Change is Afoot at Wyoming's Small Ski Hills

Wyoming’s small ski areas may have had a rough go in recent years, but they’re making changes and staying afloat. One ski area that closed down for last season has even had a resurrection.

In Pinedale, the lifts at White Pine Ski Area will once again turn this winter. The Citizens To Save White Pine failed in opening the ski hill for last winter, so the resort sat dormant. The organization that succeeded in purchasing White Pine is selling season passes and plans to open under new management this winter.  

Just north in Jackson, Snow King Resort sold to JMI Realty. That sale includes the 204-room hotel, but not the ski hill operations. The ski and snowboard business will continue to be run by the current owners, a group of companies known as Snow King Holdings. JMI Realty has contracted with Benchmark Hospitality to run the hotel and plans to start a two-year renovation to the tune of $20 million.

In Casper, city-owned Hogadon has seen a changeover in management, repairs to the Yellow Chair, and a concerted effort to create a master plan for the ski hill. The morning half-day pass went on the chopping block, but you can still ski half-day in the afternoon.

You can find out more information about the three ski areas here: Snow King, White Pine, Hogadon.