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    Wyoming, Usa

    Sleeping Giant

    48 runs, 500in average snowfall near Yellowstone's East Gate. Currently closed pending sale to new owners.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    6 Dec 2025
    Closes
    29 Mar 2026
    Days open
    113
    Annual snow
    42ft
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Sleeping Giant's summit reaches 7,428 feet, dropping 810 vertical feet to a base at 6,617 feet across 48 runs spread over 184 acres just outside Yellowstone National Park's East Gate. Terrain splits 37 per cent intermediate, 35 per cent advanced, 15 per cent beginner and 13 per cent expert. Average annual snowfall reaches roughly 500 inches, among the highest totals of any ski area in Wyoming. The area has not run lifts for skiing since 2023 and is in the advanced stages of a sale to a new owner.

    Three lifts, a double chair, a T-bar and a surface lift, historically served the mountain's 48 runs across the 810-foot vertical drop. The 35 per cent advanced and 13 per cent expert terrain share gave Sleeping Giant a steeper profile than its modest size suggested. Night skiing operated on Saturdays when the area was running, an unusual offering for a small Wyoming ski hill. The exceptional snowfall reflects the area's position near Yellowstone's high, snowy interior plateau.

    Sleeping Giant dates to 1936, making it the eighth-oldest ski area in the United States, originally established as the Red Star Camp before taking its current name in 1938. The area closed in 2004 after its T-bar was found unsafe with no funds available to repair it, reopening in 2007 under the nonprofit Yellowstone Recreations Foundation following an 800,000 US dollar community fundraising campaign. It has been closed for skiing for the past three winters. Dallas-based HMH Capital is in advanced stages of purchasing the property, with reported plans to redevelop it as a summer recreation park rather than reopen it for skiing.

    Given the current closure and pending sale, Sleeping Giant should not be treated as a bookable ski destination for the 2026-27 season pending confirmation of new ownership's plans. Historically, the area carried no multi-resort pass affiliation and operated as an independent, locally supported ski hill. If new ownership does reopen the area for skiing, its unusually high snowfall and varied terrain would make it a notable addition to Wyoming's smaller ski areas again. Visitors should check current status directly before planning a trip.

    810ft
    Vertical
    48
    Runs
    184 acres
    Skiable
    42ft
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    48 runs across 184 acres skiable

    Sleeping Giant spreads 48 runs across 184 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 37%, with 7 beginner runs to find your feet and 23 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    48
    runs
    48 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner7 runs · 15%
    Intermediate18 runs · 37%
    Advanced17 runs · 35%
    Expert6 runs · 13%
    Time it right

    When to visit Sleeping Giant

    When operating, Sleeping Giant's season historically ran from early December through late March, similar to other small Wyoming ski areas at this elevation. The area has been closed for skiing for the past three winters, so no season currently operates. The high base elevation of 6,617 feet and exceptional local snowfall supported a reliable season length in past years. Any future season would depend on the outcome of the area's pending sale.

    Average annual snowfall of roughly 500 inches ranks among the highest in Wyoming, a product of the area's position near Yellowstone's snowy interior plateau close to the park's East Gate. This natural snowfall made the area reliably deep in past operating seasons without heavy reliance on snowmaking. Base depth and season totals are not currently tracked given the area's closed status. The snowfall potential remains a notable asset should the area reopen under new ownership.

    In past operating years, January and February offered the most reliable powder conditions, consistent with the broader Yellowstone-area storm pattern. Night skiing ran on Saturdays until 7pm when the area was open, giving Cody-area locals an after-work option. Late-season visits in March historically saw conditions vary with spring snowpack. None of this currently applies while the area remains closed for skiing.

    Sleeping Giant's event calendar and night skiing programming have been dormant since the area's most recent closure. Dallas-based HMH Capital is reported to be planning a summer recreation park for the property, with a 2027 target, rather than a ski season reopening. Should new ownership choose to reopen lifts for winter use, the area's history of community fundraising, including the 2007 'Wake Up the Giant' campaign, shows local appetite for keeping it running. Current visitors should confirm operating status directly before planning any winter trip.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    6 Dec 2025
    Opens
    29 Mar 2026
    Closes
    113
    Days open
    42 ft
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Sleeping Giant, and where to stay

    Sleeping Giant sits at the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, roughly 50 miles west of Cody, Wyoming, with a base elevation of 6,617 feet. The summit reaches 7,428 feet across an 810-foot vertical drop over 184 acres. The area sits within the Shoshone National Forest, immediately adjacent to Yellowstone's boundary. This location gives it some of the most Yellowstone-proximate skiing terrain of any Wyoming ski area, historically.

