The University of Montana Western - Preprogram Information

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR MOST SPRING & SUMMER PROGRAMS LODGED IN GARDINER OR WEST YELLOWSTONE. FOR INFORMATION ON WINTER, TRAVEL AND SERVICE PROGRAMS, PLEASE REFER TO THE SPECIFIC INFORMATION SHEET MAILED OUT TO YOU UPON REGISTRATION, OR CALL THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA WESTERN ELDERHOSTEL (406) 683-7302

MEALS
Walk two to six blocks to all meals-served at local restaurants; some sack and picnic meals in the field. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of small, rural communities and meal options are naturally limited. Please be aware that the single dietary requirement or preference that can be accommodated at this site is vegetarian - no meat. If you have dietary restrictions due to medical requirements, please call to see if we can accommodate your needs. You may wish to bring supplementary items. Your dietary restrictions cannot be considered unless you return your Health & Safety form immediately. Questions? Call UM-Western Elderhostel (406) 683-7302.

WEATHER and CLOTHING

Spring/summer weather in Montana and Yellowstone National Park varies from cool to hot! With site elevations ranging from 4,000-10,000 feet, you can expect mountain weather and temperatures. Daytime temperatures can range from the low 30’s to the high 80’s (spring programs) and from the low 40’s the upper 90’s (summer programs). You will want to bring suitable clothing; dress in layers-sweatshirt, fleece and/or sweater layer, warm jacket, hat or cap with a brim, raincoat, gloves and comfortable walking shoes or boots. June and September dates may offer chilly temperatures and rain or snow so bring a warm jacket. Thundershowers are possible anytime. Think Rocky Mountains: it’s better to bring extra clothing and not need it than to need it and not have it!!!!!

ODDS and ENDS

Be aware of the activity level of the program for which you are registering:

If you are unable to keep up with the group, you will miss important information and interpretation. In addition, falling behind can put you at risk of possibly dangerous wildlife encounters. The academic component for these programs is provided in the classroom, while traveling throughout the park on the coach during field days, and along the trails during hikes or walks. Those not able to, or choosing not to participate will miss trailside interpretation. Be aware that spring in the mountains may result in wet or muddy stretches along certain trails.

Locations are somewhat isolated; bring all essentials (prescriptions, aspirin, toiletries, film, etc). Other things to bring: sun block, insect repellent, your water bottle, flashlight, binoculars, and a fanny or day pack. You may wish to bring a walking stick if you use one (remember, you cannot carry these on the airplane-must be checked in your luggage-call your airline for more information). If allergic to bees or wasps, you will need to bring your own bee sting kit.

PROGRAM PASSPORTS
We will stamp your Passport on or just bewfore the final day of the program. To our knowledge, Elderhostel has discontinued the Passport program, but we will continue to stamp passports as long as there is interest.

WATER

Remember to bring your own water bottle. SW Montana and Yellowstone National Park are considered high desert, very dry. At high altitudes you are more susceptible to dehydration and altitude sickness. Carrying a water bottle with you and drinking plenty of water is of utmost importance to avoid these unpleasant and sometimes dangerous problems.

Additionally, in an effort to be more earth-friendly, we will not provide disposable cups for water during field trips and with picnic or sack lunches. Water will be available on the bus or vans from which to re-fill your personal water bottle.

We’ll spend Monday on site with introductory classes and an acclimation walk to give you the necessary time to adjust to the altitude.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION FOR GARDINER AND WEST YELLOWSTONE PROGRAMS

PERTAINS TO SUMMER DOMESTIC PROGRAMS ONLY (for winter, travel and service programs, please refer to the specific program information sheet mailed to you after registration, or call us at (406) 683-7302 for complete information.

The Bozeman airport (Gallatin Field) is located in Belgrade, ten miles west of Bozeman. Airlines providing service include Skywest, United, and Delta.

The following is only a partial listing of the many fine motels in the area. These provide shuttle service to and from the airport. This is important for those of you arriving a day early, as you will need to meet the Greater Valley Taxi shuttle at the airport on Sunday between 1:00-1:30 pm.

Bozeman Belgrade

Grantree Comfort Inn Holiday Inn Express

I‑90 & N 7th Ave 1370 N 7th Ave 6261 Jackrabbit Ln

(406) 587‑5261 (406) 587-2322 1-800-542-6791

Group transportation from the airport to Gardiner (a trip of 89 miles) or West Yellowstone (a trip of 90 miles) is available through Greater Valley Taxi on the day of registration. You will be met at the large bear statue near the luggage carousel inside the airport between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. The shuttle will leave the airport at 1:30 pm.

For programs that end on Friday: Return transportation is scheduled for Friday after brunch. The shuttle will leave the lodgings at 11:30 a.m., after an early brunch. You will be taken directly to the airport (allow 2 hours; you should arrive at the airport by 1:30 p.m.).

For programs that end on Saturday morning: Return transportation is scheduled for Saturday after an early continental breakfast. The shuttle will leave the lodgings at 8 a.m. You will be taken directly to the airport (allow 2 hours; you should arrive at the airport by 10 a.m.).

For group shuttle rates and reservations, please call Greater Valley Taxi at (406) 388-7938, at least 3 days in advance. Call Greater Valley Taxi anytime Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 A.M. and 4 P.M. Mountain Time. You may be asked to leave a message.

Outside of the above scheduled times, individual transportation (not at group rate) can be reserved through Greater Valley Taxi or Karst Stage (406) 556-3540 (72 hours notice required).

Car rental & drop-off are available at the Bozeman Airport, but not in Gardiner or West Yellowstone

For West Yellowstone programs, it is optional to fly directly to West Yellowstone

The West Yellowstone Airport, located 3 miles north of West Yellowstone, operates seasonally, typically opening anytime between June 1 &12th and closing in late September. The airport offers a Delta-Skywest connection. Call the airport for flight information (406) 646-7631.
Call Z Best Taxi (406) 640-0361 for transportation from the West Yellowstone airport to lodgings.