Say hello to snow this winter as Nevada becomes a powdery paradise in contrast to the colorful desert landscape. So get out there and earn your hot chocolate with the help of these Nevada snow activities.
[Originally posted November 2022.]
Lee Canyon
Las Vegas
Discover the wonders of winter at Lee Canyon, a mountain getaway that is just minutes from Las Vegas but worlds away from the bright lights and bustling buzz. Tucked away in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this stunningly scenic retreat is Southern Nevada’s top winter recreation destination. And to make it an ever more enticing escape, Lee Canyon is undergoing a $7 million upgrade, including the new Ponderosa quad chairlift, an expanded parking area and more. Every year, Lee Canyon receives an average of more than 120 inches of snow, making it a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders. Guests can take the Sherwood and Bluebird lifts to be transported to advanced and intermediate trails, or begin on the Rabbit Peak for something a bit more leisurely. You also can’t miss out on the opportunity to try out winter camping at McWilliams Campground for an authentic outdoor experience. At the campgrounds, snowshoeing is a popular activity to get up close and personal with your snowy surroundings. In addition, Lee Canyon also offers three restaurants to help you refuel, serving up everything from coffee and wine to pastries and burgers, all while overlooking majestic mountain views. Winter season hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December through March. For more information, visit leecanyonlv.com.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Reno
You can spend more time on the slopes and less time on the road thanks to Mt. Rose’s convenient proximity to Lake Tahoe, the ever-popular winter destination. This sublime setting, combined with the great terrain and snow conditions, attracts a mix of guests both local and visiting, giving Mt. Rose a genuine local feel and an ever-welcoming vibe. Every skier and snowboarder, regardless of ability, will find something at Mt. Rose, from some of the best beginner terrain in the region to the exhilaration of the famed Chutes. Additionally, Mt. Rose provides youth-instruction programs, which are led by local instructors who enjoy sharing their passion for the slopes. Aside from the Nevada snow activities, kids will adore that the resort offers everything from trampoline parks to disco bowling. And since adults deserve to have fun too, Mt. Rose also offers live music, casino gaming, craft breweries and world-class dining to bring out your après appetite. From unmatched nightlife to sunny, snowy daytime adventures, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is a place you must visit to truly experience all that it has to offer. For more information, visit skirose.com.
Zephyr Cove Snowmobiling
Zephyr Cove
Snowmobile season is the best season, and for good reason. Not only can you experience the rush of riding a snowy trail at high speeds, but you can take in the surrounding winter wonderland from a new perspective. Known as Lake Tahoe’s top snowmobile destination, Zephyr Cove presents its guests with over 45 miles of gorgeous trails. If you’re looking for stunning views of Lake Tahoe, definitely check out the scenic lakeview tour. This two-hour, guided tour features mountain meadows and peaks at nearly 9,000 feet above sea level. As you glide between towering pine and snow-covered aspen trees, you’ll marvel at the natural beauty of Nevada during wintertime. And after an amazing adventure, you may as well book a stay at the Zephyr Cove Resort to make your Nevada snow activity a weekend getaway. Snowmobiling rates begin at $240. For more information, visit zephyrcove.com.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Incline Village
The best-kept secret when exploring Lake Tahoe is Diamond Peak Ski Resort, a community-owned retreat that is home to snowy slopes and stunning views of Lake Tahoe’s picturesque scenery. Diamond Peak Ski Resort is also home to miles of invitingly uncrowded trails, a child ski center for the littlest skiers and snowboarders, as well as a ski and snowboard school for those trying their best to conquer the slopes. And with a newly opened terrain park, even the experts will meet their match. In addition, tree skiing may as well be Diamond Peak’s area of expertise. Known for the best tree runs in Tahoe, the perfectly trimmed, tree-lined trails provide the ultimate Nevada snow activity. After some time on the slopes, guests can also relax at the Base Lodge, which offers a variety of sky hill classics like pizza, soup and beer. Or try out the Snowflake Lodge sun deck or lounge overlooking beautiful Lake Tahoe. Warm your hands with a cup of cocoa or snuggle up to the signature Snowflake Snuggler, a craveable combination of hot chocolate, vanilla vodka, Baileys and Rumple Minze, topped with whipped cream, of course. For more information, visit diamondpeak.com.
Ruby Mountain Helicopter Experience
Lamoille
If you’ve never glided through the snow-covered mountains of Nevada with the help of a helicopter, now is the prime time to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity thanks to the Ruby Mountain Helicopter Experience. This unique excursion is offered by the renowned Ruby 360 Lodge, which has gifted guests with nearly 50 years of pure mountain adventure. When it comes to the helicopter experience itself, the $1,882 package begins with an arrival night dinner and a cozy double-occupancy lodging room to rest up before the big day. Then, the next morning, guests will be greeted with breakfast and lunch, followed by the one-of-a-kind Ruby Mountain Helicopter Experience. While soaring through the snow, guests will be able to experience the awe-inspiring aspen forests and the alpine tree-lined terrain like never before. This Nevada snow activity begins in early January and will be offered until early April. For more information, visit helicopterskiing.com.
Sky Tavern
Reno
Recognized as the longest-standing nonprofit ski and snowboard training facility in America, Sky Tavern has been brimming with history and charm since 1948. Aside from the stunning slopes, Sky Tavern’s overarching objective is to get kids and families outside together, where they can learn, share and enjoy a sport for life. That being said, kids learn to ski and snowboard at a ski area just for them. All students participate in a two-hour morning lesson, after which they are free to hit the hills to show off their skills. Additionally, adult ski and snowboard instruction is provided in the afternoon, while children can enjoy free skiing with all of their new mountain friends. This Nevada snow activity also boasts a cozy lodge that helps bring guests together in a more intimate environment. Sky Tavern is set to open in mid-January. For more information, visit skytavern.org.
Tahoe Snowmobiles
Stateline
Do you have a need for speed? Experience the exhilaration of snowmobiling alongside lovely Lake Tahoe with the help of Tahoe Snowmobiles. Guests can make their experience unforgettable and personalized, beginning by choosing their track. Equally beautiful, you can ride on speedy circle tracks at the Stateline or immaculate loops at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course location. On the other hand, this Nevada snow activity also entices its guests with snow tubing opportunities. A bit more family-friendly, snow tubing is another way to feel the crisp air blowing through your hair as you speed through the snow. Taking a spin down the top-notch tubing hill in enormous snow tubes is both comfortable and makes for some crazy fun and memories to last a lifetime. For more information, visit tahoesnowmobiles.com.