Top Wyoming ski resorts for families
By Camille Miller
Young skiers at Jackson Hole (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort)
Remember the thrill of your first downhill ski run? Remember the giggle you let slip as last year’s powder slipped inside your collar? Give your kids the opportunity to create those same memorable experiences as you explore together the wide variety of ski areas in Wyoming.
(TRIP PLAN: See how a family of four spent their three-day vacation in Wyoming.)
Best Places to Go for Beginners
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village; 307-739-2779) The Mountain Sports School offers ski-school services for both skiers and snowboarders. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort devotes half of its terrain to beginner and intermediate terrain, with the more mellow slopes accessible by the Bridger Gondola and Apres Vous Quad.
Kid at Snowy Range (Snowy Range Ski Resort)
Snowy Range Ski And Recreation Area (3254 Wyoming 130, Laramie; 307-745-5750) Whether you want group or private lessons, the certified ski instructors at the Snow School on Snowy Range are patient, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious. Introduce the kids to their very first hill, or increase your own skill level. Lessons are available to everyone age 5 and up.
Pine Creek Ski Resort (Pine Creek Road, Lander; 307- 279-3201) At how many resorts can you have your own Private Ski Party? Not enough of them. Pine Creek is available to rent for the whole day: lodge, chairlift, and the entire mountain all to yourself! Get your friends and family and enjoy some private powder. It costs $3,000 and it’s only available on days not open on the regular schedule.
Best Places for Advanced Skiers & Snowboarders
Skier at Grand Targhee Resort (Grand Targhee Resort)
Grand Targhee Resort (3300 Ski Hill Rd, Alta; 307-353-2300) Located near the border of Idaho and Wyoming, this ski area has great options for every ability level. It’s famous for its deep powder (more than 500 inches per year!) and wide range of terrain. The views alone are worth a trip to this beautiful resort, but you’ll stay for the slopes.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307-733-2292) Jackson Hole has a reputation for difficult inclines and deep powder thrills. Steep and Deep Camp is offered by the Ski School for those feeling a little adventurous. Or you can hire a Backcountry Guide to take you on tours through the mountain’s more challenging routes.
High Mountain Heli-Skiing (945 W Broadway #100, Jackson) Acres of untracked powder await in the backcountry of Teton National Park. Knowledgeable guides are trained and experienced, and all of them put safety first. Limited access to these beautiful heli-ski runs will cost $1,200 per person per day and includes transportation, the guide, and lunch at the heli-deli.
Best Kids’ Clubs
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307-739-2788)
The Kids Ranch at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located right on the slope, so drop-off and pickup is a breeze. Kids ages 6 months and up receive care and healthy food, and the older ones will enjoy age-appropriate lessons given by the Tram Gang.
Grand Targhee Resort (307-353-2300) Lift tickets at the Grand Targhee are FREE for children ages 5 and under. They also have a great half- or full-day daycare option with one hour private lesson for children ages 6 and under. Take the afternoon for yourself, and leave the children to have fun indoors with licensed child care professionals.
Best Winter Activities
Wildlife Expedition with Teton Science (Teton Science)
Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools (Grand Teton National Park; 877-404-6626) You can get up-close and personal with the recently re-introduced winter wolves of Yellowstone with a tour through Teton Science School’s Wildlife Expeditions. A four-hour trip with a professional naturalist, with guidebooks for kids and adults and complimentary snacks, will be unforgettable.
Beaver Creek Nordic Ski Area (6116 Wyoming 28, Lander) Cross-country skiers will appreciate over 10K of challenging terrain at this community-supported, volunteer-run ski area. Rent equipment, or bring your own, to snowshoe, telemark, or ski cross-country through the Wind River Mountains, with spectacular views of three mountain ranges.
(TRIP PLAN: Find kid-friendly activities in Yellowstone & Jackson Hole for every season.)
Best for Apres-Ski Activities
Sleeping Giant Ski Resort (348 N Fork Hwy, Cody; 307-587-3125) This ski area is popular with alpine skiers and snowboarders, but when you’re ready to call it a day, put your feet up at the Grizzly Grill. Order a drink and a bowl of hot soup to take the chill off, while your kids feast on pizza, nachos, or a hot dog.
Grand Targhee Resort (307-353-2300) After a long day of hitting the slopes, nothing feels quite so good as a soak in hot water. Take advantage of the resorts outdoor saltwater heated pool or the hot tub to restore your aching muscles and relax.
Jackson Hole Tram (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307-733-2292) Take in spectacular 360-degree views of the Jackson Hole Valley, Snake River Valley and the surrounding Teton Range with a ride on the Aerial Tram. Travel from the base of Teton Village up over 4,000 vertical feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa in the General Store at the resort.
Camille Miller contributed this to MiniTime.
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