For those looking to have some winter fun that comes with a generous helping of pioneer spirit, check out the ski resorts near Cody, Wyoming. While there are only a few resorts to choose from, there is truly something for everyone.
“Buffalo Bill” Cody settled the area in the 1890s, recognizing the potential of its abundant natural resources. As time passed, the city of Cody became deeply connected to the tourist industry, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation. And given that this area sees an average of around 47 inches of snow annually, it’s no wonder that a handful of ski resorts have made this region of Wyoming their home.
Whether you are a brand-new skier, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, you’ll be sure to find runs that are just your speed. And while three of these locations are within Wyoming, visitors can easily venture outside of the state into Montana to hit the slopes.
During your travels in the Northwest, consider these Wyoming hot springs, or perhaps hot springs in Montana, for your apres-ski needs.
With that being said, here are the ski areas closest to Cody, WY, in order of proximity:
Sleeping Giant Ski Area – Cody, WY: 49 miles | 1 hour
“Sleepy G” can be found just outside the eastern exit to Yellowstone National Park and has 48 runs that descend 809 vertical feet. The ski area consists of 184 skiable acres serviced by 2 lifts and a magic carpet.
Most of the runs at Sleeping Giant Ski Area are in the intermediate to advanced range, with only a handful of runs for beginners and experts. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, Sleeping Giant boasts a terrain park, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and night skiing until 7 PM.
For dining, the lodge at Sleeping Giant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that range from snacks to pizzas, burgers, and tacos. At the bar, you can get a selection of liquors, wines, and beer, but personally, we’d go for the growler.
Additionally, if you want to stay in the area, Sleepy G partners with several nearby businesses or you can grab a cabin or Airbnb tucked away in the Shoshone National Forest.
The Piazza family has recently taken ownership of the Sleeping Giant Ski Area and has big plans for its future, so expect things to get better and better as the seasons go by!
348 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414 (Map) | (307) 587-3125
Red Lodge Mtn – Red Lodge, MT: 69 miles | 1.25 hours
Heading north into Montana, you’ll find Red Lodge Mountain, where there is plenty of fun to be had for everyone in your party.
While the main lodge sits at 7,433 feet, the Palisades lift dips down as low as 7,016 feet. With the summit at 9,416 feet, you’ve got an awesome 2,400 vertical feet of incline for your pleasure.
Red Lodge Mountain’s 1,635 skiable acres are home to 70 runs, 2 terrain parks, 6 lifts, and a magic carpet. The Miami Beach terrain park is a safe, fun place designed for beginners, and once you’ve mastered it, you can head over to the Scrapyard to take your skills to the next level.
When you need to take a break, you can hit up the Midway Chalet if you don’t want to leave the slopes or you can head to the main lodge. Located midway up the mountain, at the top of the Willow Creek chairlift, the Midway Chalet offers indoor or outdoor sit-down dining. Once there, visitors can get burgers, sandwiches, and snacks while relaxing next to the stone fireplace.
Additionally, at the base of Red Lodge Mountain, you can find dining at the main lodge and the Bierstube.
The main lodge has an express window on the deck for something quick, but if you have more time, you can also enjoy seated dining. The Bierstube is popular enough that reservations are recommended and they have 10 beers on tap as well as traditional pub fare.
305 Ski Run Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Map) | (406) 446-2610
Antelope Butte Mtn – Shell, WY: 89 miles | 1.75 hours
The Antelope Butte operates as a nonprofit under a special permit from the Bighorn National Forest. As a nonprofit, Antelope Butte Foundation focuses on providing recreational and educational skiing for young and beginner skiers. If you’re new to the sport, getting in some time on these slopes is a great way to learn and support the organization at the same time.
Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area has a base elevation of 8,400 feet. The summit elevation is 9,400 feet, providing a 1,000-foot vertical drop and 225 skiable acres.
The 3 lifts service 28 runs of all difficulty levels and it’s probably worth mentioning that not all the runs have been named. If you’d like to leave behind a legacy for yourself or a loved one, you can name one of the trails.
Additionally, if you’re not interested in downhill skiing, they also have Nordic skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. If you have a big event coming up and are looking for a stunning venue, you can rent the entire mountain for a private ski day. The sticker price includes the yurt, event tent, rental equipment, and lifts.
Don’t expect too much in amenities when visiting Antelope Butte. While snacks and lunch items are available, if you want more options, you must bring them with you.
28 Forest Service Rd #244, Shell, WY 82441 (Map) | (307) 529-1052
Beartooth Basin – Cody, WY: 89 miles | 1.75 hours
Beartooth Basin has a base elevation of 9,900 feet and a summit elevation of 10,900 feet. The 600 skiable acres have 2 lifts and 9 runs, none of which are for beginners. The thing is, these stats only tell part of this ski area’s story.
If you’re looking for a unique destination, Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area is worth the visit. You won’t find a lodge, dining, equipment rentals, or anything resembling a typical resort. In fact, other than the two lifts, the only public space is a couple of porta-potties.
The 1,000-foot vertical drop at Beartooth varies in pitch from 15° to 50°, which is incredibly steep. This area is a place where more advanced riders come to practice their cornice skiing, though they do have a terrain park and an extensive out-of-bounds area for cross-country.
Instead of thinking of this site as a ski area, think of it more as backcountry skiing with a lift.
US-212, Cody, WY 82414 (Map) | (406) 425-2292
While there aren’t many ski areas near Cody, each of the four mentioned capture the rustic charm of the American Northwest. Less than two hours from the city, visitors to the area have a range of options, giving newbies and experts alike, a space to hit the slopes. Regardless if you’re traveling alone, or with friends or family, you are sure to find something that fits your specific needs.
And, if you’re willing to make the drive and wish to see more of Wyoming, there are additional ski areas near Jackson and Casper that are sure to add to your wintery vacation!
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