Wyoming

The Best Ski Resorts in Wyoming | Where to Stay While You Shred

The ski resorts in Wyoming are less crowded than in neighboring Colorado or Utah, but not any less enjoyable. So strap on your ski boots and get ready to hit the slopes.

“Snow much fun, right?” I said sarcastically, drawing shapes in the powder with my boot, partially out of boredom, partially to stay warm in Breckenridge’s 45-minute lift line. I should have known better than to come during the holidays, but any time of the ski season it’s not unheard of to spend more time waiting in line for the gondola or sitting in mountain traffic than actually on the slopes in Colorado.

Which is why ski resorts in Wyoming are a diamond in the rough for winter sports. Often overshadowed by neighboring Colorado and Utah, Wyoming is more lowkey, less touristy, and certainly have shorter wait and drive times than the Rocky Mountains, which have somehow turned into the Disneyland of ski destinations.

From legendary Jackson Hole to mom and pop resorts perfect for mastering your pizza and French fries, there are almost 100,000 skiable acres spread across every corner of the Cowboy State, meaning somewhere to shred never more than a stone’s throw away. And while my perfect ski day may be one run, lunch, one run, hit the bar for apres or head back to soak in the hot tub, that’s not to say I don’t enjoy the social aspect of skiing and hitting the hill as often as I can– sans crowds.

1. Hogadon Basin Ski Area (Casper)

Smack dab in the middle of the state, if you’re craving a snow day, Hogadon is fairly easy to get to from most areas. It’s one of the only resorts in the country which has the resort building at the summit as opposed to the base.

Known for its short, steep runs, of the 27 trails, only two are designed for beginners. Primarily geared toward intermediate to advanced skiers, the altitude, howling winds, and intense sun all contribute to the difficulty, but there are also several miles of cross-country trails that all can participate in.

An Idyllic Ski Lodge in Casper

Despite its rustic lodge exterior, inside, the Casper C’mon Inn look like a warm-weathered reprieve regardless of any snowy conditions that lurk beyond the doors. You’re greeted by an expansive courtyard and atrium with an indoor waterfall and koi pond. Kids can feed the fish or splash around in the indoor pool but it’s the five hot tubs that beckon mom and dad to rest their sore muscles and melt those cares away.

There are basic rooms if you just plan on being in and out, but also more luxurious jacuzzi or fireplace suites for a more intimate retreat.

A complimentary breakfast buffet has both hot and cold options, ensuring the whole family is stuffed with pancakes and sausage and ready to power through the day. Don’t forget to snag a few of the grab and go items like bagels and yogurt for snacks on the slopes later.

Casper Cmon Inn

Top rated
Casper
9.4 Excellent (2062 reviews)

2. Sleeping Giant Ski Area (Cody)

One of America’s oldest ski areas and Wyoming’s most affordable resort, lift tickets at Sleeping Giant will set you back just $22, virtually unheard of in this day and age. A not-for-profit venture started by the local recreation foundation; they want the outdoors to be accessible to all.

Located on the banks of the Shoshone River in the Absaroka Mountain Range right outside Yellowstone National Park, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine a nature trip with an adrenaline rush. Along with ski slopes, they also have two terrain parks, Nordic skiing, and snow tubing and offer bus service from Cody and Powell if you prefer not to drive.

A Traditional Western Experience in the Cowboy State

Originally founded by Buffalo Bill, Cody is one of the last remaining frontier towns with The Cody Hotel the premier area accommodation. Complimentary nightly refreshments, music from the baby grand piano, and outdoor fire pits set the mood in a building that belongs with the neighboring rodeo grounds, cattle company, and firearms depot.

Luxury meets wild west style lodging, the property is rich in history and hospitality with pet-friendly rooms so you can explore with your four-legged friend.

A convenient base to Wyoming’s major attractions from Yellowstone to the Tetons, location is it’s greatest selling point, though. There’s a free shuttle you can utilize to tote around town or use as a free Uber service until 10:30 p.m. if you feel like tipping one back at the local watering hole.

The Cody Hotel

Top rated
Cody
9.6 Excellent (2222 reviews)

3. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Jackson)

The most impressive ski resort in Wyoming and one of the most sought-after powder spots in the country, Jackson Hole is regularly voted the #1 ski area in America in terms of overall satisfaction, character, variety, and challenge. Boasting 2,500 acres of ski-able terrain plus epic backcountry, runs are mostly intermediate to expert level with only 10% of the 133 trails suitable for beginners.

The base is a happening spot with dozens of bars and restaurants to après the day away. Famous for their 100-person aerial tram, “Big Red” takes just nine minutes to reach the summit, which you can (and should!) experience whether you’re skiing or not. One of the signature resort experiences is to indulge in homemade waffles at the “top of the world” in Corbet’s Cabin.

Lavish luxury in Jackson Hole

What you imagine when you picture a winter getaway suited for the Kardashian clan, The Lodge at Jackson Hole is the epitome of ski luxe.

Cozy guest rooms feature marble bathrooms with rain showers and smart tech to compliment chic yet homey decor, while a 24-hour fitness center and indoor soaking tub and sauna ensure premier nighttime pampering. The in-house spa is a worthy indulgence if sugar polishes and mud wraps sound soothing to skin ravished by dry mountain air and windy conditions.

Conveniently located in the heart of the historic Town Square, you can spill the tea and people watch from Fireside Lounge over a glass of bubbly. When you’re ready to see the sights, summon the in-town courtesy car to cart you around or take the shuttle to and from the slopes to live like the celebrity in all of us.

