Did you know that Laramie has more sunny days in the winter than the rest of the year? Bluebird days like this are meant for family fun and adventure. The cost of entry is a thermos full of hot cocoa, a backup plan involving dinosaurs, and your favorite board game to pair with cabin coziness.
This story was created in partnership with Visit Laramie.
Downhill
If your preferred means of acceleration is gravity, be it on two skis or one board, head 35 miles west of Laramie to Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area. This well-kept secret boasts world-class skiing in the Medicine Bow National Forest thanks to more than 250 acres of skiing and 245 inches of snow each year. With runs for beginners, experts, and every family member in between, the area also offers weekday discounts and deals if you reserve tickets and ski rentals in advance.
A more giggly route downhill is sledding! Grab your toboggan or your plastic saucer and make your way to the sled hill at Happy Jack Recreation Area. Only 12 miles east of Laramie, the convenience of Happy Jack (especially if you packed a lunch) is that from the same parking lot the family can also cross-country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike on a myriad of trails. Look for the groomed trails at Tie City so mom can get her skate ski glide in, or make your way to the routes specifically tailored to siblings mashing gears on fat bikes and sending snow flying with snowshoes. Or divide and conquer all the trails and reconvene for hot cocoa at the car en route to a delicious dinner in Laramie!
Whatever your favorite way to zip across the snow by your own power, you’ll find great gear rentals in town at Laramie’s Basecamp, Westgate, and Lone Moose Ski Shop.
Sidehill
The Snowy Range is renowned as a snowmobiling destination. The 200 miles of groomed trails, 120 miles of marked and un-groomed trails, and 300 inches of snow per year combine for a veritable playground for “sledheads” of all ages. Tootle along gentle, groomed routes for beginners or rev your way up steep slopes deep with gorgeous powder for experts. Explore it all with the family and connect over fun moves and mountain views, the thrill of “braap braap”, and the tingle in your cheeks brought on by smiles and a touch of frost.
Swap Wool Socks for Wool…ly Mammoths
At some point in a wintery vacation, some member(s) of the family will inevitably need a day out of the thick socks and swishy snow pants. Here’s some Laramie trivia for inspiration: the most expensive museum in the city is $9 for adults! Choose from the 12 museums to suit your gang. Whether your interests lean toward art, dinosaurs, or the Wild West, it’s just a matter of where in town you’ll go! We personally recommend learning about the dinosaur fossils that are so rich in Wyoming and the Wyoming Women’s History House.
Brain Food, Brap Food
Fun in the snow and fascination in museums—either way, you’ll work up an appetite. Share stories and reflect on the day with your adventure buddies over an equally unforgettable (and reasonably priced) meal. Did you know that Laramie is ranked as a Flavortown on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives? Check out some of Guy Fieri’s favorites as you warm your toes and Airdrop photos between your crew.
We’ll say it’s to stock up on some sugars to stay warm on tomorrow’s adventures, but we all know your treats from The Chocolate Cellar won’t last through the walk or drive back to your cabin or hotel. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us!
Cabin Cozy
What’s a winter getaway without cabin vibes? Settle in with a romantic and warming fire roaring, kids enjoying free rein to romp in their pjs, and the convenience of having everything you need in a home away from home. Even better, most of Laramie’s cabin options are a great deal. Find the perfect log retreat for your family and call it yours for the week.
Many Happy Returns
Though you’re on vacation, don’t forget to follow the simple guidelines of recreating responsibly and respectfully, please! That way when you return—or when your kids return with children of their own—the visit will be just as rich as the memories.
