We get this question every year and it's worth answering, since many people don't realize that there's a massive mountain range just to the west of the city, with a small ski resort near the top of the highest peak.
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 2008-2009 have yet to be finalized, but they're anticipating they'll be the same as last year's prices, which were as follows: 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. They're hoping to be open for business from Thanksgiving weekend.