    Cody, Wyoming, is the nearest town of any size, 50 miles east along the North Fork Highway. The neighbouring Shoshone Lodge has operated alongside the ski area since its earliest years as Red Star Camp in the 1930s. The East Gate area sits well outside Cody's town limits, in a remote, forested stretch of highway leading into Yellowstone. This isolation has historically limited casual day-trip visitation compared with ski areas closer to towns.

    The North Fork Highway (US-14/16/20) provides the only paved access route, running directly past the ski area en route to Yellowstone's East Entrance. The drive from Cody takes roughly an hour under normal winter conditions. Winter driving on this stretch can include snowpack and wildlife on the road, given the route's position through the Shoshone National Forest. No public transport service reaches the area, making a car essential for any visit.

    Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody is the nearest airport with scheduled commercial service, roughly 50 miles from the ski area. Billings Logan International Airport in Montana offers a larger range of connections, around two and a half hours away by road. Jackson Hole Airport sits considerably further south, making it a less practical option for this part of northwestern Wyoming. Most visitors historically combined a Sleeping Giant visit with a Yellowstone trip through the East Gate rather than a standalone ski journey.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Sleeping Giant, powered by Stay22.

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    Lift tickets

    10 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Adult Full Day

    US$65up to US$85 peak

    Full day skiing at Sleeping Giant near Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming's unique ski area features 49 trails and terrain park just 3 miles from Yellowstone's East Gate in Cody.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–17

    Youth Full Day

    US$55up to US$70 peak

    Youth daily ticket for Sleeping Giant Ski Area. Experience Wyoming skiing near Yellowstone with innovative terrain park features and challenging glade skiing without crowds.

    Buy pass
    Child 7–12

    Child Full Day

    US$45up to US$60 peak

    Children's lift ticket at Sleeping Giant near Yellowstone. Family-friendly Wyoming skiing with beginner terrain and unique location just outside America's first National Park.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–6

    Child (6 & Under)

    Free

    Free skiing for children 6 and under at Sleeping Giant. Wyoming's unique ski area near Yellowstone National Park welcomes families with scenic mountain views.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–99

    Senior Full Day

    US$55up to US$70 peak

    Senior lift ticket for Sleeping Giant Ski Area. Discounted access to Wyoming skiing near Yellowstone with 49 trails and breathtaking mountain range views.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Intro to Snow Package

    US$95up to US$115 peak

    Beginner package with lesson, rental, and lift ticket at Sleeping Giant. Perfect introduction to skiing near Yellowstone National Park with professional instruction.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Half Day

    US$50up to US$65 peak

    Half day skiing at Sleeping Giant starting at 12:30pm. Perfect for afternoon skiing near Yellowstone with less crowded slopes and authentic Wyoming mountain experience.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Night Skiing

    US$40up to US$50 peak

    Saturday night skiing from 4pm-7pm at Sleeping Giant. Ski under the stars near Yellowstone National Park with unique Wyoming mountain atmosphere and terrain park access.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Snow Tubing Session

    US$25up to US$35 peak

    Two-hour snow tubing session at Sleeping Giant's 3-lane tubing park with tow lift. Fun for the whole family near Yellowstone with epic Wyoming mountain views.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 18–64

    Season Pass

    US$480

    Unlimited access to Sleeping Giant all season with Indy Pass benefits. One of America's oldest ski areas near Yellowstone National Park with authentic Wyoming mountain experience and terrain park.

    Buy pass

    Sleeping Giant lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Sleeping Giant closed on Mar 29, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from US$25, with peak rates up to US$115.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Sleeping Giant day pass cost?+
    Sleeping Giant day passes range from US$25 to US$115 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Sleeping Giant lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Sleeping Giant lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Sleeping Giant, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Sleeping Giant lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Sleeping Giant - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Sleeping Giant lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Sleeping Giant offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Sleeping Giant directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Sleeping Giant.

    More Sleeping Giant intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.