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Pristine powder, uncrowded slopes and a wide range of terrain make these ski areas and resorts a worthy winter getaway. JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT With more than 4,000 feet of vertical terrain, one of the highest snowfall totals in the country (an annual average of 400 inches) and unprecedented access to out-of-bounds terrain, Jackson Hole in the heart of the Teton Range truly has it all. Where to Stay & Après Charming Teton Village has seemingly endless lodging and dining options. Slumber at the slope-side Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa or in town at the historic Wort Hotel and recount the day’s powder adventures at the Mangy Moose or Silver Dollar Bar & Grill. GRAND TARGHEE RESORT Just 42 miles from Jackson, Grand Targhee offers 2,602 skiable acres near the town of Alta, with five lifts and more than 500 inches of annual snowfall. Other activities at the resort include a nature center, snowcat skiing, Nordic skiing, fat biking and tubing. Where to Stay & Après Book slope-side lodging at Grand Targhee or opt for a townhome, condo or vacation home rental in Teton Valley. Branding Iron Grill and The Trap Bar & Grill are fabulous places at the resort to pair a beer with yummy eats after a day on the snow. WHITE PINE RESORT Wyoming’s oldest ski area has satisfied avid powder hounds with 350 acres of terrain near Pinedale since 1940. Snowshoe on the resort’s Nordic trails for uninterrupted views of the Continental Divide and Wind River Range. Where to Stay & Après White Pine’s onsite cabins, equipped with kitchens and fireplaces, are within walking distance of the slopes. Wet your whistle in Pinedale at the Cowboy Bar or Wind River Brewing Company. PINE CREEK SKI RESORT Thirty diverse runs, more than 1,400 vertical feet and short lift lines make Pine Creek a local favorite near Cokeville in western Wyoming. Don’t miss the End of Season Party in mid-March, when costumed daredevils race down the mountain in homemade cardboard contraptions to skim across an icy pond. Where to Stay & Après Book accommodations in Kemmerer about 50 miles away and relax at casual watering holes like Grumpies Bar or Stock Exchange Bar. SNOWY RANGE SKI & RECREATION AREA Located west of Laramie, Snowy Range has 250 skiable acres, 245 inches of annual snowfall and two terrain parks. Snow bunnies can master the fundamentals in the resort’s small-group classes, which are great for kids and adults. Where to Stay & Après Choose from several places to stay, including comfy yet affordable motels and hotels in Laramie. You’ll also find friendly locals and satisfying pub grub in town at eateries like Jeffrey’s Bistro and The Crow Bar and Grill. SLEEPING GIANT SKI AREA This ski hill with 184 acres of terrain and a 6,619-foot vertical drop is 3 miles from Yellowstone. Offerings include lessons for all ages and the Ski and Shred Like a Girl Program, when ladies of all skill levels learn from guest girl guides. Where to Stay & Après About 49 miles away, Cody has everything from historic hotels and bed and breakfasts to budget motels and vacation rentals. Try Pat O’Hara Brewing Company or Silver Dollar Bar for soul-warming drinks. HOGADON BASIN Situated atop Casper Mountain outside of Casper, Hogadon has 60 acres of groomed slopes and 15 miles of Nordic trails. Beginners should consider the all-inclusive learning package at the snow-sports school, which includes rentals, a half-day lesson and lift ticket. Where to Stay & Après Casper has hotels and lodges to suit any budget and many dining options. Grab a burger and a brew at The Branding Iron or try one of Backwards Distilling Company’s cocktails featuring their made-from-scratch spirits. SNOW KING RESORT Established in 1939, Snow King is Jackson’s first resort and is known affectionately as “The Locals Mountain.” The resort has 32 trails within 400 acres, two terrain parks, a tubing hill, Cowboy Coaster and opportunities for uphill skiing and alpine racing. Where to Stay & Après Jackson has lodging choices for every budget and tons of palate-pleasing restaurants and bars. You can’t go wrong with drinks at Café Genevieve or the landmark Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where the bar stools are genuine saddles. MEADOWLARK SKI LODGE Tucked in the Bighorn Mountains near Ten Sleep, Meadowlark Ski Lodge’s 300 skiable acres and 14 runs are accessible via two chairlifts. The ski hill is open on weekends and offers affordable rentals and lift tickets. Where to Stay & Après The Meadowlark Lake Lodge, just 2 miles from the ski hill, offers rustic cabins and motel rooms. Or head about 40 miles east to Buffalo for a wider selection of accommodations and tried-and-true eating and drinking spots like Winchester Steak House and the historic Occidental Saloon. GETTING TO WYOMING IN WINTER Whether you are craving steep slopes or immense powder-filled meadows in national parks, Wyoming won’t disappoint. Regional commercial airports in the following Wyoming cities offer direct flights to and from Denver and/or Salt Lake City: Casper Cody/Yellowstone Gillette Jackson Laramie Riverton Rock Springs Sheridan * Flights are subject to change. WY Indeed I have traveled all over the world for skiing and am lucky enough to call Jackson home. The mountains and skiing really are amazing here. It’s hard to compare the beauty. — RESI STIEGLER Pro Alpine Skier
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