12 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Wyoming Winter
There’s no denying that winter in Wyoming is one-of-a-kind. Falling snow and plummeting temperatures are sure signs of the season’s arrival. Staying warm isn’t the only key to surviving a Wyoming winter, though. And that’s where we come in. Whether you’re a long-time Wyomingite or new to the Cowboy State, here are a few things you’ve got to know about how to handle a winter in Wyoming.
1. You're about to get really good at jigsaw puzzles.
Or knitting or tying flies or any one of a number of warm and dry indoor hobbies. Wyoming winters are long, and there is no sense in being bored all the time!
Whether you hate the snow or love the snow, you'll get the same amount of snow. Embrace our wild winters in Wyoming as one reason you love living out here, and the season will seem all the more pleasant.
3. There's so much time to catch up on your favorite TV shows.
While Wyomingites aren't big TV watchers — we prefer to spend time outside when we can — there's enough bad weather during the winter that you'll have plenty of hours to watch the latest season of Stranger Things or re-watch The Office for the fifteenth time.
4. Your work day is now from "can't see" to "can't see."
As the late Yogi Berra once said, "it gets late early out there." Well, that's true for Wyoming, particularly during winter in Wyoming. Long gone are the days of summer when the sun stayed up for hours. Our short, cold days mean you leave home in the dark and get home when the moon's finally peeking out.
What you wear through the winter is important. Skip cotton layers — they don't dry and you'll freeze in no time. Pick up some thick, wool stockings or hiking socks. If your feet stay dry and warm, you've got a shot at not being completely miserable outside.
6. It's only worth visiting Jackson close to Christmas.
A trip to Jackson is expensive any time of year, but it's worth a splurge to visit our resort city during Christmas. Take a sleigh ride in the Elk Refuge, which is easily one of the best places to visit during winter in Wyoming, and pose for photos under the lighted antler arches. Christmas Village is in full force here all December long.
You'll need them to get down your driveway some days... but even if you luck out and don't need them to leave your house, you'll certainly need them for any outdoor adventuring once the snow begins to fall, as Wyoming winter weather can be pretty brutal.
Some food, water, an emergency blanket, a radio, flashlights, flares, extra batteries... what else would you add to the list? Getting stranded in Wyoming is no joke, and in the winter, it can be deadly.
10. It's not even the temperatures that get you — it's the wind!
We can deal with 30 below, but with wind added in, some winter days can be just plain miserable. When it comes to Wyoming winter weather, the general rule of thumb is: Don't check the temp, check the wind chill.
It would take a blizzard of enormous magnitude to shut down a Wyoming school. We're prepared for this weather, so leave "snow days" to those kids on the East Coast who get the day off when it flurries.
12. There's nothing in the world more beautiful than a fresh Wyoming snowfall.
We live out here for a reason — and we truly love it.
Well, what do you think? Are these the keys to surviving a Wyoming winter? How do you feel about the season? Do you enjoy winter in Wyoming? Or are you more of a warm-weather person? What else would you add to this list? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so let us know!
Believe it or not, winter in Wyoming doesn’t come without its hassles. For example, just take a look at some of the worst blizzards in Wyoming’s history. Plus, in the past, Albany County was just given the honor of having the worst weather in America… so really, it could go either way. Really, once it is winter in Wyoming, there’s nothing to do but bundle up and say goodbye to the grass and flowers — until spring, that is.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter In Wyoming
November 29, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some fun things to do in winter in Wyoming?
There are lots of ways to enjoy the cold weather in Wyoming. Here are some fun things to do in winter in Wyoming:
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
