For the first time since 2003, the National Park Service is for self-guided snowmobile trips in Yellowstone National Park. The permits鈥攖o be distributed through a lottery system鈥攚ill allow one group of up to five snowmobiles per day to enter through each of the park鈥檚 winter entrances, .
Previously, the only way to snowmobile in Yellowstone was with a professionally guided tour. In 2013, only 300 snowmobilers entered the park daily, down from 2,000 a decade ago, . This winter, more than 500 snowmobiles will be allowed in the park each day. Groups will be expected to obey the park鈥檚 35 mph speed limit and strict regulations limiting snowmobile emissions and noise.
The change, part of the park鈥檚 latest winter-use management plan, could be seen as part of a larger trend of expanding recreation opportunities in national parks.
Interested? before October 3. The lottery costs $6 to enter; winning groups will pay $40 for the permit in addition to Yellowstone鈥檚 standard gate fee.