Dear CTY families, We are delighted to invite you on a journey to the northwest corner of Wyoming, one of our nation's most spectacular natural regions. Planned in collaboration with Teton Science Schools, this family adventure will connect you to the winter wonders of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, offering a completely different experience than summertime. Join CTY at the Teton Science Schools in celebrating the centennial of the National Park system by exploring two of the crown jewels. Snowshoe and cross-country ski across Grand Teton National Park. Travel to Yellowstone and witness Old Faithful and other geothermal wonders in the solitude of winter. See thousands of wintering elk during a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the National Elk Refuge. Explore the animal habitats of Jackson Hole with an expert naturalist who will teach you tracking and snow science skills. View many species of wildlife, which may include moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and perhaps a wolf or mountain lion. Your nights will be spent on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. Located less than two miles from the town of Jackson, Wyoming, the nearly 900-acre campus is in an open, somewhat secluded valley surrounded by creeks, ponds, aspen, and conifer habitats. While not on expeditions to the parks, you are welcome to explore the beautiful surroundings. We hope you will join us for this exceptional experience, organized exclusively for CTY families. Space is limited, so register soon to ensure your family's place on this exciting educational adventure.
Program Itinerary Monday, December 26 Welcome to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Families arrive between 1 4 p.m. and get settled at the Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus. Activities for the day include an orientation to the Teton Science Schools and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, an exploratory hike of the campus, and an evening program, Connections to people and place through family challenges. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (D) Teton Science School Jackson Campus is nestled on a 900-acre site filled with creeks, ponds, and aspen, conifer and sage habitats. Tuesday, December 27 Old Faithful Winter Expedition Winter in Yellowstone National Park is magical. Travel in a custom designed Mercedes-Benz Snowcoach over snow-packed roads for an intimate look at the park s snowy landscapes. The Old Faithful Winter Expedition provides a unique perspective on Yellowstone s geothermal features in a dramatic winter landscape. Experienced guides bring you to the unique thermal features of Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin and West Thumb Geyser Basin. Lodging: Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools (B, L, D)
Wednesday, December 28 Open Family Day Families may choose to join Teton Science Schools for a day of exploration in Grand Teton National Park (included in the price of the program). Alternatively, families may choose from a wide variety of adventures on their own (cost for suggested activities not included in the program price). Advanced reservations will be needed for most activities such as downhill skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Thursday, December 29 Winter in Grand Teton National Park Animals and plants must have adaptations to survive the cold conditions of Wyoming winters. Learn how to crosscountry ski while exploring these amazing adaptations. Later, families will learn winter tracking skills in Grand Teton National Park. After dinner, enjoy the evening program, The Science of Snow.
Friday, December 30 Snowshoeing and Snow Science in Grand Teton National Park Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of Grand Teton National Park during the winter months. Today, we will snowshoe to glacial lakes at the foot of the Tetons and dig research snow pits to discover the subnivean world, the layer beneath the snow surface and the ground. The snow serves as a blanket, trapping the earth's heat and protecting animals from freezing temperatures, wind chill, and hungry predators. After dinner, enjoy Evening Exploration and discover nocturnal adaptations. Saturday, December 31 Wildlife and New Year s Celebration Wildlife is more active early in the morning and later in the evening, particularly around sunrise and sunset. We begin the day with a winter sunrise wildlife tour, followed by lunch at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Afterwards, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride among an elk herd numbering in the thousands in the National Elk Refuge. We celebrate the end of 2016 with an early New Year s dinner celebration at Teton Science Schools, followed by a New Year s torch parade and fireworks in festive Jackson with our new CTY friends. Sunday, January 1 Departure Day Families depart this morning after a week of invigorating scientific exploration and discovery! (B)
Program Information Trip length: 6 days/ 7 nights Cost per person: $2,590 Program includes: Accommodations for six nights at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. Rooms at the campus are modern and comfortable with private baths. All meals per itinerary (dinner only on arrival day; breakfast only on departure day). All activities and park and museum entrance fees. Land transport during the program. Gratuities for Yellowstone snow coach expedition and the sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge. Not included in tour price: Airfare and other transportation to and from the Teton Science Schools Jackson Campus at the start and end of the program. Travel/Evacuation Insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry, fax/phone/email charges, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages. Program Notes All prices listed are in U.S. dollars. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed price and itinerary as described, they are subject to modifications due to availability of services. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements may be available. All reservations are subject to CTY Policies, Terms and Conditions found on our website at www.cty.jhu.edu/family/travel. Registration To register, please visit http://cty.jhu.edu/family/register/