Tucked into the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, Wyoming, is the Snowy Range Ski Area. In addition to breathtaking scenery, the Snowy Range Ski Area is a great option for its affordability and its offerings for skiers and snowboarders of any level. We are excited to share with you the top five reasons why we think you should look at Snowy Range for your next ski trip.
Reason #1: Ticket Prices
Sitting just north of the busy ski areas of Colorado’s I-70 corridor, Snowy Range brings an invigorating winter experience within reach of just about any budget. The value of a day at Snowy Range is hard to overstate, with ticket prices at less than a third of other resorts near the area. A full-day pass for an adult is just $49 (weekdays) or $54 (holidays and weekends); for children ages 5 to 12, the price is $30 (weekdays) or $35 (holidays and weekends); and 13 to 17 year olds get in for $42 (weekdays) or $47 (holidays and weekends). Folks on the edges of the age spectrum (children 0 to 4 and seniors 70 and older) can get tickets free of charge! In addition to these great base prices, you can also enjoy discounts for purchasing multiple days at the same time. Discounts are also available for students and members of the military.
If you are planning to spend more than just a couple days on the slopes you should definitely consider purchasing a multi-day pass. The best value available right now is the “12-day, 2-year” pass ($427) that gives skiers or snowboarders twelve day passes that can be used during the next two seasons. This builds in a tremendous amount of flexibility for you and your schedule.
The season pass is also a great opportunity for purchase and is loaded with tons of perks for other nearby resorts as well. Unfortunately, Snowy Range is not offering any more season passes during the 2020/21 season in order to limit crowd sizes during the pandemic.
Reason #2: Escape the Crowds
Avoiding large crowds is something most everyone is interested in this winter. The Snowy Range Ski Area is actively working to eliminate crowds in all the places you typically find them. During the entirety of the 2020/21 season, all lift tickets must be purchased online to avoid crowds around the ticket windows. Masks are required at all times when you are inside the lodge, except while you are actively eating or drinking, and social distancing practices will be in place.
One of the more creative additions to their 2020/21 season plan is the idea of mini-lodging in your car. This plan encourages guests to use their vehicles as a mini lodge, allowing you to warm up, rest, and eat in a safe manner. I do this regularly at ski areas and have a few tips for you to make it more enjoyable: First, bring a few camp chairs to throw out behind your vehicle for a relaxing spot where you can enjoy your take-out food and beverages from the Lodge. Second, bring a quality thermos in which to store your favorite hot beverage, as this is a game changer on a cold day.
Reason #3: Lessons and Rentals
Snowy Range is a great mountain for a beginner. Terrain can be found at just about all skill levels, but the progression from beginner, to slightly less beginner, and into a moderate skier or snowboarder is particularly easy at Snowy Range. Affordable lessons for both individuals and groups through their Mountain Sports School is a great way to start off on the right foot. I highly encourage a first-timer to take a lesson or two before going out on your own. This can be invaluable in your skills progression.
Group lessons are made up of students at similar ability and age levels. Booking a group lesson can be done online and should be booked at least 48 hours in advance (you’ll receive a 20% discount).
Private lessons are far more flexible and allow for as many or as few individuals as you’d like. You can book by the hour or a full-day, but either way you’ll want to book at least 72 hours in advance.
If you don’t have all the gear you need for a day on the slopes, be sure to check out Snowy’s selection of quality rental gear. It’s a great way to try something new without having to prematurely invest a big chunk of change all at once.
Reason #4: A Wide Variety of Trails
With a wide variety of trails to choose from, Snowy Range offers a little something for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between, you can find what you’re looking for. Four chair lifts serve 27 trails (7 beginner, 12 intermediate, and 8 expert). The trails are all clearly marked and typically receive more than 200 inches of annual snowfall. If you bring along the whole family, you may find that the magic carpet (located just above the lodge) is a great place for kids to start out.
Reason #5: Convenience
Located just 45 minutes west of Laramie, the Snowy Range Ski Area is easily accessible from both Laramie and the front range of Colorado, making it a wonderful destination for a long weekend getaway. Lodging is available in Centennial and throughout Laramie. You will also find easy access to great dining options, both indoors and for curbside delivery, in Centennial and Laramie.
You may also be interested in our other blogs: Socially Distant Winter Activities, Guide to Family Skiing and Snowboarding at Snowy Range Ski Area, and Planning Your Trip to the Snowy Range Ski Area.
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.