An Overview of Nevada Ski Resorts
Five Nevada ski resorts are found in different parts of the state and boast different types of Silver State charm. Three are clustered around Reno, one is near Las Vegas, and the other is tucked away in the northeast corner in the Ruby Mountains in the Great Basin.
List of Nevada Ski Resorts
- Diamond Peak
- Elko SnoBowl
- Heavenly Lake Tahoe
- Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort
- Rose
Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose, and Heavenly Lake Tahoe are the three Nevada ski resorts clustered around Lake Tahoe. Mt. Rose and the Diamond Peak Resort are located on the northern side of the lake between Reno and Carson City. Heavenly is on the southeastern side, snug against the border between Nevada and California.
Southern Lake Tahoe Skiing
Heavenly Lake Tahoe Ski Resort straddles the border between California and Nevada, but the majority of the runs and lifts are located in Nevada, and the company that runs it is based in Stateline, Nevada. This enormous resort has a stunning vertical of 3812 feet with over 4800 acres of skiable territory. There are 97 runs, with the longest run stretching out over 5.5 miles. Heavenly has 30 total lifts servicing the resort, and are currently in renovations to replace all of the lifts with high speed detachable or fixed-grip quad lifts. The gondola that connects the resort to Stateline is also going to be replaced with a high speed lift that will end at the Powderbowl Lodge.
The park also features three terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The runs are consistently groomed overnight with twenty snowcats, ensuring the trails are fresh every day. Additionally, Heavenly has snowmaking equipment that allows them to complement the existing snowfall with full coverage. There are five lodges at various elevations to ensure that no matter what your skill level, you have someplace to rest at the end of each run.
Northern Lake Tahoe Skiing
Diamond Peak is another spectacular destination for Nevada ski resorts. This resort features 30 trails over 655 acres. The vertical is a respectable 1840 feet, and the summit towers above its surroundings at 8540 feet above sea level. There are six lifts that service the five beginner, 10 advanced, and 15 intermediate runs. There are also five terrain parks to challenge your mogul and jumping skills.
Mt. Rose is a great place to ski no matter what your ability level. However, if you’re an advanced skier, the Chutes are why you want to hit Mt. Rose. The Chutes are a 200 acre playground that takes you straight down the mountain with runs of over 1000 feet down slopes with 55-degree pitches. There are nine chute entry points, most of them rated double black diamond.
If your skiing ability isn’t up to handle the Chutes yet, the Slide Bowl has terrific intermediate runs, and there are plenty of beginner runs that let you enjoy a great view while ambling down the mountain.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
This little haven of winter is located about an hour’s drive northwest of the Vegas strip. There are 195 acres of skiable terrain split up into 30 trails. Total vertical is 3139 feet from Lee Peak to the base lodge. There is only one easy run at the LVSSR, serviced by its own quad chairlift. The other two lifts service a fun mix of intermediate and advanced runs.
For the double black diamond open runs, you have to hike from the top of the two lifts to the peak. When you go, a snow probe, beacon, shovel, and ski buddy are required. But the longest run is 3100 feet from peak to base, giving you a transition from expert to intermediate as you zip along.
Snobowl at Elko
The Snobowl is a small ski park that has ambitions to become much bigger. Located five miles north of Elko, NV, this ski area is run by a not-for-profit group in conjunction with the city. Getting to the slopes is made convenient by shuttle buses that leave downtown every hour. There is only one lift currently, and the vertical is a fun 700 feet. The bowl offers a mix of beginner and intermediate rated runs and the park has recently begun installation of a terrain park in hopes of having it ready for the 2015 – 2016 season.
With extremely inexpensive lift tickets and a fun inclusive atmosphere, the Snobowl should definitely be on your list of family-friendly Nevada ski resorts.
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