Nestled in the strikingly beautiful Medicine Bow National Forest, the Snowy Range Ski Area in southeastern Wyoming offers fantastic and affordable winter recreation for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. Snowy Range Ski Area’s lift ticket prices are hard to come by these days, and smaller crowds mean visitors spend less time waiting in long lift lines and more time enjoying time on the slopes.
The ski area is located a few miles west of Centennial and about 35 miles west of Laramie. It boasts an average of nearly 250 inches of annual snowfall and affords pristine views of rocky mountain scenery, making it a splendid destination for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended winter break. Below, we offer information to help you plan your trip to the Snowy Range Ski Area.
Season and Hours of Operation
The Snowy Range Ski area typically opens at the beginning of December and closes in April, and while in operation, it remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including all winter holidays (even Christmas).
Inclement weather is common to the area, which makes the webcams offered by Snowy all the more welcome. Running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the webcams provide up-to-date information on current conditions. Extreme weather or other hazards that pose a safety threat can lead to closures, but such closures are infrequent. Check out their Facebook page to stay informed.
Ticket Prices
The Snowy Range Ski Area is hands down a great value, with ticket prices at less than a third of other resorts near the area. On non-peak days, a day pass for an adult is just $49; for children ages 5 to 12, $30; and for teens ages 13 to 17, $42 for the day. Folks on the extreme end of the age spectrum (children 0 to 4 and seniors 70 and older) can get tickets free of charge! Snowy Range Ski Area also offers a slight discount on all ticket prices when you purchase a two or three-day pass, and students and military enjoy discounted tickets as well. You can purchase tickets online or onsite at the ticket office.
For those hoping to spend a lot of time out on the slopes, the season pass is a great value and offers some incredible perks. For an additional cost, season pass holders also have the opportunity to add five days at Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Rentals
Renting full ski or snowboarding equipment is a breeze at Snowy Range Ski Area. Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and will ensure that you get properly-fitted gear. Rental rates are affordably priced at $25 for adults, $23 for teens, and $21 for children, with discounts for students and military.
Trails
Regardless of your status as a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in-between, Snowy Range Ski Area has what you need. Four chairlifts connect you to 27 trails (7 beginner/easiest, 12 intermediate/more difficult, and 8 expert/most difficult). The trails are clearly marked. In addition to the chairlifts, the Magic Carpet Surface Lift is a great feature for children.
Lessons
The ski area offers both group and private lessons through the Mountain Sports School. Lessons serve skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from complete newbies to advanced individuals wanting to hone in on their technique. A lesson or two is invaluable for first-timers, providing the foundational skills and confidence to ensure a great day on the mountain.
Group lessons are made up of students of similar ability and age levels. You can book group lessons online or at the ski area.
Private lessons are the most flexible and can accommodate as many or as few individuals as you’d like. You can book by the hour or for a full day, but regardless of what you do, you’ll need to book any private lesson at least three days in advance.
The Snowy Range Lodge
Part of the joy of physical activity lies in taking a well-deserved break. The Snowy Range Lodge has what you need to boost your energy in between runs or after you’ve called it quits. Offerings include coffee, craft and domestic beers, sit-down meals, and quick grab n’ go service.
Lodging Near Snowy Range Ski Area
Snowy Range Ski Area is a great destination for weekend getaways, extended trips, and more. Book your stay in a hotel in nearby Centennial, or stay in Laramie where additional options are available. To view all Snowy Range Ski Area lodging options for your skiing or snowboarding, visit our lodging page here.
Now get out there and enjoy the slopes!
Note: Brian and Dani Harrington are independent writers contracted by Visit Laramie. Views and opinions expressed here are their own and do not reflect those of the Albany County Tourism Board.
