Discover the Untamed Beauty of Wyoming: Skiing at Darwin Ranch

Introduction to Darwin Ranch

Some places remain delightfully wild, and Wyoming—the least-populated state in the nation—offers a wealth of such locations. Among them, Darwin Ranch stands out as the most remote guest ranch in the contiguous United States. Here, guests can relish a complete escape, being at least 15 miles from the nearest neighbor, devoid of cell service, within breathtaking wilderness surroundings.

Winter Ski Experience

However, remote does not mean roughing it. Darwin Ranch has a storied history of providing exceptional hospitality, dating back to its origins as one of the first dude ranches in the West during the 1920s. This season, the mother-son team currently managing the property is introducing a backcountry ski experience for their guests.

“It is so seriously remote in the winter,” explained Oliver Klingenstein, who runs the ranch with his mother. “Guests will not see anybody else during their entire stay—the place is theirs, and they have access to that corner of the Bridger-Teton for their duration.”

With this new winter experience, the familiar aspects of Darwin Ranch remain intact. Guests stay in beautifully updated 100-year-old cabins featuring wood-burning stoves, and meals are served family-style in the lodge. Instead of summer activities like hiking, horseback riding, or fishing, guests will don their skis and venture into the frosty wilderness to enjoy some of the most remote backcountry in the nation.

Moreover, Klingenstein emphasizes that skiers at the Darwin can expect an unparalleled experience. “You won’t see another track the whole time you’re there, let alone another person. Our terrain caters to all types of skiers,” he noted, highlighting options such as rolling hills for Nordic touring and groomed tracks for skate skiing.

Each day, guests will have the guidance of a ski expert (often Klingenstein himself), who evaluates the conditions and collaborates with participants to tailor the day’s adventure—whether it’s seeking out untouched powder or studying local wildlife alongside skiing.

Culinary Delights at Darwin Ranch

After a day filled with exhilaration, guests return to the ranch for exceptional meals and warm drinks by a cozy fire. The culinary offerings at Darwin Ranch are a highlight, continuing its legacy of delicious dining experiences. Ingredients are locally sourced, with meat from the nearby Ishawooa Mesa Ranch and homemade dishes featuring fresh produce whenever possible.

“It’s a bit like visiting an idyllic ski hut, but with the luxury of a fully-equipped lodge to call home. Our food, guides, and hospitality are outstanding—but the location truly steals the show,” Klingenstein stated.

As night falls, the ranch offers a magnificent opportunity for relaxation, with drinks and stories shared over a soak in the wood-fired hot tub, providing unobstructed views of the starry sky. Consequently, after a night of serene rest, guests are ready for yet another day of adventure.

Trip Details and Pricing

The backcountry ski trips at Darwin Ranch accommodate a maximum of eight participants and are available for a minimum stay of four nights. The ski season is brief—running from late February to the end of March—when conditions are typically optimal for enjoyment, featuring longer days combined with better snowpack and milder temperatures.

The all-inclusive rate of $750 per person, per night, encompasses full access to the property’s amenities, including meals, sauna and hot tub access, snowmobile transportation, and ski guiding services. While most guests bring their ski gear, rental options can be arranged for convenience.