Antelope Butte Mountain Resort Wyoming
Wyoming's Community Ski Mountain · 8,500+ ft · ~25 Runs · Dec to Mar · Nonprofit Owned
Always verify current operating status before your trip. Check skiantelopebutte.com for current season dates, lift status, and ticket information.
Wyoming's Comeback Story on Snow
There's a specific kind of pride that comes with skiing a mountain your community brought back. Antelope Butte Mountain Resort in the Bighorn National Forest spent years closed: lifts silent, snowpack untouched, the runs going back to mountain. Then Wyoming did what Wyoming does. Local people decided not to accept that outcome.
Through a grassroots fundraising effort, Antelope Butte was revived as a nonprofit operation. It's Wyoming's only truly community-owned ski mountain, run by people who ski it, for families who've been skiing it for generations. That ethos shapes everything from ticket pricing to the volunteer culture you'll find at the base lodge.
When you stay in a Wyo Stays Bighorn cabin nearby, you're part of that same spirit. Locally owned. Locally operated. Browse all Bighorn cabin rentals.
The History of Antelope Butte
Antelope Butte has been part of the Bighorn Mountains' winter culture for decades. Understanding its history helps you appreciate what the community chose to save.
EraWhat Happened 1960sResort opens in the Bighorn National Forest, a regional ski destination for northern Wyoming. 1980s to 90sDecades of operation serving Wyoming families, building the mountain's community identity. 2000sResort closes after financial and operational difficulty, leaving a void in the region's winter recreation landscape. 2019 to 2022Community fundraising begins. Nonprofit entity forms. Infrastructure restoration and federal permit work underway. RevivalAntelope Butte returns to skiing: community-owned, nonprofit operated, and built to last.Terrain at Antelope Butte Mountain Resort
Antelope Butte offers terrain that suits intermediate and advanced skiers especially well. The mountain's character is steeper than you might expect, with genuine tree terrain that rewards skilled skiers and challenges those building confidence.
The resort sits in a north-facing aspect that holds cold, dry powder exceptionally well after storms. Wind loading on upper-mountain terrain creates natural deposits that experienced skiers find long after the storm has passed.
At 8,500+ feet, altitude is a real factor. If you're coming from lower elevation, start more conservatively than you think you need to. You'll be grateful for it by 2 p.m. when you've still got energy for one more run. For skiers looking to extend a Bighorn trip, nearby Meadowlark Ski Resort offers a complementary experience on the eastern side of the range.
Insider Tips for Antelope Butte
Arrive Early on Weekend Days
Antelope Butte draws passionate locals who show up when the lifts open. Getting there by 9 a.m. means first tracks on groomed runs and a relaxed start to your day.
Check Snowpack, Not Just Forecast
The Bighorns can be variable. A week without snowfall at lower elevations sometimes means excellent high-mountain snowpack. Check the resort's conditions report, not your weather app.
Support the Mission
Antelope Butte operates as a nonprofit. Consider a membership or season pass rather than day tickets. It directly funds infrastructure and keeps the mountain sustainable long-term.
Dress for 9,000 Feet
Wind chill above treeline can drop the real-feel temperature 20°F below the forecast. What feels fine at the base lodge can be genuinely cold at the summit. Layer aggressively.
Community Means Cash
Bring cash. Like many community operations, the resort may have limited card processing at some points of sale. Coming prepared keeps things moving smoothly for everyone.
Tree Terrain After Storms
Antelope Butte's forested runs hold powder 2 to 3 days longer than groomed trails. Arriving midweek after a weekend snowfall? The trees are where the goods are waiting.
Getting to Antelope Butte Mountain Resort
Antelope Butte is in the Bighorn National Forest along US Highway 14, southwest of Sheridan. The approach road winds through high mountain terrain. Allow extra time in winter and check wyoroad.info before departure.
FromDistanceDrive TimeRoute Notes Sheridan, WY~60 miles1.25 hrsUS-14 west through Dayton and into the Bighorn National Forest. Burgess Junction is your landmark. Snowtires required in winter. Gillette, WY~65 miles1.25 hrsUS-14/16 west toward Ucross, then US-14 toward the Bighorns. Burgess Junction is your waypoint. Significant elevation gain in the final 20 miles. Worland / Greybull~85 miles1.75 hrsUS-16 east then US-14. The western approach involves significant elevation gain. Plan for a longer drive and potentially slower conditions in full winter.
What to Bring to Antelope Butte
Essential Gear
Helmet (required for tree terrain), waterproof outerwear rated below 10°F, thermal base layers in merino or synthetic, neck gaiter or balaclava, quality ski goggles with anti-fog lens, and hand warmers as backup. Wyoming cold is not casual.
Vehicle Preparedness
All-season tires are insufficient on mountain roads in January. Snowtires or chains are essential. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle: blanket, extra food, water, jumper cables, small shovel. Highway 14 can close in severe conditions. wyoroad.info is your best resource before and during the trip.
Food and Water
Pack more food and water than you think you need. Altitude dehydrates quickly, and skiing hungry is skiing poorly. On busy days, the lodge can have lines. Your own snacks in your pack keep the day moving on your terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antelope Butte Mountain Resort Open for Skiing?
Antelope Butte has been revived through community effort and has operated in recent seasons. Current operating status, lift conditions, and season dates should always be confirmed at skiantelopebutte.com before planning your trip, as schedules vary based on snowpack and operational capacity.
Where Exactly Is Antelope Butte Mountain Resort in Wyoming?
Antelope Butte is in the Bighorn National Forest along US Highway 14, approximately 60 miles west-southwest of Sheridan, Wyoming. Access via Burgess Junction on US-14. The resort sits above 8,500 feet on the western slopes of the Bighorn range.
What Makes Antelope Butte Different from Other Wyoming Ski Resorts?
Antelope Butte is Wyoming's only community-owned, nonprofit ski resort, brought back from closure through grassroots local fundraising. The mission is access, not profit. Ticket pricing is oriented toward Wyoming families, the culture is volunteer-driven and genuinely warm, and the experience feels more like skiing with friends than transacting with a corporation.
Is Antelope Butte Good for Intermediate Skiers?
Yes. The terrain mix leans toward intermediate and advanced, making it ideal for confident intermediate skiers wanting to push their ability. North-facing aspects hold excellent snow, and the tree terrain offers a natural next step for skiers ready to leave groomed runs behind.
What Elevation Is Antelope Butte Mountain Resort?
Antelope Butte sits above 8,500 feet in the Bighorn National Forest, with summit terrain pushing above 9,000 feet. The high elevation means cold, dry powder characteristic of Wyoming's northern mountain range.
Where Can I Stay Near Antelope Butte Mountain Resort?
Wyo Stays manages cabin properties in the Bighorn Mountains and Sheridan County area that serve as excellent base camps for an Antelope Butte ski trip. Browse Bighorn cabin rentals and book direct to skip Airbnb and VRBO service fees.
Stay in the Mountains You're Skiing
Our Bighorn cabin rentals put you minutes from Antelope Butte. Locally owned, locally operated, just like the mountain itself. View Bighorn Mountain Cabins and book direct with no channel fees.