The Lodge at Jackson Hole

Top rated
Jackson
8.7 Excellent (2122 reviews)

4. Snow King Resort (Jackson)

Boasting long, steep slopes that are ideal for beginners, Snow King is Jackson Hole’s little brother. Despite undergoing many renovations over the past few years, it’s still a much smaller scale resort, yet has all the amenities you expect for a memorable ski getaway and might be even more suited for families looking for an affordable winter destination.

With tons of other attractions in the area, you can combine a day on the slopes with touring the Tetons, tubing, the alpine slide, ice skating, and sleigh rides or heli-skiing, snowmobiling, and hot springs hopping for the adrenaline junkies. They are the only resort in the area to offer night skiing and are just a quick walk from town if you’re keen on exploring Jackson’s social scene.

Turnkey Ski-in, Ski-out Accommodations in the Tetons

One of the most off putting aspects of a ski trip is lugging heavy, wet gear around, but that’s s(no)w problem at Snow King Resort Hotel and Grand View Condos. Ski butlers can bring rental equipment right to your door so you can run right out into the powder.

Offering both standard hotel rooms and individually appointed 1-4-bedroom condos, it’s perfect for groups and getaways where you need a little extra privacy or want to cook your own meals. Pack the board games to relax in the parlor or take in the views from the oversized terrace overlooking the slopes. There are complimentary airport and ski shuttles to and from the Teton Village so you never have to worry about driving once you get situated.

Snow King Resort Hotel and Grand View Condos

Jackson
8.0 Very good (2113 reviews)

5. Grand Targhee Resort (Alta)

“The ‘Ghee,” as it’s known to locals, Grand Targhee is on the other side of the Teton Range. Despite being in Wyoming, the closest town is just over the border in Idaho. With consistently good snow, plenty of room to practice your turns, and virtually non-existent lift lines, it’s a great place to learn to ski or gain confidence on the slopes without worrying about running into someone. They also have plenty of trails to appease more advanced powder hounds from steep groomers and long tree runs to the state’s only cat skiing

Your Cozy Cabin in the Woods

1/4

Nestled in the cottonwood forest, Teton Valley Cabins feel like a million miles away while offering the conveniences of being just a mile outside town.

Rustic in style yet equipped with modern conveniences, each log cabin has a TV, electric heat, and private bathroom in a variety of layouts from bunk beds to deluxe models with attached kitchenettes (some are even dog-friendly). For those seeking more (or less) solitude, you can request accommodations that are either more on or off the grid in terms of Wifi strength depending on how seriously you want to take your out of office note.

Teton Valley Cabins

Driggs
8.5 Excellent (15 reviews)

6. Snowy Range Ski Area (Laramie)

Located in Medicine Bow National Forest in the Southeastern part of Wyoming, Snowy Range is a laid-back, family-owned and operated resort of average size and difficulty. Four chairlifts take you to up to a range of runs from green groomers to more advanced mogul fields and tree runs.

Casual College Town Comfort

Right on the University of Wyoming campus across from the football stadium, Hilton Garden Inn Laramie offers easy access to the best of downtown Laramie and the slopes with all the amenities you’d expect from a modern retreat.

Garden Sleep System beds with Serta Suite Dreams(R) sheets ensure you’re well-rested, while a buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast promises you’re sufficiently fueled up for the day’s activities. You can request fluffy omelettes and runny eggs just the way you like or carbo load on waffles and French Toast doused and drizzled with all the fixins’.

Hilton Garden Inn Laramie

Top rated
Laramie
9.2 Excellent (2109 reviews)

7. White Pine Ski Area (Pinedale)

Another medium-sized, locally owned resort with 25 runs, Pinedale is perfect for a family day on the slopes. The lifts offer impressive views of the Continental Divide and Wind River Mountains, providing an epic backdrop for adventure. If you’re not a fan of downhill skiing, but still want to have some wintertime fun in the backcountry, there are over 20 miles of cross-country trails in the vicinity.

An Oasis on the Water

On the shores of Fremont Lake, Wyoming’s second-largest body of water, Lakeside Lodge Resort and Marina offers dedicated ski and stay packages in partnership with the resort. Boasting just 16 guest rooms and a few log cabins, it’s an intimate, backcountry escape.

The breathtaking landscape is the best amenity with Mother Nature putting on quite the show. Carved by glaciers that serve as a basecamp for adventure, your neighbors will be the soaring eagles and meandering elk through the whispering pines.

Equally impressive in the summer and winter months, for those less snowbird-inclined, the resort boasts world-class fishing, boat rentals, free bikes to borrow, private beach access, and watersports if you’d prefer to balance on a SUP board instead of skis.

Lakeside Lodge Resort And Marina

Pinedale
9.6 Excellent (706 reviews)

8. Meadowlark Ski Lodge (Ten Sleep)

Located near the Bighorn Mountains in the northeast corner of the state, Meadowlark is another resort that’s great for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders to gain confidence. With 300 skiable acres accessed by two chairlifts, they also have over 450 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and vehicles for rent.

A Cozy and Convenient Base to the Slope

SureStay Plus by Best Western Buffalo is perfect for road trippers and those passing through. Recently renovated, the front desk staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the local area, even going as far as to offer free paperback books donated by the local library.

Designated pet rooms have special flooring and extra cleaning to ensure both humans and furry friends are well-taken care of.

SureStay Plus by Best Western Buffalo

Buffalo
9.0 Excellent (1473 reviews)