All around Pinedale lies a cross-country skier's dream, a vast valley of virgin snow pack, surrounded by towering snow-covered mountain ranges of Wind River and Wyoming.
The diversity of terrain and quality and longevity of snow in and around Pinedale provide incredible opportunities for cross-country skiing. Whether you are seeking a wilderness experience or rounding groomed tracks, or whether you'd like an overnight experience or just have an hour or two, Pinedale will satisfy your quest for winter fun and adventure.
The oldest form of skiing, documented by 4000 year old cave murals in Norway, provides one of the best ways of experiencing winter, improving fitness and learning about skiing. Pinedale`s 35+ kilometers of groomed trails around White Pine Ski Area offer easy skiing with optional hill trails and majestic views of the Wind River Range, The Bridger Wilderness, Fremont Lake, as well as the Wyoming Range, Gros Ventre and Teton Montain Range. White Pine Lodge is open Thursday - Sunday with food and beverage service and local beers! Parking is close to the trailheads.
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| Photo by: Lodge at Jackson Fork Ranch |
The area along Skyline Drive offers over 60 km of marked groomed trails designed to accommodate all levels of ability. Skiing in the Wind River, Gros Ventre and the Wyoming Mountain ranges is on logging roads, covered sagebrush and off track, and is generally for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are over two million acres of public land in Sublette County, providing vistas of incredible beauty to the Nordic skier.
Detailed trail maps are available at our hotel, from the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, 307-367-4326.
Home not only to world class cross-country skiing, but to hundreds of wintering moose, elk, mule deer and pronghorn. Cast an eye skyward and you'll likely see bald eagles floating above the valley floor in search of their next meal.
All trail distances are one way (not round trip) along the trail unless otherwise noted as a loop trail.
TRAIL A - SWEENEY CREEK
10.0 km. (6.3 mi)
(from Fremont Lake Road to Trail H junction) Trail A leaves Fremont Lake Road with the lower portion of the trail following a gentle valley. At 5 km (3.1 mi) the trail becomes a steep climb up to trail H. The junction with trail B is 3/4 mile from Fremont Lake Road. Trail C junction is 1 mile from Fremont Lake Road. The upper portion of Trail A passes near slopes with avalanche potential, so be cautious when leaving the trail and approaching steeper slopes.
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TRAIL B - GROUSE MOUNTAIN
15.8 km, (9.9 mi)
(from Trail A junction to Trail I junction) Trail B leaves Trail A 3/4 mile from Fremont Lake Road and provides beautiful views over Half Moon Lake and Fayette Lake before connecting with Trail I. Trail B is a difficult trail requiring caution, and is for the accomplished skier with an overnight trip in mind. Slopes adjacent to the trail may be susceptible to avalanche, be careful!
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TRAIL C - TIE
1.4 km, (.8 mi)
(connects Trail A to Trail D) A quick and easy trail that connects Trail A to Trail D.
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TRAIL D - KELLY PARK
5.7 km. (3.5 mi)
(beginning at Fremont Lake Road end connecting with Trail H) 2.4 km, (1.5 mi) (beginning at Fremont Lake Road and connecting with Trail E)
Beginning at Fremont Lake Road, there are three choices. About 1/2 mile up the trail, a junction leads toward Trail E. The total distance to Trail E is 2.4 km, (1.5 mi). This is a very easy option. The second option begins at Fremont Lake Road and goes one mile up the trail to the Trail C junction which leads to Trail A. This is also an easy option. The last option begins at Fremont Lake Road and goes up Fortification Mtn. then connects with Trail H. Total distance from Fremont Lake Road to Trail H junction is 5.7 km, (3.6 mi). This is the most difficult choice with a steep climb up Fortification Mtn. |
TRAIL E - LOWER MEADOW LOOP
2.8 km. (1.8 mi)
(distance indicated is a loop diatance)
Encircling lower Surveyor Park, Trail E provides the beginner with a gentle trail. Starting and ending at White Pine Ski Area, the loop connects with Trail D. |
TRAIL F - GROOMED SKI AREA
6.4 km. (4 mi)
(distance indicated is a loop distance)
Trail F is maintained by the Pinedale Ski Education Foundation, a local non-profit organization formed to promote nordic skiing. Trail F provides excellent opportunities for both classic and skate skiing. Please do not take your dog or snowmobile on the trail. |
TRAIL G- SURVEYOR CUTOFF
3.8 km, (2.4 m)
(beginning at White Pine Ski Area and connecting with trail H)
Trail G connects White Pine Ski Area to Trail H allowing access to several other trails. Trail G is a steep difficult trail which follows a wide road. |
TRAIL H - ELKHART TRAIL
3.9 km. (2.4 mi)
(Elkhart Park to trail A/D junction)
Several trails connect into Trail H providing the opportunity for loops. Although Trail H is an easy trail, access is very difficult. |
TRAIL I - POLE CREEK TRAIL
7 km, (4.3 mi)
(from Elkhart Park to Photographers Point)
Beginning at Elkhart Park, Trail I leads into the Bridger Wilderness passing the Trail J junction at 2.5 km, (1.6 mi) and the Trail B junction at 3.7 km, (2.3) mi. Though mostly gentle, there are some challenging areas along this trail. |
TRAIL J - POLE CREEK CUTOFF
1.4 km, (.8 mi)
(from Trail H junction to Trail I junction)
A quick and easy route that connects Trail H with Trail I. The unplowed road between White Pine Ski Area and Elkhart Park is 6.7 km. (4.2 mi). This is a fairly steep climb, but very wide. Watch for snowmobiles on the road. |
