Skiing & Snowboarding in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. Southern Nevada's skiing headquarters is a mere 47 mi northwest of downtown Las Vegas. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, it can take as little as an hour to go from a 70°F February afternoon on the Strip to the top of a chairlift at an elevation of 9,500 feet. "Ski Lee," as it's affectionately known (for its site in Lee Canyon), is equipped with four chairlifts—three double and one triple—a ski school, a half pipe and terrain park, a ski shop, rental equipment, and a day lodge with a coffee shop, espresso station, and lounge. Clothing rentals are even available for those who left their parkas in Poughkeepsie. There are 40 acres of groomed slopes: 20% of the trails are for beginners, 60% are intermediate, and 20% are advanced runs. The longest run is 3,000 feet, and there's a vertical drop of more than 1,000 feet. You know you're at the closest ski resort to Las Vegas when you see the slope names: Blackjack, High Roller, Keno, the Strip, Bimbo 1 and 2, and Slot Alley. The lifts are open from about Thanksgiving to Easter for skiing. Lift tickets are normally $45, but the price can fluctuate if some of the trails are closed due to limited snowfall. To get here, take U.S. 95 north to the Lee Canyon exit (Highway 156), and head up the mountain. A telephone call will get you snow conditions (702/593-9500); driving conditions can be had through the local road report (702/486-3116). Mt. Charleston, Hwy. 156. 702/645-2754. www.skilasvegas.com.