Sound of silence (Yellowstone snowmobile ban) | Missoulian

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Sound of silence

By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press


A snowmobiler drives past a Days Inn in
West Yellowstone on Wednesday. Snowmobiles
still cruise the town, but in fewer numbers
than in past seasons.
Photo by BECKY BOHRER/Associated Press

Snowmobile town trying to cope with changes to park's winter plan

WEST YELLOWSTONE - Getting a table at Jackie LaFever's sports bar and restaurant is easy this winter. So is finding a room at Vernetta Steele's motel - or most that are still open in town.

This town just outside Yellowstone National Park is much quieter than normal, and for many residents, the mood is bleaker.

While snowmobiles still cruise the powdery streets of the self-proclaimed "snowmobile capital of the world," the numbers are far below those in previous years. Residents blame it on a federal judge's ruling that reversed Yellowstone's snowmobile rules just hours before the start of the season in December and on the confusion and uncertainty that have surrounded the issue for months.

"Just tell them: Yellowstone is open and West Yellowstone is open," LaFever says from behind the bar at Bullwinkle's Saloon & Restaurant.

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