Things to do / Travel Guide
The North Western Wyoming/South Western Montana Region is a powder hound's paradise. Almost all winter long the land, and its mountains, are blanketed in white. The area is not only a snow lover's paradise, it is also a nature lover's paradise, surrounded by mountain ranges and encompassing Yellowstone National Park. People are drawn to the region because of Yellowstone National Park, but the abundance of Alpine and Nordic skiing in the region brings plenty of visitors in its own right. The view is breathtaking, and the snow ensures people return time and time again.
Skiing Greater Yellowstone/ Grand Teton
The Greater Yellowstone and Grand Teton Mountain Range are all about adventure. On the borders of Montana and Wyoming, one is assured plenty of slopes and plenty of other all inclusive activities. Literally everything you could want can be found right on your doorstep. Look out for plenty of powder, chutes, glades, and bowls spread out over the region's five resorts. For a day off the trails, make sure to check out the snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh riding, tandem paragliding, and other high speed, adrenaline pumping adventures available in the area.
Grand Targhee is located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Western Wyoming. Its base is in the beautiful Teton Mountain Range, which is famous for its snow conditions with over 500 inches annually. Despite getting twice as much snow as their neighbor Jackson Hole, Targhee remains relatively undiscovered, which means shorter lines and fewer people to ride the powder with. It boasts 72 trails divided unevenly between two mountains, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet.
Jackson Hole boasts some of North America's steepest and most challenging terrain. Jackson Hole is an expert skier's paradise, with spectacular terrain and breathtaking views, and should definitely be on to the itinerary of any serious skier. Its famous terrain is bursting with bowls, glades, chutes, and off-piste skiing. Add a 4,100 foot vertical drop to that and it's obvious why Jackson Hole is home to some of the world's greatest freestyle skiers. Make sure to try your skis on the world famous Corbet's Couloir, one of the most renowned expert ski slopes in the world.
Snow King is Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee's petite neighbor. Despite its small size, Snow King makes up for its shortcomings with plenty of soul. Nestled in the foothills of the Gros Ventre Mountains, Snow King has the entire town of Jackson as its ski-in ski-out option, located as it is just six blocks from the town center. Make sure to check out Jackson's famous Chuckwagons (a form of mobile kitchen), as well as its historic boardwalks and famous Town Square. You can also grab a bite to eat or treat yourself to an après-ski beverage at many places around town. Snow King's 400 skiable acres are considered to be one of the regions best kept secrets. Its nearly perfect fall line makes it a favorite of racers, professional and amateurs alike. Best of all, as one of the few mountains with night skiing, it makes sure the ski party keeps going into the dark.
Surrounded by all this downhill paradise are two million plus acres set aside for a flatter kind of skiing. Amongst the innumerable adventures available are Yellowstone's miles upon miles of cross-country trails crisscrossing the beautiful park. It's quite a drive from the park gates to get to the beautiful trails of Yellowstone National Park, so make sure to come well equipped or be ready to stay at one of Xanterra's Resorts located within the parks boundaries.
An interesting array of dining options is available in this region. If you're looking for a once in a lifetime dining opportunity, take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh to the high altitude yurt where you will be served a western style dinner complete with scones and honey butter. Another interesting dining experience is to check out the chuck wagons found at the foot of Snow King, in the town of Jackson. If you're looking for something a little more conventional, Jackson provides a wide array of dining options. Most of the lodging at Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole is ski-in/ski-out, but additional vacation lodging is available just a few miles away in Jackson or Teton Village.
Skiing around Wyoming
Outside of the boundaries of the Grand Tetons and the borders of Yellowstone, a little further off the beaten path, is the White Pine Ski Area. South of the town of Jackson and its surrounding resorts, this area is a pleasant surprise. White Pine ski area offers a little bit of something for everyone. Downhill skiers and snowboarders will be sure to enjoy the short lift lines and uncrowded slopes, while cross country and Nordic skiers can spend the day discovering miles of groomed and ungroomed terrain. The ride up the mountain provides some breath-taking views of some of mother earth's natural beauties such as the Continental Divide, Wind River Mountains, and Fremont Lake. More advanced skiers should check out the Olympic-styled launch and landing pad designed for ski jumping.
