Where to ski and snowshoe near Laramie this winter

Albany County offers a compact network of cross-country ski and snowshoe options that can serve everyone from families learning on groomed city loops to experienced backcountry travelers heading into the Snowy Range. Local access points and conditions are the practical details residents need to plan safe, enjoyable outings this winter.

Closest to town, groomed city-area loops near the University of Wyoming provide beginner-friendly terrain and reliable tracked surfaces for skiers and snowshoers who want short, accessible outings without the drive. For residents seeking more varied terrain, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service trailheads off WY-230 and WY-130 open into the Snowy Range foothills. Medicine Bow National Forest maintains designated winter route segments of the Snowy Range Trail that are accessible from Centennial and Pole Mountain roads when conditions allow. Those routes shift from packed-to-deep depending on recent storms and grooming schedules, so seasonal access varies.

Safety remains the priority. Check WYDOT and National Weather Service road and weather conditions before you go, bring extra layers, and let someone know your planned route and expected return time. The trails and roads in question are described as contingent on current snow and grooming conditions; some Forest Service segments and road-access points are usable only when plowed or when travel advisories are lifted. Local grooming updates and parking rules are posted by city recreation crews, forest service offices and volunteer grooming groups, and skiers should confirm parking restrictions at each trailhead to avoid fines or towing.

The recreational network also matters for Albany County’s local economy and community life. Urban loops near the university lower the barrier to entry for students, new residents and families, while the Snowy Range foothills and Medicine Bow segments attract day visitors who support local outfitters, restaurants and lodging. Maintaining trails and grooming equipment requires coordinated funding and volunteer time from municipal crews, the Forest Service and local clubs, so public engagement and adherence to posted rules help preserve access for everyone.

For practical planning, treat access as conditional: city loops are the most consistently groomed, BLM and Forest Service trailheads off WY-230 and WY-130 provide the nearest foothills access, and Snowy Range Trail segments via Centennial and Pole Mountain roads are available when weather and road crews allow. Follow WYDOT and National Weather Service advisories, monitor local grooming updates, carry extra clothing and emergency supplies, and respect posted parking rules. Doing so keeps outings safer and helps sustain the winter recreation network Albany County relies on.