Skiing Right Out the Back Door

Step outside, click into your skis, and glide straight into the snowy wilderness. The same wooded trails we ride on horseback in summer transform into a quiet winter playground, winding through trees and across open meadows blanketed in deep snow.

There’s something deeply satisfying about breaking your own trail, weaving through untouched powder, and embracing the rustic, unmanicured beauty of the land. No lift lines. No crowds. Just you, your skis, and the steady rhythm of winter.

Dubois’ Best-Kept Skiing Secret

While skiing directly from the ranch is magical, we’d be remiss not to share one of Dubois’ true hidden gems: the world-class Nordic trail system maintained by Dubois Association for Recreation and Trails (DART).

Just minutes from the ranch, the Falls Deception Nordic Ski Area offers beautifully groomed, well-marked trails that loop and connect in a way that feels adventurous yet reassuring. It’s the perfect balance—remote enough to feel wild, accessible enough to feel safe.

Our friend Mike—known affectionately as “Picasso Mike”—has dedicated years of his life to grooming, fundraising, and reinvesting every grant dollar back into the trails. It’s community stewardship at its finest.

We’ve met skiers from all over the country who can’t believe what they’ve stumbled upon. One recent visitor from upstate New York summed it up perfectly after marveling at the pristine conditions and empty trails:

“This is some of the best skiing I’ve ever done in my life… and there’s hardly anyone here.”

Exactly.

The best way to ruin a good thing is to turn it into something it’s not. This place is precious, and part of its magic lies in the freedom of having a winter playground that still feels like your own.

Skijoring, Dogs, and a Little Extra Thrill

For those craving a bit more excitement, skijoring with our Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix takes skiing to an entirely new level. His enthusiasm is equal parts exhilarating and mildly terrifying. Let’s just say a helmet is non-negotiable. If it were up to him, we’d be looping the trail all day, but my stamina has its limits.

Guests staying at the Arcady Ridge Lodge are welcome to bring their dogs, provided they’re respectful of the space. Bring your pup, gather a few friends, and turn your stay into a winter ski weekend you’ll be talking about long after the snow melts.

Gear, Rentals, and Winter Wisdom

Wyoming winters are cold, but rarely wet. Puffy coats, smart layering, and good gloves go a long way here. As locals like to say: there are no bad days—just bad gear.

If you don’t have your own Nordic ski equipment, let us know. We’re happy to point you toward rental shops in Dubois or Jackson so you can travel light and still be well-equipped.

One of the reasons we love Falls/Deception so much is its layout. Trails are groomed, mapped, looped, and clearly marked, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned skiers and those newer to Nordic skiing. Head out early and you might just cross paths with the Polar Prince or Picasso Mike himself.