Warm Wyoming Winter Cancels Ice Festival

The downside to Wyoming's warm winter weather is the canceling of some of the fun things in life. For the second year in a row, The Wyoming State Museum will not be home to Ice Festival 2016.

Due to unseasonably warm weather and the extended forecast for continued mild temperatures, the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails has cancelled the Ice Festival scheduled for February 27.

The Snowy Range Ski Area allows the agency to use snow makers to help make the winter wonderland that has become such a highly anticipated annual event. However, without sustained temperatures below 20 degrees at night the ability to make snow is nonexistent.

In addition, the recent warm temperature pattern has meant the ground has not frozen, increasing the possibility of damage to the grounds from the heavy equipment used to build the snow features.

“It is even more difficult to cancel this year’s Wyoming Kids eXtreme Ice Festival as it will be twice now, and has been a major winter event for State Parks and for the downtown of Cheyenne for the last six years,” said Domenic Bravo, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails director. “Being able to see all of the smiling faces of kids and their families enjoying winter recreation in the heart of the State Capitol is something I look forward to every year. We will schedule the event again next year and hope for the right conditions."