Winter may strike dread into the hearts of some, but not you! You love the brisk, chilled air and want to make the most out of the snowy season. If you’ve already rolled up an army of snowmen, gone sledding down the local hills, and had your fill of snowball fights, perhaps a ski trip is the next winter activity to cross off the list. Casper, Wyoming, has a good number of options for the novice or advanced skier in you.
Hogadon Basin Ski Area
Located on Casper Mountain, Hogadon Basin Ski Area is the closest ski destination to Casper, so you won’t have to travel far for your snowy adventure. With 28 different trails, you’re sure to find the perfect slope for your experience level. There is also a terrain park for those wishing to show off their skills and tricks. Hogadon Basin Ski Area offers season passes, daily tickets, group rates, and race programs. Don’t know how to ski? No problem — The Hogadon Basin Snowsports School can help with lessons for all ages. If you’re hungry after a day of shredding the slopes, stop by the food court in the lodge before you leave.
Snowy Range Ski Area
In Laramie, nestled into the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Snowy Range Ski Area is a bit farther than Hogadon but well worth the trip. With 33 trails of varying difficulty, Snowy Range Ski Area certainly offers what its name suggests — range. Snowy Range offers day passes or season passes. It also offers Mountain School for those wishing to advance their knowledge or those who need to begin by learning how to put skis on.
If you’ve been to Snowy Range in the past, you may remember the licensed child care center. Now it’s a free-to-use space called Kid’s Corner that’s open to everyone but requires a parent or guardian to be present. Snowy Range offers a cafe, bar and grill, and coffee shop but does not offer lodging. You won’t have to look too far, however, and some hotels even offer shuttles to the base.
Meadowlark Ski Lodge
If you’re looking for a cozier, more rustic vibe, Meadowlark Ski Lodge is the place for you. Located in Ten Sleep, within the Big Horn Mountains, Meadowlark feels like a getaway without having to go very far. Wake up each morning looking out onto Meadowlark Lake at Meadowlark Lake Lodge; picturesque nature will give you the breath of fresh air you needed and allows you to escape into nature. The lodge offers a small menu of homemade foods for when you need to refuel between runs. Meadowlark Lake Lodge also offers hiking, fly fishing, and wildlife viewing and photography if you need a break from the slopes.
The Ski Lodge offers 14 trails, and while it has fewer options than the aforementioned ski areas, Meadowlark Ski Lodge’s selection of runs will not disappoint. All three locations offer rentals, but Meadowlark also offers snowmobile rentals for yet another activity to add to the fun.
Wyoming offers endless amounts of winter fun, and with lodges that offer other activities besides skiing, you’ll be able to plan the perfect getaway catered to your family or friends.
Image via Flickr by Traveloscopy
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