Antelope Butte Mountain Resort — Ski Guide Near Sheridan Wyoming 2026
Community-owned. Re-opened 2022. No lift lines. Real terrain. This is what skiing was.
Dalton Goodyear · April 2026 · 8 min read
The ski area that Sheridan fought to bring back. Community-owned. Re-opened in 2022 after years of corporate closure. No lift lines. Real terrain. Day passes that cost a fraction of resort pricing. This is what skiing was before it became a luxury product.
Key Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | US-14, ~40 miles SW of Sheridan (~1 hour) |
| Base elevation | 8,500+ feet, summit above 9,000 ft |
| Vertical drop | 2,100 feet |
| Runs | 24 trails (green / blue / black) |
| Lifts | 3 |
| Day pass | Significantly cheaper than resort skiing |
| Night skiing | Check current schedule |
| Rentals | Available on-site |
| Drive from Sheridan | Scenic route through Bighorn foothills via Dayton |
Antelope Butte is the answer to the question: what if skiing was still about skiing? No Ikon pass required. No $30 parking. No 45-minute lift line. Just the mountain and the snow.
— Wyo Stays Team
The Story Behind the Mountain
The resort first opened in the 1960s and spent decades as a regional ski destination for northern Wyoming families before it closed under corporate ownership and sat dormant while Sheridan's ski community watched one of their most valued winter assets deteriorate. Then the community did what small Wyoming towns do — they organized, fundraised, and bought it back.
The reopening in 2022 was a local event. The runs are legitimate. The black diamonds challenge advanced skiers. The lodge is small, warm, and full of Sheridan locals who remember when this mountain was everything, and are making sure it is again.
What the Terrain Is Like
2,100 feet of vertical across 24 runs gives Antelope Butte more variety than its size suggests. Green runs for learners are genuinely gentle. Blue cruisers are well-groomed. The black runs deliver real challenge — steeps, glades, and natural features that would cost $200 a day to access at a major resort. The overall mix runs roughly 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced — weighted toward terrain that rewards a confident intermediate skier looking to push their ability.
The snow quality in the Bighorns is consistently good — cold, dry powder that the high elevation preserves. This isn't the heavy, wet snow of the Pacific Northwest. It's intermountain powder at its best. The mountain's north-facing aspect holds that powder exceptionally well after storms, and wind loading on the upper mountain builds natural deposits that experienced skiers are still finding days after the snow stopped.
Combining with a Sheridan Stay
The best approach: stay in Sheridan. Drive up for the day. Back in town for dinner at Frackelton's or a beer at Black Tooth. Our vacation rental properties in Sheridan are 40 minutes from the resort — the same ones you'd use for summer hiking, fishing, and exploring.
Planning Your Ski Trip
Check road conditions before driving — US-14 through Dayton can be icy in winter. Carry chains or drive an AWD vehicle. The resort has warming facilities and food, but pack snacks for kids. Rental equipment is available on-site, so you don't need to bring your own. A helmet is required for the tree terrain. As a nonprofit, Antelope Butte also runs on memberships and season passes rather than day-ticket revenue alone — consider one if you'll be back, since it directly funds the mountain. And bring cash: card processing can be limited at some points of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Antelope Butte Mountain Resort operates during the winter ski season, typically December through March depending on snow conditions. Check their website for current season dates and conditions.
Antelope Butte Mountain Resort is approximately 40 miles (about 1 hour) southwest of Sheridan via US-14 through Dayton. The drive follows the scenic Bighorn foothills.
Yes. Antelope Butte has a good mix of green, blue, and black runs across 24 trails, making it suitable for all ability levels. The smaller, community-owned atmosphere also means beginner runs aren't overwhelmed by expert skiers cutting through.
Day passes at Antelope Butte are significantly cheaper than major resort skiing — a fraction of what you'd pay at Jackson Hole or Big Sky. Rentals are available on-site. Check their current pricing for exact rates.
Yes. Antelope Butte Mountain Resort is about 1 hour from Sheridan with 24 runs and 2,100 feet of vertical. Meadowlark Ski Lodge is also in the Bighorns. Both offer legitimate skiing at a fraction of resort prices.
Ski & Stay in Sheridan
Our properties are your base camp — 40 minutes from the slopes.
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