Stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains, bison and bighorn sheep, 46 ski runs, a 14-feature terrain park — Sleeping Giant Ski Area keeps you in a constant state of awe. Opened in 1936 just east of Yellowstone, Sleeping Giant was one of America’s first ski resorts. As visits declined, the Wyoming park closed in 2004. But the community pulled together to revamp and reopen it as a nonprofit venture.
| If you go |
| Sleeping Giant Ski Area |
| Where: Located in the Shoshone National Forest of Wyoming, east of Yellowstone National Park, at 348 Yellowstone Highway. Open through April 3. |
| Info: skisg.com, 307-587-3125 |
With recent awards and buzz, the reborn park has emerged as a 2011 ski/snowboard hot spot. Skiable terrain has increased from 45 to 183 acres, the magic carpet covers 900 vertical feet, snowmaking equipment and lifts have been added, and its terrain park beckons with jumps, quarter-pipes, rails and other features constructed of materials found on the hill. “Features and benches were built from reclaimed lumber from old barns, ranch stockpens, shacks, and wood from naturally fallen trees,” says service manager Gen Armstrong. “Picnic tables were made from hazard trees cleared for safety.”
Unlike most terrain parks, which are “wide open” or cleared of trees, Sleeping Giant features are designed into the natural terrain, adding beauty and challenge.
Mid-December, “our Pistol Wall ride was awarded ‘top park feature in the nation’ by Ski Area Management magazine,” says operations manager Mike Neff, a New Hampshire transplant. “Pistol” refers to the .44 Colt-shaped reclaimed timber topping the 20-foot ramp.
Terrain park manager Chay Donnelly demonstrates supreme finesse while snowboarding the Pistol and then atop Rainbow Rail, a naturally bent 4-inch-wide log. “It takes some practice,” he winks.
Risks are mitigated with safety measures. Donnelly continually grooms transitions, tests features and acquaints visitors with “Smart Style” codes of freestyle etiquette and responsibility. The pro snowboarder sets an example that even with extreme sports, “reckless” is not part of having a blast.
The nonprofit venture keeps prices low — $20 full-park pass ($12 for children); $20 tickets with “Stay and Ski” packages. But Facebook comments from “jibbers” (hard-core freestylers) confirm there’s boundless adventure. Neff points to the park’s 7,400-foot summit: “There’s also awesome 35-to-40-degree perfectly parked-out tree skiing.”
A family-friendly, attitude-free vibe also distinguishes the park, adds Donnelly. Comradely competition drives Sleeping Giant’s Downhill Diva, Buffalo Jump and the Rails and Bails Freestyle events.
And whatever your level, you’re rewarded by the scenery, says artist Cindy Bennett, a former Washingtonian. “Spectacular geological formations, bison, elk, bighorn sheep … it’s like nowhere else.”
