Winter Sports
Snow-covered slopes and trails beckon skiers, snowmobilers, and snowboarders for thrilling winter recreation.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is an epic way to shred through its snowy playground! With resort runs and vast backcountry terrain, it’s a winter lover’s paradise. Here’s what you need to know to hit the slopes and ride the forest:
- Where You Can Go: The forest boasts three awesome ski resorts—Snow King Mountain in Jackson offers lift-served fun with groomed trails and killer views; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort near Teton Village brings world-class steeps and powder; and White Pine Ski Area near Pinedale gives a cozy, family vibe with two lifts. For backcountry, check out Teton Pass with its steep chutes or Togwotee Pass for powdery glades—grab a map at ranger offices or online to explore. Wilderness areas like the Gros Ventre or Teton are open too, perfect for human-powered adventures with no lifts, just your own steam. Check snow conditions and avalanche reports before you head out. Winter Travel Restrictions are in place December 1 to May 1 to protect wintering wildlife (see map here).
- What’s Special: You’ll carve through everything from groomed resort runs to untouched snow, all with stunning mountain scenery—think pine forests and peaks draped in white. Resorts like Jackson Hole pack big thrills, Snow King lights up for night runs, and White Pine keeps it chill. Winter turns the forest into a snowy wonderland, with prime powder from December to March. Whether you’re on a lift or skinning up, it’s skiing and boarding at its wildest and best.
- Tips to Be Prepared: At the resorts, bring gear (or rent in town) and grab a pass—easy day! For backcountry, pack skis or a board, skins or snowshoes, and avalanche gear—beacon, probe, and shovel are musts off-trail. Layer up, bring food and water—temps drop fast out there. Use a map or Avenza app to navigate, and check avalanche forecasts (bridger-teton.org). Tell someone your route, and don’t go solo—safety’s key beyond the lifts.
Skiing and snowboarding here is all about options—hit Snow King, Jackson Hole, White Pine, or the backcountry, and enjoy the Bridger-Teton’s snowy rush!
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a high-speed blast through a winter paradise! With over 600 miles of groomed trails and endless powder fields, it’s a rider’s dream come true. Here’s what you need to know to hit the snow running:
- Where You Can Ride: Trails crisscross the forest—snag a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) or winter guide at ranger offices or online to find your path. Favorites like Togwotee Pass offer groomed routes and deep snow bowls, while the Greys River area mixes tight trails with open play zones. Wilderness areas like the Bridger or Teton are off-limits to motors, keeping the rest of the forest your snowy playground. Check snow depth and trail status before you go.
- What’s Special: You’ll zoom past frosted pines and over ridges with jaw-dropping views—think frozen rivers and mountain panoramas. December to March brings the best snow—light, fluffy, and piled high—perfect for carving turns or cruising long stretches. The forest’s blend of groomed paths and off-trail powder caters to newbies and pros alike, making every ride a rush.
- Tips to Be Prepared: Bring a registered snowmobile (Wyoming sticker required—grab it at wgfd.wyo.gov or local vendors), a helmet, and warm gear—goggles, gloves, and boots beat the cold. Pack a map or Avenza app, extra fuel, and a small repair kit—some areas are way out there. Avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel) is smart—check forecasts at bridger-teton.org. Ride with a friend and tell someone your plans—safety’s non-negotiable in the wild.
Snowmobiling here is all about horsepower and snowy thrills—rev up, pick a trail, and let the Bridger-Teton take you for a ride!
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a quiet, scenic way to explore its winter beauty! With trails and open snowfields ready for your stride, it’s perfect for soaking in the season. Here’s what you need to know to get out and enjoy:
- Where You Can Go: The forest is your canvas—pick up a map at ranger offices or online to find your starting point. Spots like Cache Creek near Jackson offer gentle, snow-dusted paths, while the Gros Ventre or Teton Wilderness invite longer treks through pristine woods. No groomed tracks here, but you’re free to roam anywhere, including wilderness areas where it’s all human-powered—no motors allowed.
- What’s Special: You’ll slide or step through a snowy wonderland—think sparkling forests, frozen streams, and mountain views that feel all yours. December to March brings deep, fluffy snow, ideal for breaking trail or following a deer’s tracks. It’s a chill way to unwind, with the forest’s peace wrapping around you like a blanket.
- Tips to Be Prepared: Bring skis or snowshoes, poles, and cozy gear—think warm socks, a jacket, and gloves to fend off the cold. Pack a snack, water, and maybe a hot drink—there’s no pit stops out there. A map or Avenza app keeps you pointed right, and tell someone your route—snow can blur the way. Check weather and watch for avalanche risk on steeper stuff (bridger-teton.org has updates).
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here is all about fresh air and freedom—gear up, pick a path, and let the Bridger-Teton’s winter charm pull you in!