WYO STAYS · BIGHORN MOUNTAIN GUIDE
Meadowlark Ski Resort Wyoming
Nine thousand feet up in the Bighorn National Forest. Where the crowds aren't, and the snow absolutely is.
Wyoming's Best-Kept Ski Secret
Here's what most people don't know about skiing in Wyoming: you don't have to fight Jackson Hole traffic to find real mountain terrain. Meadowlark Ski Resort in the Bighorn National Forest offers legitimate alpine skiing at over 9,000 feet — with the kind of lift lines that don't exist anywhere else in the American West.
The resort sits along US Highway 16 in the heart of the Bighorns, roughly halfway between Buffalo and Ten Sleep. From Sheridan, you're looking at about 90 miles west — an hour and a half through some of the most dramatic high-country scenery in the Northern Rockies. The drive alone is worth a photo stop at Powder River Pass.
What Meadowlark gives you that destination resorts can't: quiet mornings on groomed corduroy, a ski school that actually has time for your kids, and the very real possibility of first tracks without a 5 a.m. alarm. When you stay in a Wyo Stays cabin in the Bighorns, you wake up already in the mountains — 15 minutes from the lift, not 90. Browse Bighorn Mountain cabins along the scenic byway, or explore our full collection of Bighorn Mountain cabin rentals. And if you're looking to extend your Bighorn skiing, don't miss Antelope Butte Mountain Resort — Wyoming's community-owned ski mountain, just an hour from Sheridan.
Terrain & Trail Difficulty at Meadowlark Wyoming
Meadowlark's 28 runs spread across terrain that genuinely challenges every ability level. The mountain breakdown leans toward intermediate and advanced terrain, with a solid beginner zone that keeps newer skiers progressing confidently.
Beginner (Green Circle)
Dedicated learning area near the base with gentle pitch, a magic carpet lift, and ski school staging. Excellent for first-timers and families with young children. The terrain stays predictably mellow throughout.
Intermediate (Blue Square)
The mountain's sweet spot. Long groomed cruisers with genuine pitch — enough to feel like skiing, not walking. Most of Meadowlark's terrain falls here, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups.
Advanced (Black Diamond)
Steep, often ungroomed terrain with genuine consequence. Tree runs and chutes that hold powder well after a storm. Wyoming snow is cold and dry — black diamond days here feel like a different sport.
Expert (Double Black Diamond)
Narrow chutes, wind-loaded aspects, and high-consequence lines. Locals-only knowledge. Check conditions, ski with a partner, and tell someone your plan before heading into this terrain.
Meadowlark Ski Season — Month by Month
The Bighorn Mountains receive consistent snowfall throughout winter, fed by Pacific moisture systems that stall against the range's western face. Here's what to expect month by month.
NOVEMBER–EARLY DECEMBER
Early Season — Variable
Opening depends on snowpack. The resort typically targets a December open. Terrain limited early — beginner and some intermediate trails only. Ideal for shaking off the summer rust.
JANUARY
Prime Season — Deep & Cold
January is the Bighorns at their best. Cold temperatures mean light, dry powder that holds for days. Most terrain open. Weekdays in January are exceptional — you may have entire runs to yourself.
FEBRUARY
Peak Season — Full Mountain
Maximum snowpack, all terrain typically open, ski school fully operational. Presidents' Week brings the year's biggest crowds — still modest by any standard, but plan accordingly.
MARCH
Spring Skiing — Sunny & Soft
March in the Bighorns can be brilliant. Warm afternoon sun, corn snow, t-shirt skiing by midday. Often the most enjoyable skiing of the year for intermediate and advanced riders. Season typically closes late March to early April.
How to Get to Meadowlark Ski Resort Wyoming
Meadowlark sits on US Highway 16 in the Bighorn National Forest. Mountain roads in winter require appropriate tires and good judgment. Check WYDOT road conditions at wyoroad.info before heading out.
From Sheridan, WY
Take US-14A west through Burgess Junction, then south on US-16 through the Bighorn National Forest. The resort is on the right heading toward Ten Sleep. Snowtires or chains strongly recommended.
From Buffalo, WY
Take US-16 west up the mountain. Buffalo offers the most direct route from the east. The road climbs steeply — give yourself extra time in storm conditions and check road status beforehand.
From Ten Sleep, WY
US-16 east delivers you from the west through Ten Sleep Canyon. The canyon section can ice in cold weather — slow down through the narrows and be patient on the curves.
