Wyoming's Underrated Town Opens The Door To Majestic Peaks And A Magical Winter Wonderland

If you've ever driven across the southern portion of Wyoming, you could be forgiven for thinking that the landscape is mostly vast, empty plains stretching as far as the eye can see. But tucked away in the state's southeast corner is a towering mountain range where visitors can find peaks topping 12,000 feet, excellent ski areas and delightful small towns. Among them is Centennial, an underrated town offering a gateway to the area.

Tiny Centennial, with around 300 residents, welcomes visitors with a range of hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The Old Corral Hotel and Steakhouse is known for its clean and cozy accommodations, friendly staff, and delicious food. The Bear Bottom Bar & Grill also gets rave reviews for its food — plus, the name is sure to make your kids chuckle. With so many spots to eat, drink, and lay your head, Centennial is the perfect base for exploring the area. In wintertime, that means visiting the nearby ski resort, where you're sure to work up an appetite.

Wyoming is home to several underrated ski destinations, and the Snowy Range Ski Area just 5 miles from Centennial is one of them. The Range lives up to its name, receiving around 250 inches of snow per year. With five lifts transporting visitors to the top of green, blue, and black runs, the area is suitable for beginners through to more expert riders, and instructors offer individual and group lessons if you're looking to improve your skills.

There are many pros to skiing in the Snowy Range, not least of which is the price of lift tickets. The ski area is fantastically budget-friendly compared to bigger resorts, with lift passes starting at just $54 per day for adults. Kids and teens get a discount, and those aged four and under or 70 and over ski for free. Happy skiers also love the helpful staff and the fact that there's often fresh powder on the slopes. It's worth bearing in mind that the Snowy Range Ski Area is a budget resort. That means the lifts are older and can be slow, and the resort doesn't cover a huge area. If you're looking for miles upon miles of runs or a luxury experience, this ski area may not be for you.

However, Centennial is a gateway to more than just skiing for snow enthusiasts. The Snowy Range boasts over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails plus another 120 miles of more rugged trails. Beginners can take it easy on the gentle hills, while steep mountainsides offer a thrill for more experienced riders.

If you're in Centennial outside of the snow season, there's still plenty to do around town. One of the most popular attractions in warmer months is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which is open from Memorial Day to mid-November. The stunning route winds through miles of high Alpine scenery, and only takes around an hour to drive if you don't make any stops, but there's much to see and do along the way, so plan for more time. If you set out from Centennial, drop into the visitor center just outside of town to grab a map to discover the lakes, hiking trails, and campsites that line the picturesque route. The road ends in the small town of Saratoga, the perfect place for a budget-friendly wellness vacation.

Back in Centennial, you can visit the Nici Self Historical Museum from spring to fall. There, you can discover what the area was like in the early 20th century when ranchers and the railroad ruled and the timber industry thrived. Finally, the town of Laramie is a 30-minute drive east of Centennial. This artsy town is packed with galleries, street murals, theater productions, and live music. Come summer or winter, Centennial and Laramie are must-stops on a breathtaking longer road trip from Denver to Yellowstone or wonderful places for a short break in their own right.