While White Pine is located in Western Wyoming, the other important ski site in Wyoming is in the North-Central part of the state. But don't let its remote location deter you from coming, because Big Horn is beautiful, beautiful and more beautiful. Big Horn can offer a unique skiing experience thanks to the wide array of natural elements located there. Its beautiful cliffs overlook the picturesque Meadowlark Lake, ensuring a great view on the way down the hill. Big Horn Ski Resort prides itself on its snow and is known far and wide for its deep powder, But to forestall any disappointment, the mountain's snow guns (on more than half the runs) are at the ready to take over when Mother Nature fails to deliver.
Pinedale offers both dining and lodging options in the White Pine area, while Worland and Buffalo can satisfy these needs over by Big Horn.
Skiing South-Western Montana
Just North of Wyoming, South-Western Montana, too, offers great skiing for its visitors. With plenty of activities on the slopes, and the proximity to the college town Bozeman, its easy to see why boredom never poses a problem for people in this region. There are four resorts speckling this area of Montana with more than 300 runs.
If you're looking for a big mountain feeling, but for less money and with fewer crowds and more fun, then Red Mountain is a great place to strap on your boots. With a 2,400 foot vertical drop, 71 trails spread out over two mountains, 30 acres of chutes, 60 acres of glades, and a grand total of 1600 skiable acres, Red Mountain can cater to any skier's level. Located in south-central Montana, along the eastern front of the Beartooth Mountains and just west of the historic town of Red Lodge, Red Lodge Mountain gets great reviews for value for money. This is a well-rounded, family-oriented resort with a fantastic view of Montana.
Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Mountain have a shared border and ticket option. The combined terrain of both Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resort provides skiers and riders with access to 5,512 acres, the biggest acreage in the US to be had on one ticket. They offer a variety of distinctive ski and stay packages for both their on-slope and off-slope lodgings. Located in a beautiful section of the Rocky Mountains, the elevation allows for the 400 annual inches of snow which graces their slopes to keep on giving just a little bit more. The mountain's terrain is varied and can suit the needs of skiers of any level, while the availability of ski-in ski-out lodgings on the mountain ensures a family-friendly environment.
Bridger Bowl has a reputation for some of the most extreme terrain in the state, drawing hardcore skiers and riders from all around. Don't let this frighten you though! Bridger Bowl is large and varied, so that even beginner skiers can find their place on the mountain. Bridger Bowl provides a wide array of terrain, with some of Montana's best skiing available at a very affordable price. For those looking for some more adventure, make sure to take a hike up to the Ridge. The Ridge is composed of intense slopes, and those daring to experience its steep chutes, cliffs, snowfields, and tight trees, must be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, a partner, knowledge of the terrain, and expert-level skills. For expert skiers who don't know a local, but are interested and experiencing the terrain, the Ski and Snowboard School offers a three hour tour, as well as the necessary equipment.
There are a few choices for dining and lodging in this region. If you're skiing at Red Mountain Lodge, then the historic town of Red Lodge provides a wide variety of shopping and dining experiences. Take a stroll down Main Street to find a bite to eat or drink. Anything from steak to pizza, sidewalk cafes, and fine dining are all found right at your doorstep. Red Lodge opens its doors to great night time activities for all ages, including bars, movie theatres, and a bowling alley. Red Lodge is also a great place to find lodgings for the night with a wide variety of hotels, condos, private home rentals, B&Bs, and anything else your heart desires. Make sure to look into the various Ski & Stay packages.
For those skiing at Bridger Bowl, Moonlight Basin, and Big Sky Mountain, the nearby college town of Bozeman provides the opportunity to shop, hike, or visit a few galleries. It also features numerous dining and college nightlife opportunities. Those seeking lodging can find it here at a wide variety of motels and Bed & Breakfasts.
Ski Resorts in Greater Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole in Wyoming and Bozeman, Montana
Skiing
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