2017-11-09 03:53:21
Sprawling blankets of snow, unlimited terrain to explore and an undeniable spirit of adventure make Wyoming a genuine winter wonderland. Here are 10 essential cold-season pursuits. Find more at TravelWyoming.com/winter. 1 DOG SLEDDING Mush your way across the pristine white landscape with eight of your newest canine companions. The Teton and Shoshone national forests that surround Jackson Hole and the greater Yellowstone area are rich with guide companies like Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours. 2 SLEIGH RIDES Gliding through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh will forever be a fond family memory. Packages pair rides with extras like elegant dinners or bonfires in the Wyoming wilderness. Book an extra-special trip at the National Elk Refuge north of Jackson, where thousands of elk roam mid-December through early April. 3 SNOWSHOEING While this serene winter sport might seem intimidating to newbies, no training is necessary. All you need is a pair of snowshoes and a trail map to get started on your adventure, but professional guides can also help you navigate. For stunning winter views, try the Happy Jack Trail System in the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie or Bear River State Park near Evanston. 4 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Many Wyoming resorts offer excellent cross-country skiing, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, while Nordic trails are also available in state and national parks. Other favorite cross-country skiing locales include the Bighorn, Medicine Bow-Routt, Black Hills and Shoshone national forests. 5 YURT TRIPS Jaunting from one rustic round cabin to the next via snowshoes or cross-country skis in knee-deep powder is a truly special experience. Teton Backcountry Guides manages three wintertime yurts in the Teton Mountains near Jackson Hole, while a well-developed trail system maintained by the Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance connects five yurts near Evanston. 6 HOT SPRINGS Outdoor soaking is divine at the numerous hot springs around Wyoming, including Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis and Hobo Pool and Saratoga Hot Springs Resort in Saratoga. Scurry from the locker room to the steamy pool to relax and enjoy the winter scenery. 7 DOWNHILL SKIING The powder princess, the back-country baron and the duke of downhill will all relish the majesty of Wyoming skiing. Find a luxury experience at resorts like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, or enjoy several off-the-beaten-path destinations like White Pine and Snowy Range ski areas Learn more on p. 100. 8 SKIJORING Skijoring is a Scandinavian sport that involves skiers being pulled by dogs or horses. Fearless cowboys and skiers pair up to ride through downtown Sundance at the Sundance Annual Winter Festival in February. At this fest, anyone age 18 and older can take part in the high-throttle horse-drawn action, which incorporates obstacles and snow jumps. 9 ICE SKATING From giant indoor ice arenas to quaint frozen ponds, ice skating is available statewide. Show off your best moves at Owen Bircher Park Rink in Wilson, Casper Ice Arena, Sheridan Ice and City of Cheyenne Ice and Events Center. 10 ICE CLIMBING The Shoshone River’s South Fork features some of the nation’s highest concentrations of ice outside of Alaska. Committed climbers should check out the Cody Ice Climbing Festival in February, an inspiring winter event that brings together experts and novices to learn about climbing safety and strategies. WY INDEED “It’s a spectacular sight to see so many elk wintering on a native range,” says Lori Iverson, spokeswoman for the National Elk Refuge in Jackson. “We have a sleigh-ride program that’s very special because riders can get very close to the wintering herd, and in most cases, it’s the closest some people have ever been to wildlife, making it a great photography and wildlife-watching opportunity.”
©Wyoming. View All Articles.