How to Spend 48 Hours in Casper, Wyoming, This Winter

If you’re a winter lover, you’ve come to the right place. A mountain town at heart, winter in Casper is welcomed with open arms. From downhill skiing in Casper to snowshoeing through snow-covered trees and visiting local breweries, this is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming during the winter.

To start, here are a few places to put on your must-do winter list...

Hogadon Basin Ski Area: One of the best places to ski in Wyoming in the winter.
Casper Mountain: Explore miles of groomed winter trails on snowshoes, snowmobile, or skis.
Ice Skating at David Street Station: Hit the ice rink at David Street Station and soak up the vibes of downtown Casper.
Downtown Casper: Warm up with hot cocoa from a local coffee shop or check out our local retailers.

And to help make the most of your time, here is your guide to spending 48 hours in Casper, Wyoming.

Day 1

Breakfast: Kick the morning off with a hearty breakfast at Sherrie’s Place. A local favorite, it’s a great place to get some grub that will stick to your bones. Their menu has everything from French toast to biscuits and gravy and omelets to pancakes.

Morning Activity: Swing by one of the local outdoor shops (like Gear Up and Get Out There or Mountain Sports) and rent snowshoes. From there, head up Casper Mountain and hit the trails system at the Casper Mountain Trails Center and its 26 miles of groomed trails. After a morning outdoors, warm up in the new Trails Center.

Lunch: Head back down the mountain for lunch. For soup and sandwiches, visit The Cottage Cafe (open Tuesdays-Fridays) or the Branding Iron in downtown for hearty salads, burgers and sandwiches.

Afternoon: Soak up Casper’s museum scene, with a visit to the Nicolaysen Art Museum or Tate Geological Museum. Another great option: the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, where you can learn about the historic trails that weave in, around and through Casper and Natrona County.

After taking in Casper’s arts and culture scene, taste the flavors of Wyoming at local breweries. There are plenty of places to drink local and sip on The Cowboy State. A few to note: Black Tooth Brewing, Gruner Brothers Brewing and Stahoo’s Brewery.

photo: @hannah.stille

Dinner: Dine like a Wyomingite and dig into a perfectly cooked steak at FireRock Steakhouse or Silver Fox Steakhouse. End your dinner with a house-made layered carrot cake at FireRock or mud pie from Silver Fox.

After Dinner: Head to downtown Casper and pick up some skates before hitting the rink at David Street Station.

Day 2

Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast or brunch at Eggington’s in downtown Casper. While they have a robust breakfast menu, we recommend trying the various benedict options, served with a side of cheesy hash browns.

Today’s Activity: Head up the mountain to Hogadon Basin Ski Area. An upside-down ski hill on Casper Mountain, you drive to the top (where the lodge is located) and ski down the slopes before catching the chairlift at the bottom.

Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding Wednesdays-Sundays, Hogadon Basin also has night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays, an on-mountain lodge with dining options and a bar, a rental shop and lessons. With 25+ trails, Casper’s backyard ski area has a nice mix of terrain, including freestyle options.

@b.tormanen

Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the mountain at Hogadon’s Scramble Food Court and grab an adult beverage at Slalom Sam’s Bar.

After a day well spent on the mountain, head back down to Casper. On the way, swing into Rotary Park and take the short walk to Garden Creek Falls, a waterfall frozen along the side of the mountain.

Dinner: Reward yourself at the Thai Kitchen Restaurant. With a laid-back vibe and delectable food, this is a great location to end the day. Try the wontons, mango salad, curry options and specialty entrees.

Additional Winter Activities

Want more recommendations for things to see and do in Casper this winter? Book a guided fly-fishing trip (yes, even in winter) on the North Platte River. Take a drive to Independence Rock, about an hour west of Casper, for a glimpse at this historic landmark in the snow. Rent a fat bike and hit the trails on Casper Mountain or ride along the Platte River Trails.