In a month, Yellowstone National Park will end its winter season to prepare for the influx of spring, summer and fall vacationers.
Visitors in search of an unusual winter experience still can take advantage of a six-night package for $210 a person, based on double occupancy. The package includes round trip bus transfer between the Bozeman, Mont., airport and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel; two optional nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge; a snowcoach tour to Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone; plus additional treats. The rate is effective until March 6.
There`s also a two-night package available for $119 per couple Sunday through Thursday in February and March, including a prime rib dinner for two at the hotel and a discount on ski rentals.
Regular room rates at Mammoth run $45 plus tax for one or two people. Rooms are spartan and do not have radios, TVs or telephones. A round-trip snowcoach tour to Old Faithful costs $52, snowmobile rental $70 a day, cross- country skis rent for $12 a day. Mammoth also offers ice skating, sleigh rides and hot tubs.
Meals are served in the hotel`s cheerful Art Deco dining room, opposite the hotel building. Breakfast specialties include pancakes ($2.75 for a short stack) and french toast ($2.95), as well as cereals, eggs and omelettes. Among the dinner choices are prime rib ($15.95 for a thick cut), chicken breast with a honey-lemon sauce ($12.25) and walleye pike almondine ($11.95).
The wine list is all-American, with prices ranging from $8.95 for a grey riesling to $24.95 for a merlot. There`s also a sandwich shop attached to the restaurant and a general store a block away.
During the winter, the airline gateway to Yellowstone is Bozeman, served by Continental, Delta and Northwest, a three-hour, $17 bus ride from Mammoth. For additional information, contact your travel agent or the concessionaire for Yellowstone, TW Recreational Services, Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. 82190; 307-344-7311.
