When you think of skiing, Las Vegas is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Right?
However, there are several ski resorts located around Sin City and close to St George that offer a great skiing experience for travelers. So whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, you’ll find plenty of options. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best ski resorts around Las Vegas and share tips on making the most of your trip. So, if you are looking for a winter getaway, keep reading!
Lee Canyon Ski Resort
Just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Lee Canyon Ski Resort is a great option for those looking to hit the slopes. Although it’s the smallest resort on this list, it’s still remarkably well-equipped. Nestled in the Spring Mountains, Lee Canyon offers Skiing and Snowboarding at a base elevation of 8,510 feet.
The resort boasts three chair lifts and one surface lift. Sherwood and Bluebird are the mountain’s two major chair lifts. They take skiers and snowboarders to an elevation of, respectively, 9,310 feet and 9,370 feet. The resort sees an average annual snowfall of 129 inches but is equipped with snowmaking capabilities that cover 445 acres of terrain.
Lee Canyon Ski Resort offers 30 trails and various other activities, such as snow tubing and cross-country skiing. Eighty-five percent of all trails are intended for those who already have some experience skiing or riding, while 15 percent are designated for beginners. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, several lodging options are available at the resort.
Lee Canyon features a cozy base lodge with a restaurant, bar, and elevated lounge. And for tourists switching from neon nights to slopes in the morning, the resort wisely rents equipment and clothing.
Opening Hours:
- Lee Canyon is open all year round, but the hours change based on the season. For example, in summer (April through October), Lee Canyon is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. But in winter (December through March), Lee Canyon’s hours are 9 AM to 4 PM. (website)
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Bear Mountain Ski Resort is another great option for those willing to make the drive (it’s about 5 hours from Las Vegas). The word “Resort” is key here since Big Bear is a world-class ski hideaway with something for everyone, from the beginner to the expert.
Bear Mountain contains three distinct peaks: Silver Mountain, Bear Peak, and Goldmine Mountain. Being the tallest at 8,805 feet, Bear Peak is also Southern California’s highest peak that offers a lift service. In addition, the resort enjoys favorable weather conditions most of the ski season due to its location in California – meaning you don’t need to pile on the clothes!
Every chair on Bear Mountain has access to the Terrain Park, which is positioned off to the side. The park features several jumps and jibs for all skill levels. If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, try the In-ground Superpipe (580 feet long and 18 feet high). If you prefer something less intense, go for the In-ground Standard Halfpipe (400 feet long and 12 feet high) instead.
Bear Mountain boasts 748 skiable acres, 15% beginner slopes, 40% intermediate terrain, and 30% advanced areas. In addition, 12 lifts also service 62 runs with a capacity to transport 16590 people per hour. If that doesn’t sell you on the place, maybe this will: the mountain receives an annual average of 100 inches of snowfall!
Whether you are looking to take a leisurely ski down the bunny hill or shred some powder on an advanced trail, Big Bear Mountain Resort is the place for you. There are also several restaurants and bars at the resort so that you can grab a bite or a drink after a long day on the slopes.
Opening Hours:
- Bear Mountain Ski Resort is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is the perfect place to spend a day with family and friends in the snow. (website)
Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort is the place to be if you’re looking to hit the slopes near Las Vegas. (it’s a three and half hour’s drive from Sin City) Brian Head offers up some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the area.
With over 650 acres of skiable terrain, there’s something for everyone at Brian Head. You’ll find everything from beginner-friendly green runs to challenging black diamonds. And with an average of 360 inches of snowfall each year, you’re sure to have a great time on the slopes.
Brian Head Resort is a great place to learn if you’re new to skiing. The resort offers beginner trails as well as lessons from certified instructors. And once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore the rest of the resort’s terrain.
Brian Head Resort, in addition to the resort’s 71 runs and progressive terrain parks, provides a variety of other winter activities and amenities. In addition, the resort offers various other winter activities, like sledding, tubing, and dog sledding. So whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or enjoy some time in the snow, Brian Head Resort is the perfect place for a winter getaway. (website)
Opening Hours:
Looking to hit the slopes this winter? Brian Head Resort is open and ready for some winter fun!
Here are the operating hours for this season:
- Monday-Friday: 10 AM-4 PM
- Saturday, Sunday, and Peak Periods: 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
Giant Steps Night Skiing:
- Friday, Saturday, and Peak Periods: 4 PM-9 PM
Giant Steps Tubing:
- Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM-4 PM (session sales stop at 2:30 PM)
- Friday, Saturday, and Peak Periods: 10 AM-7 PM (session sales stop at 5:30 PM)
Arizona Snowbowl
When it comes to winter fun, Arizona Snowbowl is the place to be! This popular ski resort is located in the heart of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks (4.5 Hours from Las Vegas), offering visitors stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Find yourself in a winter wonderland with 260 inches of average annual snowfall, 2,300 feet of vertical drop, and the all-new Arizona Gondola at the state’s premier ski and snowboard destination.
The Arizona Gondola, the longest, highest, and most advanced lift in Arizona, will transport passengers up to 2,000 feet within 7 minutes on a gondola lift with 6-person chairs. So no matter your skill level, you’re sure to enjoy a day on the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl.
Arizona Snowbowl has something to offer whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier. The resort features a variety of beginner and intermediate slopes and some more challenging terrain for advanced skiers. Want it to be super easy to learn? Enjoy FREE lessons with the purchase of a full-day, full-price lift ticket for beginners ages 13 and up. And for those looking to really test their skills, the resort’s Expert Chutes offer some of the most challenging skiing in the state. (website)
Opening Hours:
Arizona Snowbowl is open seven days a week!
- Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 8am-4pm.
Mountain High
Mountain High is a year-round resort located in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains. The closest major airport is LA/Ontario International, about an hour away. The drive from Las Vegas to Mountain High Resort is about two hours.
During the winter, Mountain High offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the area. The resort has three main areas – East, West, and North – each with its own unique terrain.
Mountain High East is great for beginners and intermediate skiers and riders. There are wide-open groomed runs, as well as a few mogul trails. The East Resort also has a terrain park with smaller jumps and rails for those just getting into freestyle skiing and riding.
Mountain High West is perfect for advanced skiers and riders who want a challenge. There are steeper trails, moguls, and tree skiing. The West Resort also has a terrain park with larger jumps and rails for experienced freestyle skiers and riders.
Mountain High North is a newer addition to the resort and is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. This resort section has its own chairlift and offers long, uncrowded runs.
No matter what your skill level, Mountain High has something to offer. So come on up and enjoy the snow! (website)
Opening Hours:
- Mountain High Ski Resort is open every day from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition, the resort stays open until 10:00 PM for night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
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