Antelope Butte- Winter Adventures in the Bighorn Mountains
By: Katelyn Parker
Winter Wonderland
I will never understand why people think there is nothing to do in Wyoming in the winter. Wyoming is a sparsely populated oasis, full of wide-open spaces and magical ecosystems. It is no secret that great adventures can be had in the summer months, but the better-known secret are the incredible experiences and opportunities that can be had in the winter months. Whether you like to glide, stomp or shred, there are plenty of memorable experiences to take advantage of when the mountains are blanketed in snow. One such place where you can take advantage of several different winter activities is Antelope Butte in the Bighorn Mountains.
Antelope Butte Ski Area
Antelope Butte is a small resort with a lot to offer the constituents of the mountain towns at the base of the Bighorns as well as people traveling to the area. Their mission is “to provide affordable and accessible year-round mountain recreation, training, and educational opportunities, with a focus on youth and beginners”. Run by a foundation and a volunteer-based board of directors, Antelope Butte is an incredible amenity that simply strives to enhance the lives and western culture for all that want to enjoy the experience.
Stomp, Glide or Shred
In the winter months, Antelope Butte is open to Nordic and Alpine skiers as well as snowshoers. Alpine skiers have access to two chair lifts and trails that serve all skill levels. Antelope Butte is a great place for kids to learn the basics of skiing, equipped with a magic carpet and an easy-going slope that gives them the time they need to learn how to spread the peanut butter and make wide turns.
Amenities at Antelope Butte
Facilities available to visitors include the ski lodge and a yurt. The ski lodge has a large dining area that provides limited food and drink to skiers and plans to expand their menu are in the works. The lodge is a warm reprieve and skiers can also choose to pack a lunch and take a breather at one of their many tables. The lodge is also home to a full-scale rental service where visitors can rent their skis or snowboard if they do not have their own. Lockers are available so you don’t have to heel toe your way back to your car to stash your snow boots. The yurt is available to rent and serves as a private event space. It is equipped with tables and chairs and is heated. This is a great space for birthday parties or any other get together.
Get Outside
Don’t let the cold deter you. Layer up and take the beautiful drive into the Bighorn Mountains for a day of winter activity that is fun for the whole family. The lift tickets for downhill skiers and snowboarders are incredibly affordable and the Nordic ski trails are free to explore at your leisure. Whether you are strapping or clicking in, the experience to follow is sure to be a memorable one.
