The time has come to put away bathing suits and snorkels, grab your snowshoes and skis and jump into the powdery pleasure that is winter in Nevada. Whether you long for the fast downhills, the serene backcountry hikes, or need to get the kids out of doors for a while, from every corner of the state, we have you covered.


Diamond Peak Ski Resort

The Dummy Downhill 2014. Photo courtesy Diamond Peak.

Its proximity to Reno, outstanding views of Lake Tahoe, and some of the most affordable lift tickets in the region make Diamond Peak a locals’ favorite.Snow worshipers have flocked to the slopes of Diamond Peak since November 1966, when its precursor, Ski Incline, first opened. A lot has changed in more than four decades. The 655-acre, family-oriented resort includes a rental shop, large outdoor deck, and two ski schools.

CONTACT

Diamond Peak Ski Resort
1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451
diamondpeak.com
775-832-1177

More fun
Diamond Peak’s 15th annual Dummy Downhill is on Sunday, March 29, 2015. Whether you participate or watch, this is a no-miss event. Watch dummies get launched off a big jump, or build your own and join the fun! It’s as funny as it sounds, so make your plans to be at Diamond Peak for this family fun event. Pre-register by emailing your name, contact info, and team/dummy name to [email protected] by March 28.


Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation—8,260 feet—means fluffy dry powder that begs for sunrise first tracks, and the north-facing experts-only Chutes (nine gates to choose from) provide rebellious runs that reach angles as steep as 55 degrees.Folks have been skiing in the wilderness around Mount Rose and Slide Mountain since the 1930s. Sky Tavern capitalized on the pastime in ’41, and if such longevity doesn’t prove Rose is doing something right, daily hordes of eager skiers and snowboarders do.

The wind-powered Winters Creek Lodge at the base of the Slide Bowl offers dramatic views of Washoe Valley.

CONTACT
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Hwy., Reno, NV 89511
775-849-0704
skirose.com

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort spans two states, encompasses 4,800 acres, and is among the largest ski resorts in the United States—ensuring guests miles and miles of new terrain for each visit. Add breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe from many of its runs, and it’s little wonder that Heavenly is also one of Reno-Tahoe’s most popular resorts.

Most of the resort can be conveniently reached from South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village via the Heavenly Gondola, which non-skiers can also ride for a bird’s-eye view of the lake. Five lodges, including the 14,720-square-foot Tamarack Lodge at the top of the gondola, offer dining options to rival the best on-mountain restaurants in the skiing world.

Before heading up the mountain, skiers and boarders can cruise the village for the latest winter fashions—or, after a day on the slopes, visitors can search the village’s shops for souvenirs, après ski cuisine, and cocktails or practice their triple Lutz on the south shore’s only ice-skating rink.

Skiing in Elko

CONTACT
Heavenly Mountain Resort
3860 Saddle Rd., South Lake Tahoe
775-586-7000
skiheavenly.com

Elko Snobowl

Eastern Nevada’s only chairlift-accessed skiing option is Elko Snobowl, six miles north of the city. The volunteer-run ski hill has one chairlift, 700 feet of vertical, runs for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, certified ski patrollers, and snowmaking capabilities.

CONTACT
Elko Snobowl
1992 Snowbowl Road, Elko, NV 89801
775-777-7707
snobowl.org

Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort

Just an hour from the desert-bound palm tree-lined Strip, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is a downhill alpine oasis. Situated in the nearly 12,000-foot-high Spring Mountains, it is Southern Nevada’s only skiing and snowboarding option.

With three lifts (two quads, and one triple), the resort offers 30 trails and “The Strip” terrain park, rentals, dining, and shopping.

CONTACT
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
6725 Lee Canyon Road, Mount Charleston, NV  89124
702-385-2754
skilasvegas.com

Ruby Mountain Heli-Experience

For 38 years, Nevada’s only heli-skiing service has removed the wait for chairlifts and given guests a view of the Ruby Mountains few ever experience. The Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience, based in Lamoille—20 miles southeast of Elko—is at the foot of the Silver State’s Alps and some of the best backcountry skiing in the country. Guests of the one- and three-day trips also receive royal treatment at Reds Ranch during their stay.Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience

CONTACT
Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience
helicopterskiing.com
775-753-6867

Don’t ski? Don’t fret; there’s so much else you can do. Check out just a few of the options below:

Zephyr Cove Resort Snowmobiles

Get snowbound without strapping boards to your feet. Take an ride through the snow on more than 45 miles of trails to see breathtaking Lake Tahoe views. The resort has more than 100 snowmobiles, offers clothing, rentals, free hotel shuttle transportation and snowmobile/cruise packages. Riders can be as young as 5, and there are Kids Ride Free Days on select weekdays.

CONTACT
Zephyr Cove Resort
760 U.S. 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
775-589-4906
zephyrcove.com

Sledding and Snow Play

Lee Canyon

Lee Canyon on State Route 156 is the best spot for sledding or snow play in Southern Nevada. Look for the Foxtail Picnic Area,the designated snow-play location. Other places include the Lee Meadows, Bristlecone Trail for snowshoe hiking and various pullouts on Deer Creek Highway and Lee Canyon Road.

Tahoe Meadows

Just up the Mt. Rose Highway (State Route 431) south of Reno, the Tahoe Meadows is perfect for sledding, snowmobiling, and snowball fights. On either side of the road, you’ll find plenty of open area; snowmobiles can only use the north side of the highway, so if that’s not your plan, stick to the south side. Look for the meadows just after the summit of Mt. Rose. Parking is plentiful along the road when paved, but always watch out for traffic.

Dog Sledding

Not your everyday snow adventure, mushing behind a team of dogs is a fast-paced, heart-pounding experience. Sierra Adventures, located in Reno, will pick you up from any local hotel and transport you to your dog sledding outing. Packages include transportation, guide service, equipment, food, and beverages.

CONTACT
Sierra Adventures
P.O. Box 3782, Reno, NV 89505
866-323-8928
wildsierra.com
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