Thing to Do

Roller Coaster Ski Trail

Yellowstone National Park

A person excitedly cross-country skis down a steep hill in the forest.

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

The Roller Coaster Ski Trail is a more difficult 1.8-mile (2.9-km) roundtrip, forested trail taking skiers on a rolling course with several steep drop-offs. From the Canyon Visitor Education Center, go east along the North Rim Drive for 100 yards (91 m). Turn left 90-degrees and continue up a service road for approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km). Ski down a short, moderate slope into a meadow and veer right, off the service road and up into the pine forest. From here the trail is well-defined through the trees with a series of moderate to steep ups and downs. The trail merges with the Canyon Rim Trail. At the junction you can turn right to return to the Canyon Visitor Education Center, or left to continue along the Canyon Rim Trail. The Roller Coaster is fast and fun.

Notes: CAUTION: some parts of the trail have steep drop-offs and can be hazardous when icy.

Check out the ski trail details and accessibility information at the bottom of this page.

Details
The duration will vary depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and length of time spent at Cascade Lake.
Easy to more difficult.
Pets Allowed
No
No fees are required, however, one-way or round-trip skier shuttles may be offered to specific trails in the park for a fee.
From the Canyon Visitor Education Center, go east along the North Rim Drive for 100 yards (91 m). Turn left 90-degrees and continue up a service road for approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km). Ski down a short, moderate slope into a meadow and veer right, off the service road and up into the pine forest.
Skier shuttle reservations may be required to access this trail. Reservations and information are available at park hotels and at: 307-344-7311, Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395.
Season
Winter
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information

This skier-tracked trail starts off on a service road for the first 200 yards, following a wide path after that, eventually narrowing as it approaches a lodgepole pine forest. The trail then winds through the forest eventually coming to a narrow bridge crossing. Total elevation gain/loss is 150 feet. Service dogs allowed with backcountry access permit.

Yellowstone National Park

Tags

Skiers make their way down the trail on the rolling hills of the forested Roller Coaster Ski Trail.
Canyon Skiing & Snowshoeing

Discover the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

More On Ski Trails in Yellowstone

  • Two cross country skiers glide on freshly groomed ski tracks near Old Faithful.
    Ski Trail Information

    With miles of ski trails to enjoy, start your trip planning here and confirm conditions at the Mammoth or Old Faithful Bear Den Ski Shop.

  • Two cross country skiers appear over a small hill during a snow storm.
    Winter Safety

    Prepare for cold air, deep snow, and slippery boardwalks.

  • A lone visitor enjoys castle geyser from a snowy boardwalk just before sunset.
    Winter Wonderland

    Ready to brave the cold? Check out our tips for enjoying Yellowstone in winter.

Two backcountry skiers look onward with mountain views in the background.
Skiing & Snowshoeing

Make tracks in a winter wonderland.

Tags

Last updated: April 21, 2025