Somewhere between mourning the ending of warm weather and excitedly looking forward to spring, we wake up to find ourselves knee deep in the long months of winter cold and stark beauty. There are two choices here; stay inside with everyone else who is just waiting for it (winter) to be over OR get out and create a winter full of happy adventures and lifelong memories!
“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
― Christopher McCandless
Star Valley, Wyoming provides epic sledding opportunities
Access to the trail system on the east side of Star Valley can be found in Alpine on the Greys River Road or south of Afton on the Smith’s Fork Road. According to information compiled by the state of Wyoming Trails system, the Wyoming Range Region is the area between Alpine and Kemmerer. This area has approximately 335 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails at elevations running from 6,000 to 10,000 feet.
Trail grooming is conducted from mid December through March, depending on the late season snowfall. Daytime temperatures in this region range from 30 degrees above zero to 30 degrees below zero. Rentals and services are available in Alpine, Thayne, Afton and Pinedale. The Box Y Lodge on the Greys River Road/Trail offers food, gas and lodging. Snow depths run from 3 feet to 12 feet.
Maps and trail information are available the Greys River District Ranger’s Office (307-885-3166) in Afton. Wyoming law requires that all snowmobiles must have either a current Wyoming resident or nonresident user fee decal prominently displayed on the outside of each snowmobile.
A few basic, but important reminders when snowmobiling the backcountry:
• Remember to always stay to the right when riding the groomed trails, avoid excessive speed, ride with a helmet at all times, dress warm for changing weather conditions and wear avalanche beacon.
• Always tell others where you will be snowmobiling and when you plan to return.
• Avalanches are possible in the steep, rugged terrain of Greys River Country.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest maintains a Backcountry Avalanche Hazard and Weather Forecast website during the winter months. Click here to access their website. The site includes information on weather conditions, snow depths and an important avalanche advisory rating that range from low to extreme. The daily report includes a summary of conditions. Please check the Bridger-Teton Backcountry avalanche Hazard and Weather Forecast before every snowmobile ride for current information.
Provided by SVI Media
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
The only word to describe the World Famous Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools in winter is magical. As you make your way down to the entrance, you see vast amounts of steam billowing up into the frigid air. Hidden behind the whirling condensation are five beautiful hot pools. From the source of the spring, two and 1/2 million gallons of all natural sulfur-free (which means odor-free) pure mineral water rise up and flow through the pools each day.
Each pool has its own unique characteristics.
The large Roman bath style pool is nearest the source and warmest at around 112°F. Large steps stretch along the long edge allowing you to move up and down for just the right temperature. The next large pool has meandering edges and several stairways creating cozy pockets for conversation and relaxation. Both large pools have small smooth pebbles on the floor that massage your feet as you walk. The next two pools have seating with massaging jets for your back or sit on the edge and let the gushing water tickle your toes. The fifth and coolest pool (102°F) is a 20,000 gallon rock lined pool with bright red canopies to block the sun or drizzling weather. There is nothing more entrancing than watching fluffy snowflakes fall from the sky, land on your head or melt on contact in the pools on a cold winter evening.
A favorite local tradition is to head to the hot pools after a great powder day at Pebble Creek Ski Area. With 2,200 vertical feet, three lifts, over 30 runs and two terrain parks there are exciting runs for every ability. Lessons, rentals and the biggest self serving of French fries you’ve ever seen are in the lodge. For a more horizontal snow experience, nearby Baker Ranch has Nordic and snowshoe trails along with a warming hut in a serene natural setting. They rent snowshoes, but you’ll want to bring your own cross country ski gear.
To defy both vertical and horizontal boundaries, Lava Zipline Adventure is open weekends all winter in most weather. Zip along several thousand feet of cable and then explore the high adventure ropes course. Half the fun is getting there as they transport you up the canyon in a 5-ton decommissioned army cargo truck. Whichever adventure you choose, there’s not a better way to wind up the day than soaking in the World Famous Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools. Did I mention they have heated sidewalks?
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As the summer’s hot sun and large crowds in Yellowstone give way to winter, the national park takes on a whole new look and feel; one that relatively few experience. The park is covered in a thick blanket of snow with massive icicles from multiple-storied buildings reaching the ground. Steam from underground volcanic activity is everywhere, creating intricate ice displays! It’s gorgeous and well worth the effort to get there. However, this is only the start of what you’ll find in this winter wonderland.
I had an image in my mind of what Old Faithful would look like erupting out of the snow-covered ground. Let’s just say, watching this lava-heated geyser meet winter’s ice exceeded my imagination. I also found it fascinating to see the heavy winter coats of Yellowstone’s wildlife matted down in frost.
This trip is a must-see for everyone’s winter bucket list. You can book a package that will include your lodging and give you the choice of a heated snowcoach, snowmobile, cross country skies or snowshoes.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
One of Utah’s most spectacular and popular national parks is Bryce Canyon. It is host to over 1.5 million visitors each year. That number is going up; largely due to the increase in winter traffic. Outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe are realizing that winter in the park, with it’s red sandstone hoodoos sticking out of a heavy snow cover may be the best time to visit.
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are both gaining momentum among adrenaline junkies and novices alike.
Each February, Ruby’s Inn hosts a winter festival. At the event, you can participate in activities such as an archery biathlon, photography clinics and contest, snowshoeing tours, fat tire bike rides and more. Click here for more details.
For years guests have hit Bryce Canyon National Park on one day and Zion National Park the next. This is done for the most part, in the warmer months. We love to make this trip in the winter; snowshoeing in Bryce Canyon and road biking in Zion National Park the next day.
Maybe instead of a winter bucket list, these should be called winter traditions; since once you try these, we’re sure you’ll want to do them every year! Whether these activities are once-in-a-lifetime trips or annual treks, bundle up, get outside and enjoy winter this year!!
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