How to experience Wyoming this winter beyond the major attractions

How to experience Wyoming this winter beyond the major attractions

September 12, 2024 – CHEYENNE, WY – Wyoming is known for its popular winter destinations, but there are also many charming, lesser-known spots that are well worth exploring during the snowy season. As the ninth largest state in the U.S. yet the least populous, Wyoming offers expansive landscapes and secluded escapes, making it one of the best destinations for outdoor winter recreation and beyond. Discover these hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations, and learn how to experience their winter wonders for an unforgettable Wyoming adventure.

Affordable Skiing & Snowmobiling

Crowded ski slopes may not be appealing for everyone. Wyoming is home to 12 ski areas scattered throughout the state. Most Wyoming ski areas’ seasons begin in early December and conclude in late March to early April, depending on snowfall. 

Near Cody, WY and the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park lies Sleeping Giant Ski Area. This resort has an average snowfall of more than 300 inches and offers 49 runs for varying skill levels and two terrain parks.

Nestled in the Bighorn Mountains and roughly 2.5 hours east of Sleeping Giant is Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area. The area ski foundation recently announced that 18 and under youth ski passes are free of charge during their winter 2024-25 season.

The Bighorn Mountains are also home to over 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Rent snowmobiles or take a guided tour through Sled Wyo or Bear Lodge Resort. While touring the Bighorns via snowmobile, be on the lookout for wildlife that roam the area including elk, bighorn sheep, moose and deer. 

Snowy Range Ski Area in Medicine Bow National Forest and near Laramie, WY, is another budget-friendly ski destination for families. Shred powder along 27 different trails suitable for every experience level of skier. Daily lift tickets for adults start at $54. Snowy Range had 250 inches of snowfall during its 2023-24 ski season. 

In addition to skiing, Snowy Range also offers some of the best snowmobiling in the nation. Zoom across 200 miles of groomed trails and 120 miles of marked, ungroomed trails. Visitors who don’t own a snowmobile can rent one nearby through Albany Lodge and 3C Guiding. Guided experiences are also available.

Ten miles from Pinedale and 88 miles from Jackson, Wyoming sits a lesser-known skier and snowboarder paradise: White Pine Ski Area. Experience 29 different downhill ski runs equipped with two lifts. White Pine is located in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, offering up incredible views of the Continental Divide, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Fremont Lake and the neighboring Wyoming Mountain Range.

For additional information about skiing and snowmobiling in the Cowboy State, visit TravelWyoming.com.

Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing & Fat Tire Biking

Downhill skiing and snowmobiling are only two of several outdoor activities that allow visitors to explore the snowy Wyoming wilderness. Other popular winter pastimes include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking.

Casper Mountain is a favorite spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking, thanks to its 40 miles of scenic trails and a peak elevation of 8,100 feet. The variety of terrain is suitable for everyone – from beginners to experts, and it’s just a short drive from the town of Casper, making it a convenient getaway.

Sinks Canyon State Park in west Central Wyoming is another top destination for these activities, offering over 20 miles of groomed trails amidst its stunning, rugged landscape. As Wyoming’s first and only International Dark Sky Park, it also provides breathtaking night skies for stargazing. For those wanting to extend their adventure, cozy yurts are available overnight, making it easy to enjoy both daytime activities and evening views.

About 75 miles southeast of Jackson Hole, Pinedale, WY, offers 50 miles of groomed trails and access to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The town’s inviting atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery provide an excellent base for winter adventures.

In the southwest corner of Wyoming, Evanston is home to Bear River State Park, a top destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking. With over 10 miles of scenic trails winding through the forest and along the Bear River, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful winter outing.

Near Wyoming’s capital city of Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is a premier location for fat tire biking. The park has a network of over 30 miles of diverse trails that are specifically designed for winter riding. The park’s rugged terrain and stunning views make it a thrilling experience for bikers, whether seeking challenging trails or scenic routes.

Explore more of Wyoming’s top trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking on TravelWyoming.com.

Hot Springs, Spas & Wellness

Wyoming winters aren’t only for the adrenaline seekers. Visitors on a wellness journey can find mineral-bearing hot spring to soak in and spas where they can choose from a variety of rejuvenating experiences.

Soak up the minerals of the “healing waters” in Hot Springs State Park. The park has three on-site hot spring facilities to choose from: Star Plunge, Hellie’s Tepee Pools and the free-entry bath house. Visitors can also explore along the boardwalk overtop natural, colorful hot spring terraces that spill over into the beautiful Bighorn River.

Discover Saratoga Hot Springs Resort & Spa, a hidden gem in southeast Wyoming, with several mineral hot pools and a spa. Relax under one of four teepee-covered hot pools, book a massage at the spa and fuel up with cold craft beers and delicious bites at the Snowy Mountain Pub & Biergarten on-site. Stay overnight in one of the resort’s 50 guest rooms. 

Book a stay at 3 Spear Ranch in Dubois, WY for a wellness retreat. Unwind with a personalized massage in a rustic cabin in the woods and conclude the experience with a soak in the ranch’s warm springs pool. Meditate and work on flexibility and strength training through a guided yoga session. Connect with nature on horseback and take in the breathtaking views of the Wind River Valley and snow-capped Absaroka Mountains. 

Festivals & Events

The snow and ice do not stop Wyomingites from hosting an unforgettable festival – the cold weather is actually what inspires the majority of these events.

The third annual Wyoming Ice Festival is going on January 2-5, 2025, near Cody, WY. The festival welcomes ice climbers from far and wide to experience some of the best ice climbing terrain in the U.S. 

Beginning the Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving each year, Cheyenne, WY transforms into a Western winter wonderland for Old West Holiday. Visitors can explore festive spots like the Pony Express and Santa’s Stables, collect stamps for a chance to win the ultimate grand prize and enjoy the unique experience of sending letters to Santa via a Pony Express rider on horseback. Discover seven other towns in Wyoming with holiday celebrations for the whole family.

Experience the thrill of the Sundance Winter Festival. The festival is returning on February 15, 2025, for its ninth year of wild, Western fun along the town’s main street. Watch as cowboys and cowgirls of all ages make their way through an obstacle course to compete in events like skijoring, snowboarding and skiing.

Several times throughout February and March, motorsport enthusiasts take to the frozen surface of Boysen Reservoir in Shoshoni, WY, for the annual Boysen Ice Races.  The 2025 dates for the ice races will be announced here.For a full list of winter events, visit TravelWyoming.com.