Safety, Responsibility, and Risk
Your safety is important to the Institute. We have established procedures to reduce medical emergencies and to provide treatment of those that occur. All members of the Institute staff are trained to follow these procedures. They also receive additional training in driver safety, wilderness medicine, and the use of portable radios to contact National Park Service emergency services. The Institute needs and expects you to take an active role in protecting yourself. You should be careful to choose a program that is appropriate to your medical and physical condition. Before arriving for a program, you need to fully and accurately inform Institute staff of relevant medical conditions, consult with your personal physician about any relevant medical conditions, and obtain all recommended clothing and equipment. Once you arrive, you need to continually monitor your condition and any external hazards, make prudent decisions, stay hydrated and well fed, and keep Institute staff informed of how you are doing. Despite our combined efforts, Institute programs entail some inherent risks, many of which are associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity in high altitude mountainous or wilderness terrain. Even programs that include little activity and do not stray far from developed areas may take place in areas where advanced medical care may be significantly delayed.

Release From Legal Liability and Collection of Health Information
On receipt of your completed registration form we will send you an Assumption of Risks/Release of Liability form and a Confidential Health Questionnaire that must be signed by all participants, minors and adults. All information on this form will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by Institute staff or a licensed physician.

Lodging and Meals
For Yellowstone Ed-Ventures students must make their own arrangements for lodging and meals.

Transportation to and from Yellowstone
For all Institute programs, students must arrange their own transportation to and from the location where the program begins. For those arriving by air, we recommend renting a car or contacting the registrar for information on public transportation.

Altitude
Most of Yellowstone Park is above 6,000 feet. If you are coming from a much lower elevation, it is wise to allow yourself at least one "easy" day to adjust to this altitude before beginning strenuous activity. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Pets, RVs, and Camping
To avoid disturbing other students and resident wildlife, pets are not allowed at the Buffalo Ranch field campus or on any Institute courses.

Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a national education program designed to encourage minimum impact skills and ethics among outdoor users. The Institute endorses this program and includes the LNT curriculum in our classes.

Winter in Yellowstone
Winter is a particularly enjoyable time to visit Yellowstone, but staying safe and comfortable in all weather conditions requires planning and preparation. Please read the following information so that you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Winter Weather
Winter in Yellowstone begins early and ends late. Snow usually begins to accumulate in November, and it does not melt until late spring, except in the lower elevation valleys in the northern portion of the park. Temperatures in November range from the thirties during the day to the teens at night. During the deep winter period of December through February, average highs are around freezing, nighttime lows average around 10 degrees, and it is common for temperatures to drop below zero. Because winter weather in Yellowstone can vary from mild to extreme, it is wise to come prepared for all possibilities.

Winter Equipment
Proper equipment ensures that you will stay warm and dry in all conditions. We recommend layers of synthetic and wool clothing, with a nylon shell to provide protection from the wind. By adding or removing layers as your exertion level changes, you can maintain a comfortable body temperature without perspiring. A list of recommended clothing and equipment for winter courses is sent to all course participants, and we will be glad to answer specific questions.

Ski and Snowshoe Rental
Cross-country skis and snowshoes can be rented from the Xanterra Parks & Resorts ski shop in Mammoth at 307-344-5276. Skis can be rented from Park’s Fly Shop in Gardiner, Montana, at 406-848-7314.