10 Winter Events in Wyoming to Plan Around
Quick Picks for Wyoming Winter Events
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Want a distinctly Western winter sport? Plan around skijoring in Sheridan, Saratoga, Sundance or Pinedale.
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Want to follow a moving event? The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race connects Jackson with several western Wyoming communities.
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Want high-energy mountain action? Look to Kings & Queens of Corbet's or the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb in Jackson.
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Want a family-friendly community weekend? Try the Sundance Winter Festival or Pinedale Winter Carnival.
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Want a quieter winter day? Book the Old Faithful Area Guided Snowshoe Tour in Yellowstone National Park.
What Are the Best Winter Events in Wyoming?
The best event depends on how you like to experience winter. For high-energy competition, look to skijoring, Kings & Queens of Corbet's and the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. For community traditions, the Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo, Sundance Winter Festival and Pinedale Winter Carnival put the season at the center of town life. For a different kind of winter adventure, follow the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race or head into Yellowstone National Park for a guided snowshoe outing around Old Faithful.
1. When Are Ice Fishing Competitions Held at Flaming Gorge?
Where: Flaming Gorge Reservoir
When: January and February; specific competition dates vary by year
Winter fishing changes the pace at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, where ice-fishing competitions give anglers a reason to make a trip of the season. The broader Flaming Gorge area hosts winter tournaments and fishing events and schedules can be affected by ice conditions. For 2027, check the event organizer and Wyoming Game and Fish Department before heading out.
2. When Is the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race?
Where: Jackson and communities across western Wyoming
When: Jan. 29-Feb. 6, 2027, including the ceremonial start in Jackson
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race turns a winter trip into a moving itinerary. The 2027 schedule currently lists a Jan. 29 ceremonial start in Jackson, followed by stages in Jackson, Lander, Kemmerer, Big Piney/Marbleton and Pinedale. Check the race organizer for the final stage schedule and event-day details before you travel.
3. What Happens at the Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo?
Where: Sheridan County Fairgrounds and other Sheridan-area locations
When: February; confirm the 2027 schedule before booking
The Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo in Sheridan mixes winter recreation with the city's Western character. Recent programming has included family sled day, hockey, Nordic skiing and skijoring at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Snow is part of the equation, so individual activities can change with conditions. Build extra room into your plans and check the official schedule close to your travel dates.
4. Where Can You Watch Skijoring in Saratoga?
Where: Lions Club's Buck Springs Rodeo Grounds and Race Track, Saratoga
When: Winter 2027; exact race dates to be confirmed
Saratoga Skijoring puts a very Wyoming spin on winter competition: a horse and rider pull a skier or snowboarder through a snow-covered course with jumps, gates and rings. The official organizer is looking ahead to the 10th annual races in 2027. Check the race site for the final weekend, divisions and spectator information, then give yourself time to enjoy Saratoga between races.
5. When Is the Sundance Winter Festival?
Where: Downtown Sundance
When: Feb. 13, 2027
The Sundance Winter Festival brings skijoring to the heart of downtown. Horses, skiers and snowboarders navigate a snow-packed obstacle course while the town turns the day into a community celebration. The official festival site lists Feb. 13, 2027 for the ninth annual event. Check before attending for final conditions and schedule details.
6. What Can You Do at the Pinedale Winter Carnival?
Where: Pinedale Rodeo Grounds
When: February; the event is traditionally held the second weekend of the month
Pinedale's Winter Carnival brings winter traditions into the center of town. Recent programming has included skijoring, the Cardboard Classic sled race, a snowmobile show, youth snowcross and the Snow Ball. Because the activity lineup can change, check the current event calendar before planning a 2027 trip. Pinedale also makes a useful base for exploring the Wind River region when winter conditions allow.
7. When Is Kings & Queens of Corbet's at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort?
Where: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village
When: February 2027; exact competition day to be confirmed
Kings & Queens of Corbet's brings elite skiers and snowboarders to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for a freeride competition centered on Corbet's Couloir. The event is built around the athletes' choice of lines and the demanding terrain of the venue. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort publishes the competition schedule and viewing information, so check there before making your plans.
8. What Is the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb?
Where: Snow King Mountain, Jackson
When: March 18-21, 2027
The World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb is a late-winter Jackson tradition built around speed, control and steep terrain. The 2027 event is scheduled for March 18-21 at Snow King Mountain, with racers climbing the mountain's course in a test of skill and endurance.
9. Can You Take a Guided Snowshoe Tour in Yellowstone in Winter?
Where: Old Faithful area, Yellowstone National Park
When: Dec. 17, 2026-March 7, 2027, subject to seasonal operations
A guided snowshoe outing around Old Faithful offers a quieter way to experience Yellowstone in winter. The current Old Faithful Area Guided Snowshoe Tour runs during the winter season and travels through forests, along the Firehole River and past thermal features. Over-snow transportation is required to reach Old Faithful Snow Lodge in winter and roads, lodging and tour operations can change with conditions. Confirm the current schedule and transportation details before you go.
10. When Is the Cody Ice Climbing Festival?
Where: Cody and the South Fork Valley
When: Winter; confirm the 2027 festival dates
Cody's ice-climbing scene gives winter travelers a different kind of challenge. The South Fork Valley is known for concentrated waterfall ice and the Wyoming Ice Festival is a place to learn, refine skills and climb with experienced instructors. Available event listings have shown different winter dates, so verify the 2027 schedule, registration information and current climbing conditions before planning around the festival.
How Should You Plan a Trip Around Wyoming Winter Events?
Start with the event, then build the rest of the trip around it. Many of these gatherings happen in small communities, where a single weekend can give you time for the event itself plus local food, shops, museums and nearby winter recreation.
• Check the official event page before booking. Dates, start times, registration and event activities can change.
• Watch the weather and road conditions. Winter storms can develop quickly and ice or snow conditions can change whether an outdoor event can safely take place.
• Book lodging early for popular event weekends, especially in Jackson, Sheridan and other communities with limited winter inventory.
• Plan a backup activity. A museum, hot springs visit or indoor community attraction can keep the trip moving if weather changes your outdoor plans.
• Know the route and fuel stops before you leave. Wyoming is a large state and remote stretches may have limited services or cell coverage.
How Can You Travel Responsibly During Winter?
Know before you go, respect wildlife and leave snowy trails as you found them. Stay on marked routes, follow posted event rules and give wildlife plenty of space. For road travel, use pullouts instead of stopping in travel lanes and check current conditions before each driving day. Explore the WY Responsibly guidance for more winter planning and stewardship tips.
Why Are Winter Events a Good Way to Experience Wyoming?
Winter events offer a different view of Wyoming than a summer road trip. Instead of simply passing through a place, you can spend a day in a community, watch a local tradition or join an activity shaped by the season. That might mean following sled dogs through western Wyoming, watching skijoring in Saratoga or Sundance or seeing racers take on a demanding mountain course in Jackson.
The appeal is not just the event itself. It is the chance to see how Wyoming communities make winter their own.
