Day 1
Morning Activity: Downtown Laramie
Laramie is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, and thus has a great selection of local sporting goods stores. Get acquainted with Laramie by spending a morning in the city’s charming downtown and find high quality gear to keep you warm during your winter adventures.
Breakfast at Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse
107 E Ivinson Ave | (307) 742-9028
The extensive drink menu at Night Heron has something for everyone, with a variety of locally-roasted coffees, teas, and smoothies to choose from. Night Heron is known for their delicious artisanal baked goods and cozy bookstore atmosphere. Try their Egg, Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato, and Pesto bagel sandwich or a spicy Mayan Mocha with habanero and cayenne!
Atmosphere Mountainworks
210 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY | (307) 343-3477
The winter apparel at Atmosphere Mountainworks is designed and made by hand in-store! Look up and you’ll see Atmosphere staff hard at work sewing each piece on their second story balcony. Their one-of-a-kind gear is easily recognizable by its bright color block designs. Along with their own warm fleeces and jackets, the store carries brands like Smartwool, Kuhl, and Dovetail.
NU2U and NU2U Sports
320 S 5th St, Laramie, WY | (307) 742-3979
116 E Custer St, Laramie, WY | (307) 721-3070
NU2U Sports is a consignment shop for used sporting goods and outdoor equipment. Much of their gear is in great condition, yet sells for a fraction of the cost to buy it brand new. It’s a great option for those looking for quality gear on a budget or for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Sister store NU2U carries used clothing and has a large outdoor section. Find fleeces, snow pants, gloves, and more in this charming consignment store. Lovers of retro and vintage gear will find a collection of one-of-a-kind finds on the second floor.
Laramie’s Basecamp
222 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY | (307) 703-0172
Basecamp carries high-quality gear sold by knowledgeable and experienced staff. Their selection includes everything you’ll need to brave the cold, including boots, skis, clothing, and even avalanche rescue sets for the most intrepid backcountry explorers. You’ll find gear from brands like Stio, Outdoor Research, Mammut, and more.
Lunch at Altitude Chophouse and Brewery
320 S. 2nd St. | (307) 721-4031
Altitude offers award-winning original brews and sophisticated cuisine. Their menu is made up of creative dishes, fresh cuts of beef, and their microbrews which have won over 25 awards at regional brewfests. Altitude has received national and international recognition and has been featured in Wyoming Homes and Living Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens and Via Magazine. This local brewery is also one of five listed on the Visit Laramie Brewery Tour.
Cross Country Skiing at Tie City Trailhead
Cross country skiing is a great way to experience the beautiful alpine forests right in Laramie’s backyard. To the east of Laramie you’ll find Happy Jack Recreation Area, part of Medicine Bow National Forest and a paradise for snowshoers and Nordic skiers. While Tie City Trailhead is easily accessible from Highway 210 and a mere 15 minute drive from Laramie, the sounds of civilization quickly disappear as you make your way into the snow laden trees. The trailhead provides access to a network of scenic groomed ski and multi-use trails all expertly maintained by the Medicine Bow Nordic Association, a non-profit organization operating in agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. See their website for additional details and trail conditions, and be sure to view their map of Happy Jack Ski Trails before embarking on your cross-country adventure.
For those looking for a more leisurely or beginner friendly experience, a loop following Meadow, Ridge, and Alder Trails meanders through the trees and gives you a chance to take in the scenery. View our page on Cross Country Skiing for Beginners to make sure you’re properly prepared for the trip. Experienced skiers can continue from Meadow Trail to Phil’s Pholly, Tie City loop, and beyond. Prefer snowshoeing over skiing? Snowshoe trail is easily accessible from Tie City Trailhead. Fast Haus Ski & Bike offers cross country and snowshoe rental packages, including boots, skis, and poles.
Dinner at The Crowbar and Grill
202 S. 2nd St. | (307) 460-2523
A stop on the Visit Laramie Foodie Tour, the Crowbar serves American comfort food with boutique beers and cocktails. Try house-made pizzas, local ground beef, or adventurous dishes like Pad Thai fries.
Day 2
Breakfast at the Coffee Corral
2746 WY-130, Centennial, WY | (307) 742-9773
Coffee Corral serves quality drinks hot or cold along with tasty “grab and go” breakfast food. Try their signature Campfire Hot Cocoa, made with dark chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Snowy Range Ski Area
3254 WY-130, Centennial, WY | (307) 745-5750
First opened in 1960 as Medicine Bow Ski Area, Snowy Range is nestled in the Medicine Bow National Forest and provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Since renamed, the ski area is home to a lodge, rental shop, ski school, restaurant, gift shop, cafe, and 5 lifts with 28 runs. Snowy Range is known for being affordable and family friendly with reduced crowding compared to other resorts in the Western U.S. Those without their own gear will find knowledgeable staff at the rental shop who will help you find the right fit. They recommend making an online rental reservation in advance to your arrival to ensure they have your size in stock. Forget anything? The gift shop carries goggles, hats, socks, and more!
