Steven Fuller: A Half-Century of Winter Solitude in Yellowstone

In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, amidst the chill of deep winter, lives a man whose life story is as captivating as the wilderness he inhabits. Steven Fuller, Yellowstone’s longest-serving Winterkeeper, has braved the cold season in the park for over fifty years, embodying a role that few would dare to embrace.

Fuller’s journey began in the 1970s when he arrived at Yellowstone, renowned for its hot springs and majestic bison. Since then, he has called this national park home, raising two daughters and becoming the longest-running resident in its expansive wilderness.

From December to March, Fuller’s world is enveloped in snow, often accumulating to heights of two to three feet overnight. His critical task as a Winterkeeper is to prevent the heavy snowfall from damaging the park’s cabins and lodges. Armed with a seven-foot-toothed saw, he cuts through the snow, carving freezer-sized chunks to be cleared from the rooftops. This laborious process ensures the structures withstand the winter’s weight. On days when the mercury dips below -20 degrees, the snow hardens beyond the saw’s reach, granting Fuller a well-deserved respite.

Despite the solitary nature of his role, Fuller is far from lonely. His passion for photography and wildlife observation fills his days with purpose and connection. He shares a unique bond with the animals that roam the park, forming distant acquaintances with the bison and elk that grace his surroundings. Yet, this relationship is tinged with the harsh realities of nature, as Fuller witnesses the cycle of life and death unfold each season.

Modern advancements have eased the isolation once experienced by Winterkeepers. Snowmobiles and cellular service provide a lifeline to the outside world, making even a 70-mile journey for fresh fruit feasible during the winter months.

As Fuller reflects on his years of service, the notion of retirement crosses his mind. Yet, the cabin that has been his haven since the 1940s holds him close. It is more than just a structure of wood and stone; it is a testament to a life spent in harmony with Yellowstone’s wild, untamed beauty.

Steven Fuller’s legacy as a Winterkeeper is a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the profound connection between people and the natural world. In the silence of Yellowstone’s winter, his story continues to resonate, echoing the timeless allure of America’s wilderness.