Recreation
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort |
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Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort Details
- Hours of operation: Open daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The resort opens after Thanksgiving Day and operates until middle of April, conditions permitting.
- Cost: All-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) adult tickets are $50 on weekdays and $60 on weekends; half day (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) adult tickets are $40 on weekdays and $50 on weekends; All-day tickets for seniors and teens (13-18) are $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends; half-day tickets are $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. All day tickets for children (6-12) are $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends; half day tickets are $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends. Children 0- 5 are free. Prices are subject to change.
- Payment options: Cash, credit cards, ATM available.
- Location / Distance from Las Vegas: About 45 minutes from Las Vegas. Take U.S. Highway 95 north about 30 miles to Hwy 156. Follow Highway 156 to the resort.
- Travel options: Private vehicle.
- On the way: It's a stunning drive up from the desert valley floor to the Alpine forested mountainside. The base facility is located at an elevation of 8510' above sea level.
- Amenities: 70 acres of terrain (20 percent beginner, 60 percent intermediate, and 20 percent advanced) including 11 trails, DarkSide Terrain Park, half pipe and terrain park for snowboarding, 1 triple lift, 2 double lifts and 1 surface lift, instruction, kids programs, snowmaking equipment, snack bar and bar.
- What you'll need: Proper clothing and equipment. Clothing and equipment is also available for rental.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
When you're in Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is the place to go for snow.
The resort, located at Mount Charleston's Lee Canyon area, is about an hour's drive from Las Vegas. Since there's not much of a winter to speak of in Vegas, skiing is one way to make it feel more like the season.
The area features more than 240 inches of average snowfall per year and off-slope amenities such as dining, snowshoeing and summer activities. Don't be fooled by the warm temperatures in the valley, though -- temperatures in the mountains can be vastly different. Expect highs in the 30s and 40s during the winter, and don't forget to wear plenty of warm clothes.
Established in 1963, LVSSR offers guests access to 20 groomed trails and 250 acres of lift-served and side country terrain via three chairlifts and one surface lift. There are 30 acres of snowboarding terrain at the resort, including a half pipe and terrain park -- a paradise for snowboarders.
Although there are plenty of private and group lessons available for beginners, most of the resort's terrain consists of intermediate runs. Some are even challenging for intermediate skiers. An additional 20 percent of the terrain is advanced, which doesn't leave much room for first-timers. However, by the end of 2012, the resort will feature a new ski/snowboard chair lift that caters to beginners.
The Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort tends to be more crowded than other ski areas in the vicinity (such as Brian Head in Utah) because of its proximity to Las Vegas. Crowds or not, the resort offers beautiful mountain scenery and is a nice getaway from the desert for a day of winter fun. For the post-ski scene, there's a bar, snack bar and outdoor deck dining.
Visitors may access Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard resort from the city via Ski Bus, a shuttle service operated with the support of the USDA Forest Service under a grant from the Department of Transportation.
If you're just in Vegas on vacation and decide to go skiing on a whim, the resort has everything you could possibly need, including equipment and ski clothing rentals.
Updates: Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort will feature Rabbit Peak Quad, a brand new, energy-efficient lift. This is ideal for beginning skiers and snowboarders. The upgrade is part of Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort's multimillion dollar investment.
The new lift allows for easier loading and unloading access to beginner terrain and will be complete by mid-December 2012. The new lift will also serve as the main access from a new parking lot and base lodge, which is in construction over the next several years.
Other upgrades that guests can look forward to this season include seven additional trails, a restaurant remodel, a new guest locker room and a new on-mountain grill, among others.
The Bighorn Grill will be completely remodeled including new dining and service areas. In addition, the revamped menu will include more healthy options, made-to-order dishes and a baked potato bar with as well as pizza and burgers. The Bristlecone Bar will offer a new small bites menu and full-service wait staff.
An innovative on-mountain grill will open in late December 2012 at the junction of Bimbo and Flying Home ski runs. Guests can grab a quick bite and a drink, right on the snow. Skiers and snowboarders can indulge in small bites, wine, beer, soft drinks and water while relaxing in beach-style lounge chairs. The grill will be open every weekend and during the holidays.
-- Staff Report
