Snowfalls and plummeting temperatures signal perfect conditions for winter sports fans as they head for the slopes, the trails and the ice.

Wyoming's Fun in the Snow

With thousands of miles of snowmobile and cross-country skiing trails, it’s easy to make the most of Wyoming’s winter, says Gary Schoene of the Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources.

“Our biggest activity is snowmobiling,” Schoene says. “We have about 6,000 miles of trails throughout the state that we maintain, mostly on state or U.S. Forest Service land.”

Another popular winter activity is ice fishing, he adds.

“It’s appealing because you can go fish any part of the lake without having a boat,” he says. “Some people even set up little structures on the ice to protect them from the elements while they fish.”

Tour Area Snow Scenes, Attractions

Downhill skiing, sleigh rides and dog sled tours are other options, especially in northwest communities such as Jackson Hole and Grand Teton, where snowfalls may total more than 400 inches per season.

Curt Gowdy State Park near Cheyenne sees only a fraction of that number – an average of 55 inches per season – which allows greater year-round access by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, Schoene says.

“You’ll find snow throughout the season in the higher elevations, but the high plains tend to melt out between storms,” says Lori Hogan of Wyoming Travel & Tourism.

Yellowstone National Park is a favorite winter destination, especially for snowmobile lovers. A number of rental com­panies operate nearby to provide equipment.

“In Yellowstone, you can do something you can’t do anywhere else: see the geysers steaming up nearby as you go cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing,” Hogan says. “It’s really serene.”

Winter visitors can use cross-country skis, snowmobiles and even dogsleds to reach the 112-degree waters of Granite Hot Springs. Or they can visit Saratoga Springs along the North Platte River to enjoy a therapeutic soak so soothing that warring Native American tribes once shared the same waters without a bit of complaint.

In fact, a cold season visit to Wyoming offers plenty of memorable moments, even for those who prefer looking out a picture window to embarking on an outdoor adventure.

“When the land is blanketed with snow, it’s really quiet and the views are amazing,” Hogan says. “You won’t see these types of views anywhere else.”