6 Ways to Explore Wyoming's 'Secret Season'

6 Ways to Explore Wyoming's 'Secret Season'

Home to a combination of deeply rooted culture, historic landmarks, western hospitality, cowboy culture, stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, Wyoming’s “secret season” might be the best time to take in this great state. March and April are the snowiest months in Wyoming, making many of the state’s best winter activities possible well into the spring. Meanwhile, increasingly warm temperatures support a full menu of things to do like spring skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, hot springs and more.

New things to do for visitors this spring across Wyoming:

Spring Ski Destinations: While there is no official start date, spring skiing season serves as a “last call” of sorts before the slopes for area resorts close for the summer, typically enjoyed from late February to early April when temperatures begin to warm. Resorts tend to offer lift tickets at lower rates during this time, as compared to prices during the busy winter season and lodging and airfare rates also tend to be lower during the spring season as well. Spring skiing also can mean shorter lift lines, great powder and sunny skies (just don’t forget your sunblock!). Places to find prime spring skiing include Snowy Range Ski Resort in Centennial, Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area and Meadowlark Ski Lodge in the Bighorn Mountains, the resorts in and around Jackson Hole — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort and Snow King Area & Mountain Resort — and Hogadon Ski Area in Casper.

Snowmobiling: Many of the state’s snowmobiling areas receive enough snowfall to keep trails open until mid-March or later. The Wyoming Range, between Alpine and Kemmerer, has about 336 miles of trails that can have substantial snow for riding through May. The popular Continental Divide Snowmobiling Trail follows the Wind River Range for 829 miles and has a grooming season that typically runs until mid-March. Visit the Wyoming State Trails website for maps and up-to-date trail conditions. Other places for sled heads to ride include the Snowy Range, Sierra Madre Mountains and Beartooth Mountains.

Hot Springs: The Cowboy State’s hot springs are open year-round, but are especially heavenly when there’s snow on the ground. Thermopolis’ Hot Springs State Park has free indoor and outdoor soaking pools, while Saratoga is home to the pampering Saratoga Resort & Spa and Hobo Pool, a locals’ favorite. Other soaking locales include Granite Hot Springs in Jackson and Boiling River Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Learn more about hot springs in Wyoming.

Seek out a Spa: Rather stay indoors? Be sure to add Snow King Resort’s new 9,000 square foot spa to your list. It is set to unveil its new crown jewel in mid-Feb 2023, making Snow King Resort the largest, full-service resort and spa in Jackson. Located in the Grand View Lodge, the spa will feature six treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, locker rooms with experiential showers, hot tubs and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, an infrared sauna, a scenic outdoor deck with a large hot tub and more. Snow King Mountain Resort also has a number of construction projects planned for the summer of 2023 – see a full list here.

Museums: Even Wyoming’s smallest cities have museums, galleries and historical centers to keep those waiting for warmer weather entertained indoors. The National Museum of Military Vehicles recently opened the Poolaw Building, the newest facility on its campus just southeast of Dubois. The building was named after Pascal Poolaw, who served with the United States Army in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and is the United States’ most decorated Native American, with 42 medals and citations, including four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts—one for each war.

Dining, Shopping and Sipping! Adding to Wyoming's music and food scene this year is the unique, quirky and ever inviting Railspur in Cheyenne. Built from rail cars, rail bridge beams, and repurposed wood, The Railspur takes the old and makes it brand new, all while offering something for everyone. In Casper, check out The Drinkery. This newly opened restaurant serves up beer, cocktails, and a build-your-own charcuterie board and also offers zero-proof distilled non-alcoholic spirits. Visit Casper recently launched a Local Ale Trail to inspire beer drinkers from far and wide to check out their now eight breweries (making them the city with the most breweries in Wyoming!). Additionally, Soda Springs also opened in Casper, featuring old-fashioned soda drinks and specialty concoctions. The Warehouse Gastropub recently made its debut in Sheridan featuring a contemporary spin on classic pub fare. A brand-new space in the heart of downtown, the restaurant also includes a large patio, outdoor and indoor games (bocce; pool tables; video golf) and more. Green River recently welcomed a new bike and board shop, Geared Up, offering a variety of bike rentals as well as snowboard and splitboards. Geared up is also continently located near the entryway to the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, with several miles of wide-open spaces and breathtaking views.