We originally ran the answer to both parts of this question, in two spearate QoDs, a couple of years ago. So, since this is the start of the ski season, we’re combining those answers into this one, with a little updating on the prices and new developments.
The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, affectionately known as "Ski Lee," is a little less than 50 miles northwest (driving time: approximately one hour) of downtown Las Vegas. You get on US 95 heading north toward Reno and drive 30 miles or so to NV 156, which climbs up Lee Canyon on the east side of Mount Charleston (at just under 12,000 feet, the highest peak in southern Nevada). You continue up Lee Canyon 17 miles till the highway dead-ends at the ski resort, the base of which sits at 8,500 feet.
The resort gets an average of 120 inches of snow annually. There are 11 total runs: 20% beginner, 60% intermediate, and 20% advanced, serviced by two double chair lifts, one triple chair lift, and one surface lift. The highest point is just under 9,400 feet, with a vertical drop of 860 feet and a 3,000-foot longest run. There’s also a typical snack bar, bar, and pro shop.
Lift tickets for the 2007-2008 season are: adults $45 half-day, $50 full; 12 and under and 60 and over $25 half-day, 30 full. Rentals are $35.
Check out the ski conditions, weather forecast, and tips on handling the extremely high altitude at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort’s Web site: www.skilasvegas.com/winter/index.html.
As for nearby accommodations, you’ve got a couple of options: the Mt. Charleston Hotel and the Mt. Charleston Lodge.
Both these facilities are in Kyle Canyon, one canyon south of Lee Canyon. To get to Kyle Canyon from Ski Lee, drive down NV 158 a mile or so, then turn right (south) onto NV 157. In roughly six miles, you come to NV 157, the Kyle Canyon Road; take another right to get to both lodges.
The Mt. Charleston Hotel (2 Kyle Canyon Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89124; 702/872-5500 or 800/794-3456) is an alpine-style log-built chalet-hotel opened in 1984 that underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and upgrade in 2005 and now features a cool glass, wood, and stone décor, with a forest green lobby and a huge fireplace.
Accommodations include the standard rooms, mini-suites, and full suites, some with balconies and fireplaces. Rates range $159 on weekdays and $189 on weekends. Visit mtcharlestonhotel.com for more details.
Beyond the hotel, NV 157 continues for another four miles, ending at the Mt. Charleston Lodge (702/872-5408 or 800/955-1314). The Lodge has 23 individual log cabins, each with a two-person whirlpool, fireplace, and private deck. Single cabins (king beds) run $145 Sun.-Thur., $214 Fri. and Saturday. Family cabins (two kings) are $177 and $257. Visit mtcharlestonlodge.com for the rest of the particulars.
