Slot machines and neon lights are probably the first images people have when thinking of Las Vegas. When most people come to Sin City they’re trying their luck at the casinos, cruising the Vegas Strip and enjoying the seemingly limitless nightlife options. In the midst of all the debauchery that comes with a trip to Las Vegas, an escape is oftentimes much needed. What better way to get away than with some outdoor physical activity at a ski resort in snowy terrain? A winter wonderland might just be the contrast needed to balance your time in the desert landscape of Las Vegas. Fortunately, a few top ski resorts and snow-filled locations are within reach.
Lee Canyon
Lee Canyon is only 1 hour northwest of Las Vegas and offers over 400 acres of snow-filled landscape. With a base elevation of 8,510 feet, a vertical drop of 860 feet, and 26 trails, it is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing. While at Lee Canyon, spend time visiting the Hillside Lodge. Its multi-million dollar upgrade features a two-story, 9,000 square-foot lodge with coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, and other drinks to warm up to. There is a bar inside serving beer and cocktails, and cozy heated outdoor dining spaces onsite too.
Eagle Point Ski Area
Head out of state to Eagle Point in Beaver, Utah. About a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, the ski area gets over 300 inches of annual snowfall spreading over 600 skiable acres. Eagle Point has a 9,000-foot base elevation, five lifts, and 40 runs. The on-site lodge features a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Don’t miss the “Lookout” cabin, with stunning 360-degree vistas. This year-round resort also offers day trips. Join in on excursions to some nearby hot spots like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.
Brian Head Resort
A 3-hour drive takes you to southwest Utah to Brian Head Resort. Spread across two mountains, the resort features 71 runs and eight chair lifts. Those looking for ample space available for skiing will be pleased to see the limited crowd sizes at Brian Head. The resort’s base altitude is the highest in Utah, though so try not to go too hard so you can avoid altitude sickness.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is a year-round ski area with 3,500 acres for skiing and snowboarding for all skill sets. Set in the Mammoth Lakes of California, it is about 300 miles from Vegas. The mountain receives 400 inches of annual snowfall, has a near 8,000-foot base elevation, 150 trails, and hosts eight parks with full and halfpipes. There are several on-site accommodation options on-site, such as the Village Lodge. Reach Mammoth Mountain with daily direct flights to Yosemite Mammoth Airport (MMH) from Los Angeles year-round, as well as from Denver and San Francisco during peak season.
Park City, Utah
The United States’ largest ski resort is just a 6-hour drive from Las Vegas. Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is enormous, boasting over 7,000 acres, 17 peaks, more than 300 trails, 40 lifts, and 7 terrain parks. There is more than enough terrain for the whole family to explore. A famous skiing and snowboarding destination, the resort is also the training grounds for the U.S. Ski Team. In addition to its obvious snow-related activities, restaurants with stunning mountain views and guided tours of the resort are available for added variety to your trip. Try the Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour and ski alongside a guide through historic mining areas.
