It’s hard to imagine a more rugged landscape than Wyoming in the winter. With plenty of soft, dry powder to ski, ice to climb, and mountainous terrain to explore, the Cowboy State makes the perfect backdrop for any winter activity.
A frosty excursion in the Wyoming backcountry calls for a cozy basecamp that’s every bit as memorable — and here in our corner of the American West, you’ll find plenty of great lodging options, from rustic cabins to resort-style accommodations. Ready to start planning your winter adventure? Read on to explore our roundup of the best places to stay in Wyoming this season.
Best Winter Lodging in the Snowy Range
Albany Lodge
The Snowy Range is as picturesque as it sounds, and for old-school charm, the Snowy Range Ski Area can’t be beat. Nestled in the shadow of towering Medicine Bow Peak, it boasts an excellent variety of terrain, including cross-country ski trails and more than 220 miles of groomed snowmobile trails (plus another 100 miles of ungroomed trails) in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
At the end of the day, warm up at Albany Lodge, where you can savor the alpine seclusion in a cozy cabin or a traditional hotel-style room. Guided tours and gear rentals ensure you’ll have everything you need for a classic Wyoming winter adventure, while the on-site restaurant with a fully stocked bar offers the perfect place to raise a glass to another day of outdoor fun.
The Cabin at Riverside
Nothing beats a warm soak to shake off winter’s chill — especially in the natural mineral hot springs of Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. Known as the “place of magic waters,” the springs are revered for their healing properties, both by visitors who flock here and by the Cheyenne, Ute and Arapaho peoples, who have used them since time immemorial. Intimate, teepee-covered pools range from 101 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a welcome relief to tired legs after a day of snowshoeing on the Bottle Creek Trails.
After your soak, head down to The Cabin at Riverside, where a wood-burning stove will keep you cozy even as the mercury drops. The cabin features two queen beds, two single beds, a sleeper sofa and one and a half baths, making it ideal for a group or family vacation. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Madre Range, it’s the perfect place to disconnect — though wireless internet and satellite television are provided if you want to stay plugged in.
Best Winter Lodging in Northwest Wyoming
Kodiak Mountain Resort
The horse may be an iconic symbol of the West’s cowboy culture, but during winter, a different kind of trusty steed reigns supreme: the snowmobile. Fortunately, Wyoming has plenty of sled-friendly terrain — and lots of spots to refuel after your motorized adventure.
Located just south of Afton, Kodiak Mountain Resort pairs visitors with a professional snowmobile guide, and its soundproof rooms mean you’ll get a great night’s sleep afterward. The cabins range in size from family-friendly accommodations with room for up to six to the ultimate couples retreat: a cozy rendezvous for two with a spacious jetted tub.
Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa
If you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxation this winter, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa — named one of the “Best Lake Resorts in the World” by National Geographic. Located near Dubois, the all-inclusive resort features a dry sauna, tranquility room and luxurious spa treatments like facials and hot-stone massage.
Nestled within Shoshone National Forest, this century-old lodge offers plenty of options for a classic Wyoming winter adventure, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, ice fishing and wildlife excursions where you just might spot a bighorn sheep, deer or moose.
Best Winter Lodging in the Bighorns
Eaton’s Ranch
Northern Wyoming’s craggy Bighorn Mountains are a must-visit for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Once you’ve traversed the trails to your heart’s content, settle down at Eaton’s Ranch, a historic ranch with cute cabins and winter B&B service. This working dude ranch is the oldest in Wyoming, spanning 7,000 acres of open country on the eastern slopes of the Bighorn Mountains. You’ll find trails on the ranch to explore, and you’re a short drive from snowmobiling (and more cross-country skiing) in Bighorn National Forest.
Pole Creek Cabin
Cross-country skiers will find plenty to enjoy at the Pole Creek Nordic Ski Area, with 12 miles of marked trails just waiting to be explored. For an elevated winter camping experience, check out the Pole Creek Cabin; this rustic getaway is an outdoorsman’s dream.
Located off-road within the trail system, guests can hike, snowmobile or ski in. There’s no running water, and the only heat comes from a wood-burning stove. But the cabin does have a lot going for it, including a breathtaking location just off the trails. It’s also very affordable at only $35 a night, and it offers a one-of-a-kind winter camping experience. Reserve it here, or check out the other primitive US Forest Service lodging in Wyoming.
Best Winter Lodging in the National Parks
Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins
Wyoming’s national parks don’t shut down in the colder months. As a matter of fact, many locals consider winter one of the best times to visit, thanks to the breathtaking snow-capped scenery and unmatched solitude of this quieter season.
When it comes to experiencing the world’s oldest national park, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins make an ideal basecamp for winter adventure. The award-winning lodge also rents skis and snowshoes, so you’ll have the gear you need to get out and explore Yellowstone National Park at its most magnificent.
Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins
For visits to Yellowstone’s southern neighbor, Grand Teton National Park, make a reservation at Dornan’s, which features one- and two-bedroom Spur Ranch Cabins that offer views of the Grand Tetons, plus the potential for moose sightings. They’ll also put you in close proximity to what might be the best pizza in Wyoming.
Best Winter Lodging in the State Parks
Keyhole State Park Treehouse
Cabins are cute and all, but there’s more to winter accommodations in Wyoming than rustic mountainside retreats. The Keyhole State Park Treehouse, for one, is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever stayed. An elevated boardwalk gives visitors access to a home away from home among the trees. It’s the perfect place to warm up after a day of ice fishing on the park’s frozen 14,000-acre lake. Not much of an angler? No problem — the Treehouse is also an excellent base camp for ice skating, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Sinks Canyon State Park Yurts
For a more down-to-earth experience, pay a visit to the yurts at Sinks Canyon State Park. The park is known for its climbing, which, while more popular in the summer months, can be done year-round thanks to the south-facing rock and moderate temperatures.
But when the snow starts to fly, the Wind River Range becomes a fat biking haven. These giant-tired bikes make it possible to roll over all kinds of obstacles, and if it weren’t for the homey yurt waiting for you, it would be tough to bring yourself to stop riding. Never stayed in a yurt before? These permanent structures resemble a round, one-room cabin, each featuring a bunk bed with a twin mattress on top and a full-size mattress on the bottom. They have electricity and heat, plus a dining table where you can eat meals. And at just $40 a night, it’s a unique accommodation option that’s easy on your budget.
Winter Adventure in the Wild West
A once-in-a-lifetime Wyoming getaway starts with a basecamp to match. From award-winning lakeside retreats to one-of-a-kind wilderness hideaways, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable lodging options to cozy up in this winter. So what are you waiting for? Explore all the unforgettable places to stay in Wyoming, and start planning an intrepid winter adventure in the heart of the American West.
