When the weather turns colder and snow covers the ground, Wyoming becomes a winter wonderland.
Always one of the best places to travel in winter, the snow gives new outdoor opportunities to our beautiful landscapes and gives our towns new events to celebrate. From widely recognized events like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Kings and Queens of Corbet’s to charming small-town winter carnivals, you will find these winter events well worth a trip to our state.
If this year’s Wyoming winter activities and event dates are not reflected on the event pages, please check back later or visit our events page.
1. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop – Cheyenne
Where: 1 Depot Square Capitol &, W 15th St, Cheyenne, WY 82007
When: December 31st
While it might be smaller than Times Square, join Cheyenne on December 31st at their remodeled train depot to ring in the new year with a 75-foot ball drop. The night includes music and fireworks.
While in town, try another classic Wyoming winter activity, such as watching ice sailing in Curt Gowdy State Park or warming up with a bit of Wild West shopping at The Wrangler.
2. Ice Fishing Competitions – Sweetwater County
Where: Flaming Gorge & Fontenelle Reservoir
When: January & February
If fishing is more your style, join Sweetwater County for ice fishing competitions on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. They host the Burbot Bash in January and the Labarge Ding-the-Ling Derby in February. Join the fun in teams of up to four and compete for prizes. Youth and adult categories make this event fun for the whole family.
3. International Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Race – Western Wyoming
Where: Jackson Town Square, 10 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
When: January
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race begins in Jackson and goes through other communities in western Wyoming. Over ten days from late January to early February, mushers and their teams compete in eight races. Local towns host the race in a new place every night, including Lander, Pinedale, Big Piney, Kemmerer and Alpine.
These communities welcome you to get a glimpse of the race and celebrate with carnivals, dog parades, kid races and more, making this one of the top Jackson Hole winter activities.
4. Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo
Where: Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 1753 Victoria St, Sheridan, WY 82801
When: February
Held every February in Sheridan, you will find family sled day, skijoring, fat bike races, hockey games and more. This winter festival is full of competitive spirit and fun. You can’t go wrong whether you decide to participate in an event or cheer from the sidelines.
For even more fun Wyoming winter activities, saddle up to the Mint Bar for a classic cowboy cocktail, or forge your own path with snowboarding or skiing in the Bighorn National Forest.
5. Saratoga Skijoring Races
Where: Buck Springs Arena, 30 Buck Springs Road, Saratoga, WY 82331
When: February
One of the best places to travel in winter is the small mountain town of Saratoga. Enjoy fast-paced skijoring races where contestants compete on skis or a snowboard and are pulled through a track by a horse and rider.
Held at the Buck Springs Race Track every February, you can watch around 90 daily races. Between the races, you can enjoy the Hobo Hot Springs, which are open to the public year-round.
Learn more about the fascinating sport of skijoring and which Wyoming winter activities hold competitions.
6. Sundance Winter Festival
Where: Downtown Sundance, WY 82729
When: February
For a fun twist on skijoring, join Sundance for their Wild Horse and Tube Race every February. While you can still catch traditional skijoring at the winter festival, you can now register for the tube experience.
In this take on the sport, the horse and rider pull you in a tube instead of on skis. If you still have a thirst for outdoor fun while you’re in town, treat yourself to a hike at Sundance White Ranch Park or explore indoors at Crook County Museum.
7. Pinedale Winter Carnival
Where: Downtown Pinedale, WY 82941
When: February
Join Pinedale in February for amazing Wyoming winter activities at their annual carnival. Enjoy skijoring, a blizzard bash and more. Enter the Cardboard Classic, where you can create your own sled out of cardboard, duct tape, glue and paint.
See if you can build a sled worthy of the course and snag a prize in the process. After the festivities, pay a visit to the White Pine Ski Resort or kick up your boots at Cowboy Country Distilling.
8. Kings and Queens of Corbet’s – Jackson
Where: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, WY 83025
When: February
An annual favorite Jackson Hole winter activity is a competition that brings some of the top skiers and snowboarders in the world to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Watch as these incredible athletes compete in a freeriding course, which allows them to choose their own lines down the mountain.
The course begins at the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Corbet’s Couloir with up to a 20-foot drop, giving competitors ample air to do some stunning tricks. It’s a one-day event in February for an all-out fight to obtain the title of King and Queen. Once the festivities wrap up, don’t hesitate to press on and find what to do in Yellowstone in winter or bring the outdoors in at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
9. Snowmobile Hill Climb – Jackson
Where: 402 E Snow King Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
When: March
Semi-professional and professional snowmobilers flock to Jackson every March to participate in the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. The race is a narrow course climbing up the summit of Snow King with a 1,500 vertical feet incline.
This four-day event tests each rider’s strength and endurance as they race for the best time, making it among the most exciting of all of the Jackson Hole winter activities. As a spectator, you can enjoy concessions and snowmobile brands showing off their newest gear.
10. Old Faithful Area Guided Snowshoe Tour – Yellowstone National Park
Where: 2051 Snow Lodge Ave, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
When: December-March
Wondering what to do in Yellowstone in winter? Treat yourself to an unforgettable trek through the stunning snow-covered landscape with a snowshoe tour.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge provides guided snowshoe tours amid the dense forests and deep basins surrounding Old Faithful, allowing visitors to sightsee and spot animals while safely navigating the frozen terrain. These tours last around 3 hours and traverse primarily flat land, making them accessible and fun for every family member.
11. Cody Ice Climbing Festival – Cody
Where: 1240 Beck Ave, Cody, WY 82414
When: February
Rock climbing is a worldwide phenomenon, and Wyoming has world-class climbs that call outdoor enthusiasts in droves. However, a new world opens up when the snow falls — the wintry world of ice climbing. Cody is one of the best places to travel in winter, a fact that is driven home by its annual Ice Climbing Festival held every February.
This event features incredible climbing opportunities for ice devotees from around the globe. Additionally, they demonstrate the latest gear and share tips and experiences over free beers for all, all festival long. Stop in for the ice climbing, stay for the music, prizes and the taste of home cooking.
