The Best Winter Activities in Sheridan
It’s the off-season in Sheridan, but those who are willing to brave the famous Wyoming winter will be rewarded with unrivaled outdoor adventure and resoundingly unique old-school fun. Serenity lives in the town’s rich outdoor escapes and the warm community spaces, while a wild new west unfolds in the landscape beyond. This guide will cover the best winter activities in Sheridan, whether you’re traveling solo, planning a family vacation, or cutting out for a carefree weekend getaway.
Outdoor Winter Activities
The best things to do in Sheridan during the winter season are found in the pristine, powdery snow. With the vast expanse of Northern Wyoming easily available and the breathtaking Bighorn Mountains next door, Sheridan is one of the best places in the state to stay if you’re planning to spend your vacation exploring the great Western outdoors. Snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and more are all available throughout the region—and you don’t have to pick just one.
Snowmobiling
The Northern Bighorn Mountain Trail System offers some of the best snowmobiling routes in the state. One million acres of land, both groomed and ungroomed, let riders of all skill levels explore the breathtaking beauty of backcountry Wyoming, proving why snowmobiling is one of the best winter activities. Local services in the area help visitors prepare for their trip and give them all the equipment they need to go wild.
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross country skiing, also called Nordic skiing, slows the sport of skiing down by taking it to the trail. Coast along the wild woodland areas of northern Wyoming, where you can admire one of the finest winter environments in the world. Snowshoeing has a similar appeal, with the added benefit of more freedom to explore tight spaces and powdery, untouched snow. Looking for the extra challenge? The Black Mountain Nordic Ski Club occasionally offers free Moonlight Ski Events.
Fat Biking
Want to take a lifelong skill to a new terrain? Then fat biking is one of the best winter activities for you! Special oversized tires provide more surface area for riders to navigate snowy trails with ease. There are many accessible routes in Bighorn Mountain Country as well as throughout the city and surrounding parks. Experienced riders will be happy to know that Sheridan Bicycle Company provides extensive services, and those interested in getting a new bike couldn’t be in better hands.
Ice Fishing
In Wyoming, the fishing doesn’t stop when it starts getting cold. On the contrary, the beautiful frozen lakes around Sheridan often yield some of the biggest fish each year, but it also comes with taking necessary precautions to ensure visitors have a fun and safe experience. Review the Wyoming Game and Fish rules and regulations, and be sure to dress appropriately for the sub-freezing temperatures on the lake.
Not ready to put your fly rod away? The region’s tailwaters rarely ice over, making for some excellent winter fly fishing.
Winter Festivals & Events
Wyomingites know how to have fun in the winter. From long-running community gatherings to popular regional celebrations, pairing your visit with one of these wild and wonderful festivals & events is one of the best winter activities to experience Sheridan, Wyoming. Be sure to visit the Sheridan, Wyoming, events calendar for the most up-to-date information on things to do in Sheridan.
WYO Winter Rodeo
The WYO Winter Rodeo is a lively and distinctive annual event held in Sheridan, Wyoming, that brings together traditional western rodeo action and wintry thrills. At the heart of the celebration is skijoring, where a skier is pulled by a horse through a course lined with gates, jumps, and rings — racing for cash prizes, custom buckles, and glory. Beyond the races, the rodeo features family-friendly activities, including sledding on a historic estate, snowshoeing, and hockey games. Over the years it’s become a beloved winter tradition, drawing both locals and visitors to experience Wyoming’s wildest winter event.
Christmas Stroll
Every year, Sheridan residents gather downtown on the Friday after Thanksgiving for the Christmas Stroll. With Historic Main Street closed to traffic, you can explore an illuminated city center and enjoy lights, decorations, food, fireworks, wagon rides, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, and more. Holiday cheer radiates in this fun, free, and family-friendly event.
Christmas with the Kendricks
Fans of both theater and immersive entertainment will be engrossed in the annual Christmas with the Kendricks performance. Held only on December 19 & 20, the popular event is a play that unfolds as attendees follow actors through the rooms of the Kendrick house at Trail End State Historic Site. This is a great event for small groups looking to step back in time for some traditional Christmas cheer.
Plan your Winter Vacation in Sheridan
Wild adventures and rugged landscapes await the adrenaline seekers and nature lovers heading to Sheridan. But an exciting day in the snow isn’t all there is to do. After a day on the slopes and exploring the backcountry, warm back up with a craft beer at a local brewery and a hardy dinner at one of Sheridan’s local restaurants.
Wonderful outdoor activities and things to do in Sheridan this winter await you. Start planning your visit today.