What to Pack for Meadowlark
Nine thousand feet in January is not casual. The Bighorns run cold and wind can be fierce above treeline. Pack accordingly and you'll have the best day on the mountain.
On Your Body
- Waterproof ski jacket and bibs — not just water-resistant
- Thermal base layer top and bottom (merino wool preferred)
- Helmet — non-negotiable in trees and moguls
- Quality goggles with anti-fog lens and UV protection
- Hand and toe warmers — pack extras for kids
- High-SPF lip balm and sunscreen — altitude amplifies UV
- Neck gaiter or balaclava for wind on exposed runs
In Your Vehicle
- Snowtires or chains — Wyoming law and common sense
- Emergency kit: blanket, food, jumper cables, shovel
- WYDOT wyoroad.info pulled up before you leave
- Cash for the lodge — card machines can be unreliable
- Water and snacks — altitude dehydrates faster than you think
- Ski boot bag and dry change of clothes for the drive home
Mountain Safety at Meadowlark
The Bighorn Mountains in winter are beautiful and unforgiving in equal measure. Know the rules, respect the terrain, and you'll have a safe, extraordinary day.
Know Your Ability
Black diamond terrain at 9,000 feet is not the same as black diamond at a milder resort. Start conservatively, assess conditions, then push your limits.
Tell Someone Your Plan
Before heading into tree terrain or off-trail areas, tell a non-skiing party where you're going and when to expect you back. Cell service in the Bighorns is spotty.
Check Avalanche Conditions
The Bighorn Mountains produce avalanche conditions. Check the avalanche.org forecast for the region before venturing off-piste or into steep terrain.
Ski With a Partner
Never ski expert terrain alone. Accidents happen in the best conditions. A partner can get help quickly in a remote mountain environment where emergency response takes time.
Weather Can Change Fast
A clear morning at the base can become a full whiteout at 9,000 feet by noon. Watch the sky and don't push through worsening visibility. The mountain will be there tomorrow.
Road Safety Matters Too
US-16 through the Bighorns closes in extreme conditions. Check wyoroad.info before departure and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Meadowlark Lift Ticket Information
Meadowlark stays genuinely affordable compared to destination resorts. Always confirm current pricing at skiwyoming.com before your visit — rates update each season.
| TICKET TYPE | NOTES | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Pass | Full mountain access, all lifts | Resort window or skiwyoming.com |
| Senior / Youth | Discounted rates for 65+ and children | Resort window |
| Ski School Package | Lesson + lift + rental equipment | Ski school desk — reserve on weekends |
| Season Pass | Best value for multiple visits | skiwyoming.com |
Prices change each season. Always verify current rates at skiwyoming.com before your trip.
Meadowlark Ski Resort — Frequently Asked Questions
Meadowlark is in the Bighorn National Forest along US Highway 16, between Ten Sleep and Buffalo in north-central Wyoming. From Sheridan, it's approximately 90 miles west — about 1.5 hours via US-14A and US-16. The resort sits above 9,000 feet in elevation.
January and February offer peak snowpack and cold, dry powder ideal for all ski styles. March brings spring skiing conditions that experienced skiers love — softer snow, sunshine, and shorter lines. Avoid holiday weekends if crowds are a priority, though even Meadowlark's busy days don't rival bigger resorts.
Yes — Meadowlark is one of the better family ski destinations in Wyoming precisely because it's uncrowded and genuinely affordable. The ski school has a strong reputation for patient instruction, and the beginner terrain is well-designed to keep new skiers progressing confidently. Kids learn faster when they're not terrified of crowd collisions.
Walk-up tickets are typically available at the resort window. Holiday weekends and powder days do bring higher-than-normal traffic — checking the resort website or calling ahead during Presidents' Week and Christmas break is smart. Always confirm current ticketing policies at skiwyoming.com before your visit.
Wyo Stays manages cabin and vacation rental properties in the Bighorn Mountains and Sheridan County that serve as ideal base camps for Meadowlark ski trips. Staying in the mountains means you're already at elevation — no long morning drive up, back at the cabin for après-ski by 4 p.m. Book direct at wyostays.com and skip the Airbnb service fees.
Wake Up Already in the Mountains
Our Bighorn Mountain cabins put you minutes from the lifts, not hours away. Wyo Stays is a licensed, insured Wyoming vacation rental brokerage — book direct and skip the channel fees.
View Bighorn Mountain CabinsBook Direct — No Channel Fees · wyostays.com · Sheridan, Wyoming