Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit to the Jackson or Yellowstone area? Take a few minutes to look over some of the most common questions we get regarding visiting this beautiful western wilderness.
Of course if you have other questions, do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to assist you!
Winter Travel Questions
What does Goosewing Ranch do in the winter?
**Goosewing Ranch is accessible only by snowmobile during winter; therefore we do not offer lodging during the winter months. We run daily guided tours into Yellowstone or the fabulous backcountry surrounding Jackson Hole from our main office in Jackson. If snow machines are not for you, discover Yellowstone by snowcoach.
What are your operation dates for winter?
Teton Backcountry & Continental Divide Season begins on December 5, 2009 and ends March 31, 2010.
Yellowstone National Park season begins December 15, 2009 and ends March 15, 2010.
How do I start planning a snowmobile vacation?
To create your snowmobile vacation first answer these questions:
- Is this a family vacation or a friend's getaway?
- How many days? What is my budget?
- What are my interests: wildlife scenery, Yellowstone or a combination of both
- What is my riding ability?
Now, call Goosewing Ranch!
How fast do I drive my snowmobile?
Set your own pace, whether leisurely to enjoy wildlife and scenery or aggressively to enjoy powder in off trail riding. We offer several different tours that specialize in each type of riding.
What kind of snowmobile does Goosewing use?
- 4 Stroke Ski Doos in Yellowstone
- 2 Stroke 550cc Ski Doos in the Teton backcountry: trail and mountain machines
- 700cc powder machines are available upon request for an additional fee
Where do I stay on overnight snowmobile tours?
While touring the Teton backcountry, accommodations will be in one of several backcountry lodges in the area. While in Yellowstone, accommodations will be at a lodge in West Yellowstone or Gardiner, Montana. Most accommodations have a fire place, hot tub, television, restaurant and bar. For an additional fee, we can set up lodging for the night you arrive, before your tour starts and the night before your departure, after your tour ends. We do not offer lodging for daily tours.
Are meals included in my overnight snowmobile package?
Starting with breakfast on your first day of snowmobiling, and ending with lunch on your last afternoon snowmobiling, all meals are included in overnight packages.
Will you pick me up at the airport?
We can provide transfers to and from the airport with overnight winter packages for an additional fee. You will be met by someone at the baggage claim area holding a Goosewing Ranch sign.
What type of gear is provided for snowmobiling?
A complete snowmobile outfit including: snowmobile suit, boots, mittens, balaclava, helmet with face shield and hand warmers.
What is the weather like in winter?
The Jackson Hole receives anywhere from 250 to 500 inches of snow and even more, depending on where you are.
- December High and Low: 26 / 6
- January High and Low: 28 / 2
- February High and Low: 33 / 7
- March High and Low: 38 / 13
Are gratuity and tax included in the winter rates?
Tax is included in the single day snowmobile trips. A 6% sales tax will be added to multi-day snowmobile packages upon booking.
Gratuity for your snowmobile guide is NOT included in any snowmobile tour.
General Travel FAQs
Where is the ranch located?
A working ranch reborn as an isolated retreat deep in the Gros Ventre River Valley, the Goosewing marks the entry point to a protected, pristine wilderness. At 7,400 feet, the valley is host to some of North America's most spectacular wild game; bison, elk, moose, mountain sheep, antelope, bear, eagles, geese, cranes, and much more, not to mention fantastic scenery. The Gros Ventre River, home to native cutthroat trout runs through the meadows of this historic ranch.
How far is the ranch from Jackon?
The Goosewing Ranch is located about 40 miles northeast of the town of Jackson. It's about a one hour drive through the Teton Wilderness, and the final 15 miles is along a dirt road.
How far is the ranch from Yellowstone National Park?
The Goosewing Ranch is about 90 miles from the south entrance of the park. Allow at least 2 hours for driving through the beautiful Grand Teton park & wilderness.
How many guests can the ranch accommodate?
30 guests
- 6 - 1 bedroom cabins with a queen & full size bed
- 1 - 1 bedroom cabin with a king size bed
- 1 - 1 bedroom cabin with a queen and 1 bunk bed
- 1 - 2 floor, 5 bedroom guest house
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check In: 4:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Which is the closest airport?
Jackson Hole airport (JAC) is 30 miles away. It's about an hours drive from the ranch.
Flying into Salt Lake City, UT and renting a car from there may prove a good choice. Salt Lake City is about 6 hours from Jackson. There are generally more daily flights available into Salt Lake than into Jackson.
Do you accept credit cards?
Personal or travelers checks are preferred, however, Visa, Mastercard & American Express are accepted.
THERE IS A 3% SERVICE CHARGE WHEN USING CREDIT CARDS.
Deposit & Final Payment
A 30% deposit is required to make a reservation.
The balance will be collected by the ranch 45 days prior to arrival.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable when cancellation happens less than 60 days prior to arrival.
When cancellation occurs less than 45 days prior to arrival, then final payment becomes non-refundable too.
What are the ranch accommodations?
There are eight authentic 1-bedroom cabins that offer casual western comfort. Cabins are 1 room units complete with full bath, fireplace, porch, and large picture windows. They are newly remodeled with lodge pole furniture.
There is also a guest house with similar decor that has 5 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 living areas for large families.
Do you serve alcohol?
The ranch has a liquor license and a full bar is available. There is a $10 corkage fee for guests who bring their own alcohol to the lodge, and you may also keep it in your cabin.
