Winter in Saratoga

Snowmobiling

Saratoga sits between two of Wyoming’s groomed trail systems. The Snowy Range runs from about 7,000 to 11,000 feet, with snow depths that can reach 12 feet. The Sierra Madre system to the southwest offers about 50 miles of groomed and 60 miles of ungroomed trail, with services in Encampment. The grooming season typically runs December 15 to March 15, weather permitting.

Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing

The Forest Service maintains groomed ski trails at Bottle Creek and Brush Creek in the Medicine Bow National Forest. See winter sports on the Medicine Bow-Routt.

Ice fishing & skijoring

When the ice is safe, Saratoga Lake draws ice anglers — and the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby, a January tradition for decades, returns when conditions allow. In February, the Saratoga Skijoring Races send horses and skiers flying down a snowy track; check saratogaskijoring.com for dates. The Saratoga-Platte Valley Chamber has the latest on winter events.

Warm up at the hot pool

The free Hobo Hot Pool is open 24 hours a day all winter — there’s nothing like a soak in steaming water on a snowy night.

Winter driving

Highway 130 over the Snowy Range Pass closes each winter (typically mid-to-late November until around Memorial Day). From Laramie in winter, take I-80 west to Walcott Junction (Exit 235) and head south about 20 miles to Saratoga. Check wyoroad.info before you drive.

There’s room at the motel for your sled trailer — and the hot pool is a short walk away.