildlife and Geysers in Yellowstone, Overnights at Old Faithful
We head out on our private snow coach from Mammoth Hot Springs on our way to Old Faithful Snow Lodge where we’ll spend two nights. We’ll spend the day traveling through the park, looking for landscapes and wildlife. We’ve chartered our private snow coach for three full days of wildlife and landscape photography within the park.
We’ll have plenty of time to visit Old Faithful Basin, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, and many more. We’ll also be looking for bobcats, elk, bison, fox, coyote, and more.
January 26–27, 2027: Return to Lamar Valley, Sunrise Shoots, Image Reviews in Gardiner
This will be our second chance to explore Lamar Valley and its surroundings for wildlife. On these two days, when possible and conditions are right, we’ll also plan sunrise shoots in Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. Our days start early, we’ll be on our way by 6:00 AM, and spend all day looking for wildlife. When time and conditions permit, we’ll work on image reviews and post-processing, of course! Our overnights and dinners will be in Gardiner.
January 28, 2027: Departure Breakfast, Transfer to Bozeman Airport
Breakfast and then we’ll drive you to Bozeman airport. Flights home can be scheduled for after 1:00 PM.
Staying Warm In Freezing Conditions
We have been leading people into the cold for over 20 years, and we have some great experience to share that will make your photography far more enjoyable. When you know you'll be photographing in temperatures that drop below freezing and reach -40°F, we suggest the following:
Base Layers: Multiple sets of moisture-wicking, mid-weight, and heavy-weight wool or synthetic long underwear (tops and bottoms).
Mid-Layers: One or more fleece sweaters/pullovers or down/synthetic vests to provide insulation.
Outer Layers: A waterproof and windproof insulated winter coat or parka with a hood. Insulated, waterproof snow pants or ski pants.
Footwear: Insulated, waterproof winter boots that are large enough to fit heavy socks without restricting circulation. "Pac boots" like Sorels are highly recommended. Heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (several pairs), potentially with a thin liner sock. Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, or ski/snow pants that provide boot cuffs that wrap over the tops of your boots. Comfortable shoes or slippers for indoor use in the evenings.
Accessories: A warm hat (fleece or wool beanie) that covers your ears; a balaclava or face mask is an option for very cold days. A neck gaiter or scarf. Heavy insulated mittens or ski gloves, with a liner glove underneath to allow for dexterity while handling your camera and tripod. USB-powered hand warmers that remain in your jacket pocket. Battery-powered heated vest, jacket, socks, or gloves.
Fitness
Moderate: Walks in snow of up to one mile with modest elevation gains at 7,000′ to 8,000′ altitude. The temperatures can be very cold.
Flights
Arrive at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana before 1 PM on January 21, 2027. Flights out can be made after 1:00 PM on January 28, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,375 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Bozeman, Montana.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $1,375 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $5,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $3,000 is due by May 1, 2026.
- The balance is due not later than September 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll have the opportunity to photograph bison, moose, elk, coyotes, red foxes, and possibly wolves or bobcats. Along rivers, you might capture images of otters, trumpeter swans, and various waterfowl.
You'll practice dialing in exposure, nailing focus, and building strong compositions in winter conditions. The workshop also covers creative approaches like motion blur, tight compositions, and careful use of light and contrast.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, you'll receive a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75%. No refunds are given within 60 days, but if we fill your space, you'll receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
The workshop is limited to a small group of six guests, ensuring personalized attention and ample space for gear on the private snow coach.
Pack multiple sets of moisture-wicking base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof insulated winter coat. Insulated, waterproof boots, heavy socks, and accessories like a warm hat, mittens, and USB-powered hand warmers are also recommended.
You'll explore Yellowstone by private snow coach, providing access to remote areas while staying warm and ready to shoot. Each guest has a window seat and room for gear.
While travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind.
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