Alcohol is an additional cost.
Do you have a gift shop?
We sell souvenirs, hats and t-shirts in the main lodge.
Does the ranch have a guest laundry?
Laundry facilities are available after 4 pm at no extra cost.
Does the ranch have a hot tub?
We have an outdoor hot tub.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed in outside areas only.
Does the ranch have a TV & VCR?
There is a TV/VCR located in the loft of the main lodge.
Is there wildlife around the ranch?
Depending on the season, there are opportunities to spot elk, moose, mule deer, antelope, bison, eagles, black bears, mountain lions, trumpeter swans, cranes and geese in the area.
Forced to lower elevations in the winter, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone areas are home to a herd of 25,000 elk, moose, big horn sheep, bison, coyote, wolves and various birds.
What is the scenery like?
No where else other than in Yellowstone National Park will you have the opportunity to enjoy geysers, the Grand Canyon of YNP and the company of bison.
The Teton backcountry will offer you incredible views of 3 different mountain ranges: The Tetons, Gros Ventre and the Wind River mountains
What should I bring?
In winter layering is advised for comfort. Winter jackets, sweatshirts, long pants, thermals, winter hat and gloves are important.
On overnight snowmobile packages please pack lightly for transfer purposes and an extra backpack is recommended.
Layering is advised for comfort. In summer, bring jeans, jackets, hat, leather boots for riding or hiking, a sweater, wind breaker and sunscreen.
Your swim suits and cameras are a must
Summer Travel Questions
How long is the summer season?
Beginning of June - end of September
Is there an airport shuttle?
Transfers are available from town or the Jackson Hole airport for $150 per round trip. You will be met in the baggage claim area; look for someone holding a Goosewing Ranch sign.
Do I need to rent a vehicle?
For guests wanting to fish off property, go golfing, sightseeing, or shopping in Jackson, a rental car provides freedom in scheduling these activities.
A four wheel drive vehicle is recommended early and late in the summer.
Are gratuities and tax included?
Gratuities and tax are not included in the online SUMMER rates, 20% is added into the bill when reserving your stay.
What is the riding program?
The ranch offers rides every day into the wilderness. Trail rides cater to all abilities, from beginner to more advanced riders, and groups are kept small, generally less than 6 per wrangler.
Cantering or loping is allowed after approval from the wrangler.
- We use mostly quarter horses.
- Children 6 and older may join the riding program.
- Riding boots or smooth soled and heeled shoes are recommended.
- There is a weight limit of 250 lbs. for riding.
Do you have a childrens program?
A childrens program is offered from mid-June through August. The program goes for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours daily and is best suited for children 5 years and older.
Children under 5 will be the full responsibility of their parents.
Activities include arts & crafts, roping lessons, archery, lawn games and other activities.
Babysitting is available for an additional cost.
What type of activities do you offer?
Besides horseback riding and fishing, we offer several daily activities for both adults and children. The late afternoon activities range from target practice, archery to line dancing and music.
What types of food do you serve?
Meals are served in the main lodge. Breakfast consists of fruit, toast, cereals, eggs any style, meats, hashbrowns, pancakes, french toast and pastries, etc.
Dinners are by theme - Italian Night, Mexican Night, Cowboy Cookout, Wild Game Night, BBQ Night, and Angler Night. Depending on cuisine, meals may be served plated or buffet style. Once a week there is a dutch oven cookout over an open fire with wagon rides and live entertainment.
What types of evening entertainment are there?
Goosewing Ranch focuses on relaxation! Each evening sees a different entertainment: Cookout, lawn games, line dancing, campfire, or a mountain man presentation.
Is there fishing available?
There is great fishing for trout near the ranch. The ranch can provide equipment and instruction. A fishing license is required and costs $11 per day; licenses are available to purchase at the ranch.
Is hiking available?
You are free to explore wilderness trails on your own. The ranch can provide pack lunches for you and transportation to the trailhead.
Do you have mountain bikes?
Mountain bikes and helmets are available for guest use at no additional charge.
Do you allow pets?
For the safety of all guests and animals, the ranch does allow you to bring your pets only after approval. Pets are not allowed in any ranch building, including the cabins.
Does the ranch have a swimming pool?
Yes. We have a newly remodeled in-ground, heated swimming pool.
Is rafting available?
Rafting is available from June to September in Jackson Hole. Prices range from $25 - $50. We can set this activity up for you with 2 days advance notice. Transportation is available for an additional cost.
Is there a rodeo in Jackson?
There is a rodeo every Wednesday and Saturday nights in Jackson. Fees are $8 - $12 per person. The rodeo runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
More information on the Jackson Hole rodeo can be found at www.jhrodeo.com
Does the ranch offer sightseeing tours?
We offer trips to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Prices vary according to the number of participants.
What is there to do and see in the area?
The spectacular mountains of Grand Teton National Park and steamy geysers of Yellowstone are a short drive from the ranch.
The town of Jackson has interesting shops and museums as well as Wednesday and Saturday night rodeos from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What is the weather like?
Warm, dry days are the norm during summer time with evenings and nights often dropping to quite chilly temperatures.
Remember, we are located at 7400 feet, the sun is very intense, sunscreen and a hat are a must.
- June High and Low: 68 / 35
- July High and Low: 76 / 42
- August High and Low: 75 / 43
- September High and Low: 65 / 33
For more information about visiting Goosewing Ranch or many of the activities in the area, call us toll-free at 1-888-733-5251
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