There’s a run for every skill level at Snowy Range, but true beginners should consider a 2-hour lesson from an expert. Book a group or individual lesson online, available for all ages from youth to adult. Pioneer Lift takes skiers to the top of a “bunny hill” as well as an easy run to Sundance Lift. Sundance and Virginian Lifts provide access to blue runs for intermediate skiers; Seminole and Drifter are great options for those who prefer a meandering trail while Virginian is a straight shot down the mountain if you’re looking to practice your turns. Experienced skiers looking for an adrenaline rush will want to ride Chute Lift to access black diamond runs and the Medicine Bow Terrain Park.
Dinner at Bear Bottom Grill in Centennial
2768 Hwy. 130 Centennial, WY | (307) 742-2410
A fun and welcoming family-owned restaurant/bar located in beautiful Centennial, WY. Listen to live music in the outdoor band-shell or inside on the stage, stop in for community events and fundraisers, watch your favorite games and sporting events on one of four big screen TVs, or enjoy the scenery outside on the rooftop deck or backyard picnic tables.
Day 3
Guided Backcountry Snowmobiling Trip with 3C Guiding
2746 WY-130, Centennial, WY | (307) 690-9953
Spend the day exploring the Snowy Range backcountry with 3C Guiding, one of the most exciting ways to experience winter in Wyoming. With more than 300 inches of snow each year, the Snowy Range offers incredible riding through rolling hills, dense forests, and wide-open terrain far beyond the groomed trails. Thanks to years of local knowledge, 3C’s guides take you to quieter areas with deeper snow and fewer tracks, creating a true backcountry experience where it often feels like you have the mountains to yourself.
What makes this experience even better is that 3C Guiding truly rides at your pace. Whether you’re brand new to snowmobiling or an experienced rider chasing fresh powder, your guide tailors the day to your comfort and skill level. Beginners receive patient instruction and confidence-building guidance, while seasoned riders can head straight for the best terrain. Every tour is led by CPR- and First Aid-certified, avalanche-trained guides, and guests can bring their own sled or rent a top-of-the-line snowmobile and avalanche gear for a worry-free day on the snow. Book online through their website.
Dinner at The Old Corral Hotel and Steakhouse
2750 WY-130, Centennial, WY | (307) 745-5918
The Old Corral has been serving delicious steaks since the 1940s. They pride themselves on the quality of their meat and only serve fresh, tender, grain- and grass-fed beef. After dinner, visit their gift shop for exclusive Snowy Range apparel and souvenirs.
Day 4
Breakfast at 17th Street Cafe
310 S 17th St, Laramie, WY | (307) 460-2095
Fuel up for your outdoor adventures at 17th Street Cafe. This cozy, locally-owned cafe serves classic homemade American and Southwestern-inspired meals. Try one of their savory omelets or a spicy chorizo breakfast burrito. Their large menu has something for everyone!
Ice Fishing at Lake Hattie with Two Dogs Guide Service
1657 Snowy Range Rd, Laramie, WY | (307) 761-2921
You’ll start day 4 on beautiful Lake Hattie. Scenic and serene, Lake Hattie sits at the base of Sheep Mountain with incredible views of the surrounding terrain. Yellow Perch, Kokanee Salmon, and Trout swim under the ice in the cold winter months. One of the best ways to catch them is with the help of an expert guide from Two Dogs Guide Service. They provide everything you could need on the ice. No need to bring your own gear, as they provide it for you along with shelters and heaters to protect you from the cold while you reel in that prize catch. Trips should be booked in advance by calling the number listed above or emailing twodogsguideservice@gmail.com.
Lunch at Sweet Melissa Café
213 S 1st St, Laramie, WY | (307) 742-9607
Sweet Melissa Café is a favorite of locals and visitors alike! Described as “Comfort Food for the Homesick Vegetarian”, their creative menu offers delicious vegetarian and international cuisine with something for everyone to enjoy. Start with an appetizer of cauliflower wings or try their Mac n Cheese of the day! Guy Fieri pays the Café a visit in Season 35, Episode 5 of the hit Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to rave about Melissa’s vegan dishes! Follow along his culinary journey through Laramie with Guy Fieri's DDD Favorites in Laramie. Attached is Front Street, a cozy tavern with equally tasty drinks and mocktails.
Snow Biking at Happy Jack Recreation Area
Return to Happy Jack Recreation Area to participate in a newly popular phenomenon in the world of biking: snow biking! For this activity, you’ll rent (or bring your own) fat tire bikes designed specifically for snowy conditions. These specialized bikes have wide tires to gain traction on snowy trails. With this added stability, avid bikers can enjoy the sport year-round on Happy Jack’s non-motorized trails. The Pedal House downtown offers fat tire bike rentals and provides updated trail conditions. Before setting out on your adventure, read our 5 Tips For Your First Time Snow Biking.
Laramie Brewery Tour
Unwind after four action-packed days of winter activities by taking a tour of Laramie's local breweries. Downtown Laramie's five local breweries are all within a few blocks, offering craft beers and hearty dinner options. Follow the Laramie Brewery Tour here.
Note: While Coal Creek Tap is no longer part of the tour, Black Tooth Brewing Company offers delicious craft beers in the same location.
