If you think travel is all about summer vacations, then you'll be missing out. During the winter, many places take on a new unearthly kind of beauty and throw in some exciting winter sports and you’ve got yourself a pretty fine unique vacation. Here’s why you should visit the least populated US state of beautiful Wyoming this winter…
The Winter Sports
When Jack Frost comes nipping, Wyoming becomes a mecca for winter sports. Offering some of the best skiing/snowboarding and snowmobiling in North America – it seems to be the place to head for a huge variety of seasonal sports set in spectacular snowy scenery. Choose from incredible ski opportunities around Jackson Hole (which has five nearby ski resorts in total) and snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park where you can ride through timbered valleys, powder covered meadows and spectacular ridge lines. Also on offer are sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing and snow tubing which can be heaps of fun!
The Scenery
When winter falls, Wyoming is arguably at its most picturesque with scenery including Narnia-esque landscapes, snow capped mountains and thick icy forests. Visit the mountain resort Jackson Hole where deep snow coats the beautiful valley and Yellowstone to see geyser’s turn into misty, steamy spectacles. This Winter in Wyoming video highlights its spectacular beauty…
The Photography Workshops
Take advantage of the striking winter scenery in Wyoming by joining one of the photography work shops on offer. During the workshop you'll be accompanied by a professional nature photographer for a private tour of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. The customised workshops are tailored to suit different experience levels and they will also share their knowledge and techniques, allowing you to safely photograph wildlife, historic structures or area scenery. For more information visit the Wyoming Office of Tourism website.
The Fine Art Tour
If you prefer to keep things a little more traditional then try the fine art tour. Join the tour and a local western wildlife artist who will take you round the collections of western and wildlife art in Jackson Hole. They begin with a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art to enjoy some of the 5,000 cataloged items owned by the museum in addition and then you will get to choose which private galleries you want to explore next. All the artist guides are not only accomplished guides themselves they are familiar with current art trends and new artists.
The Wildlife
The winter is an excellent time to spot wildlife in Wyoming, especially Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park – undaunted by the summer visitors, big game animals come down into the lower warm valleys for food and shelter. Take advantage of these fantastic spotting opportunities and join one of the wildlife safaris on offer. Jackson Hole Wildlife safaris for example will take you through Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge where you'll have the chance to encounter spot bison, elk, deer, moose, fox, coyote, bald eagle, trumpeter swan, and even wolves.
The Winter Events
To make the most of the spectacular winter in Wyoming, the state plays host to range of seasonal events from November through to March. Highlights include the Sierra Madre Winter Carnival (which includes sled races and a snow sculpture contest), a Christmas parade and an exhilarating snowmobile hill climb.
Copyright © 2014 by Global Grasshopper. This article was written by Becky Padmore and originally published on globalgrasshopper.com.
