WINTER Winter Adventures WY AM I HERE? MEET JACKSON DOG SLEDDER FRANK TEASLEY. SCAN THIS PAGE WYOMING WINTER ADVENTURES Sprawling blankets of snow, unlimited terrain to explore and an undeniable spirit of adventure make Wyoming a genuine winter wonderland. With an endless variety of activities, there’s something to suit everyone, from the casual explorer to the seasoned thrill-seeker. Here are 10 essential Wyoming winter adventures — find more at TravelWyoming.com/winter . 10 Unforgettable 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 trails and guide companies. 1 DOGSLEDDING 50 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal GRAND TARGHEE SKI RESORT, JAMIE SIEGEL. 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 Wyo-ming wilderness. Book an extra-special trip at the National Elk Refuge north of Jackson, where thousands of elk roam (mid-December through early April). 2 SLEIGH RIDES 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. 3 SNOWSHOEING 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 Moun-tains near Jackson Hole, while a well-developed trail system maintained by the Bear River Outdoor Rec-reation Alliance connects five yurts near Evanston. 5 YURT TRIPS 7 DOWNHILL SKIING The powder princess, the backcountry 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. 52). 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. 9 ICE SKATING 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. Outdoor soaking is divine at the numer-ous hot springs around Wyoming, including Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis and Hobo Pool in Saratoga. Scurry from the locker room to the steamy pool to relax and enjoy the sparkling winter scenery. 6 HOT SPRINGS If the roar of an engine is music to your ears, saddle up to a 500-pound machine that will get your adrenaline pumping on more than 2,000 miles of trails (see p. 54). Blaze through pris-tine powder in the Snowy Range near Laramie, or conquer the famed Continental Divide Trail, which stretches from Lander to Grand Teton National Park. 8 SNOWMOBILING The cascading waterfalls of the Teton Range freeze solid in the winter, tempting the most daring explorers to climb the ruggedly icy towers. Join ascenders from near and far at the 19th annual Cody Ice Climbing Festi-val in February, or head to Sinks Canyon State Park for some renowned winter rock climbing. 10 ICE CLIMBING
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2017 Wyoming OTJ: Page 50
