Yellowstone snowmobile use stays steady

JACKSON, Wyo. -- The number of snowmobilers visiting Yellowstone National Park remained steady this winter while the use of snow coaches there rose slightly.

The number of park visitors on snowmobiles dropped less than 1 percent, to 30,756 compared to last winter. Snow coach visits rose about 7 percent to 21,794.

The total number of visitors to the park from December to February increased 7 percent, from 75,450 in 2006-07 to 80,828 in 2007-08, according to preliminary numbers from the park.

Yellowstone next winter will operate under new winter travel rules that reduce the number of snowmobiles allowed in the park each day from 720 to 540. The new rules also lower the daily limit on snowmobiles at each entrance and at other areas.