Finding a ski town in Nevada to live or visit isn’t difficult provided it’s near Lake Tahoe. That’s where the state’s two winter destinations operate, both filled with incredible activities and views at any time of the year.
Lake Tahoe is already known for its amazing ski slopes, which span both Nevada and California, but it’s less known for the actual ski towns surrounding this destination. Visiting one of these resort destinations can be a fun experience at any time of the year, especially during the summer when a whole new side of the town comes alive.
Here are the top ski towns in Nevada to live and visit, in no particular order:
Stateline, NV
Across the state line from California is the little community of Stateline, blending seamlessly into California and Nevada’s South Lake Tahoe with casinos, lodging, dining, and shopping for every interest and budget. The ski town is conveniently located near the base of one of the state’s largest ski areas, Heavenly Mountain Resort.
The resort can easily be accessed from Heavenly Village, just on the other side of the Nevada border. A shuttle takes visitors from Stateline to the base area for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
Gaming officially began in Stateline in 1926, although it was introduced to the area when miners sought other ways to test their luck. The popularity of casinos grew even more when Nevada legalized gambling in 1931. The town expanded along with the casinos, and as of the 2020 census, there were approximately 932 people living in Stateline.
While the casinos are the largest draw to Stateline, the area has so much more for visitors to experience in this ski town. Boating, swimming, kayaking, and diving are available around the lake. A summer shuttle bus provides service to mountain biking and hiking trails. Golfing and curling are seasonally available in the area, along with outdoor concerts and festivals.
Incline Village, NV
Incline Village is a hidden gem located on Lake Tahoe’s north shore, just a short distance from Diamond Peak Ski Resort. A free ski shuttle provides access to the community-owned ski area so it’s easy to reach the slopes without having to worry about parking.
The ski town has plenty to do beyond skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Snowshoeing, sledding, or sleigh rides are available when the snow covers the ground.
In the summer, the lake invites visitors to experience all that it offers, such as waterskiing, fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Enjoy views from Diamond Peak via mountain biking or hiking trails. The area hosts several festivals for entertainment throughout the year.
The town with a population of about 10,000 in 2020 features experiences that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. A visit to the casino, an electric bike tour, or bowling is available year-round.
Incline Village started as a logging company that supported the mining industries quite common in the surrounding area. The town was named for the incline railway that brought the timber to the mines in the late 19th century. Today the region not only has plenty of activities but incredible views for those who simply want to enjoy being part of the outdoors.
Nevada isn’t always remembered as a ski destination, but its two ski towns on the edge of Lake Tahoe make it worth considering. These communities have everything that a skier or snowboarder could want, and plenty of things to do off the slopes as well.
With Lake Tahoe and the mountains providing incredible views from above and below, the scenery is often the star of a visit. Beyond the views, the range of activities provides plenty of reasons to visit these Nevada ski towns.
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