Pinedale The Real Woming

Powder Makes Pinedale The PerfectWinter Playground

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When the snow falls, Pinedale transforms into a winter wonderland and offers some of the best winter activities and events found in The Real Wyoming. To help you decide just what you’d like to do come wintertime in the west, we’ve put together a comprehensive list to help you plan your trip to Pinedale, Wyoming, during powder season.

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

Pinedale’s limitless backcountry and groomed resort runs combined with frequent snowfalls and pristine powder make for excellent conditions for Alpine skiing and snowboarding.

So, it should be no surprise that one of the oldest ski areas in Wyoming is just 10 minutes from Pinedale at White Pine Ski Resort. The north-facing slopes offer unmatched scenery in its secluded setting and boast no lift lines, ever. White Pine is convenient, affordable, and family-oriented, with ski school options and a wide range of terrain to ski, snowboard, and even tube.

Fatbiking

Cyclists rejoice!

Fat bikes, the off-road bicycle with oversized tires, let you take your bike off the road and onto the snow. With 15 miles of groomed, shared-use trails to explore between the White Pine/Kelly Park and CCC Pond trails and new single-track fat bike trails in the White Pine/Kelly Park trail system, Pinedale is the place to challenge yourself on two wheels. Two popular trails include Elk Chase (a fast and flowy single-track trail from Elkhart Park down to White Pine ski area) and the Skyline Drive Loop (a section of the Pinedale Nordic Trails).

Ice Fishing

When the temperatures dip below zero, there is still fishing to be had in Pinedale, Wyoming.

In fact, over 3,000 high-elevation lakes with stunning scenery in the Wind River Range offer plentiful fishing for cold-water trout, including highly sought-after Golden Trout. Ice fishing is a major pastime here, including an ice fishing derby every March. So, don’t let a -40 degree day keep you from joining bundled anglers on ice fishing expeditions in the Green River Valley.

Ice Skating & Hockey

There’s nothing quite like sliding over 17-inch thick ice on Fremont Lake and Half Moon Lake in Pinedale, Wyoming.

Whether you’re twirling and gliding on skates or challenging your friends to a raucous hockey game, nothing compares to skating in the great outdoors surrounded by majestic mountains breathing in the fresh, cool air. Plus, you can watch the local hockey leagues compete inside at the Sublette County Ice Arena.

Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing

Riding snow isn’t always about adrenaline-inducing drops and fast machines.

The wild beauty of Pinedale is even more breathtaking in the winter when experienced by Nordic skis and snowshoes. Groomed trails and backcountry areas beckon to beginners and hardcore athletes alike. Popular places to explore the stunning wilderness include CCC Ponds, Fremont Lake, and the Wyoming Mountain Range.

Snowmobiling

Zoom through Pinedale’s valleys and backcountry and across ice-covered lakes on a powerful snowmobile.

The Real Wyoming offers a variety of terrain, some climbing above 10,000 feet. Bring your own snowmachine or rent your ride at Bucky’s Outdoors or Rocky Mountain Powersports & Auto Service and then decide which of the more than 300 miles of high mountains groomed trails you’ll explore. Popular places to ride include the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail, the Wyoming and Wind River mountain ranges, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Pinedale Aquatic Center

Should the temperatures become too much to bear, take a day to frolic and play at the Pinedale Aquatic Center.

This family-friendly recreation center offers two indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a climbing wall, and a full fitness center.

Not to Miss Wintertime Events

Wintertime is a wonderful time to come to Pinedale for one-of-a-kind outdoor events the whole family will enjoy.
Pinedale Stage Stop Race January 31 

Since its inception in 1996, the International Rocky Mountain Stage Stop Sled Dog Race has been wowing visitors in Pinedale. "Meet the Mushers" and get to know their favorite mushers and their dogs the day before you cheer them on at the race near Kendall Valley Lodge on the Upper Green. 

Pinedale Winter Carnival, February 13-14, 2022

Pinedale’s rowdiest multi-day event happens every February at the Pinedale Winter Carnival. Among the unusual sights to see is the skijoring competition (a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog, or a motor vehicle) and the always-chaotic Cardboard Classic sled race. Plus, the Snow King and Queen are crowned at the Snow Ball, where live music and award-winning craft brews abound.

Pinedale Stampede Nordic Ski Race, February 26-27, 2022

The Pinedale Aquatic Center and the town of Pinedale host the third annual competitive Nordic ski race, where competitors can choose from a 6k race on the flats or 10k and 20k races that climb and wind through the trees. 

The Big Fish Winter Derby, March 5-6, 2022

This two-day mainstay event of the ice fishing circuit brings anglers of all ages from surrounding counties and states to compete for hourly cash prizes for the biggest catch. 

The Drift, March 12-14, 2022

The highest elevation winter ultramarathon in the United States comes to Pinedale each year, calling to brave men and women willing to take a hazardous journey for fame and glory. Racers, known as drifters, battle extreme elements and elevation to run, bike, or ski the 13-, 28-, or 100-mile snow-covered groomed trail courses in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, and usually in a blizzard.

Make your plans to visit Pinedale this winter.
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