While Las Vegas is a year-round warm destination in the desert, there are a handful of ski resorts within an hour to three hours’ drive from the city. Whether venturing into California or Utah or staying close to ride Lee Canyon in Nevada, there’s enough downhill action to keep residents of Sin City satisfied.
Leaving Las Vegas in almost any direction will bring you to a variety of ski resorts with many different amenities. Whether you want to ski in Nevada, or you’re willing to drive out-of-state, there is something for everyone within a day trip of The Strip.
On your return to Nevada’s largest city, maybe stop by one of Nevada’s thermal pools. Heated mineral water is therapeutic for your mind and body. So consider adding one of the hot springs by Vegas to your itinerary. It’ll have you ready for another ski trip real soon.
Here are the six ski resorts near Las Vegas, NV, in order of proximity:
Lee Canyon – NV: 49 miles | 1 hour
Take US-95 North and in less than an hour, you’ll find the ski resort nearest to Las Vegas, Lee Canyon. Lee Canyon has two main lifts, Sherwood and Bluebird, leading to 26 trails spread out over 195 skiable acres. The trails range from beginner to double black diamond, but most are in the intermediate range.
Three terrain parks can be accessed by the Bluebird lift. From the top of the lift, head down The Line trail for a variety of jumps and jibs. While you’re out on the slopes, keep an eye out for Lee Canyon’s version of the “Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Make sure to grab a selfie in front of it to show your friends!
For the members of your group who aren’t avid skiers or snowboarders, Lee Canyon offers tubing and snowshoeing. When you need a break, head to the Hillside Lodge. At the Brewin Burro, you can grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat. If you’d rather have a sit-down meal, the Big Horn Grill offers a wide variety of dishes from breakfast selections to burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Feel free to add a tasty, adult beverage at any time of the day. This is Nevada, we don’t judge.
6725 Lee Canyon Rd, Las Vegas, NV | 720-385-2754 | leecanyonlv.com
Brian Head Resort – UT: 202 miles | 3 hours
While Lee Canyon is convenient, if you’re willing to go a bit further, Brian Head Resort is just a few hours away and has more of everything. Most Las Vegans who are in the know consider Brian Head Resort to be the gold standard for ski resorts in this area.
The resort is spread across an impressive 650 acres over two mountains: Giant Steps and Navajo. The base elevation of the resort is Utah’s highest at 9, 600 feet, and the summit of Giant Steps is 10,970 feet. The eight chair lifts and two surface lifts cover 1,320 vertical feet and a mouth-watering 71 runs.
Navajo Mountain has most of the beginner trails, with a few intermediate runs mixed in. Boasting names like Maryland Parkway, The Strip, and Paradise, if you’re coming from Las Vegas you’ll feel right at home.
If that’s too tame for you, try out Giant Steps! While each mountain has a tubing hill and bunny slopes, Giant Steps caters more to advanced skiers.
For food and beverage options, each mountain has its lodge and restaurants. Inside the Giant Steps Lodge is the Giant Steps Café and the Last Chair Saloon. The Navajo Lodge has, unsurprisingly, the Navajo Café. In particular, the BBQ at the Last Chair Saloon comes highly recommended.
To dial your experience up to 11, stop by on Saturday night when they throw in a live band.
329 UT-143, Brian Head, UT | 435-677-2035 | brianhead.com
Big Bear Mountain Resort – CA: 214 miles | 3.5 hours
Like Utah, Southern California has several ski resorts near Las Vegas. The Big Bear Mountain Resort, founded in 1943, has a base elevation of 7,140 feet with its highest point grazing the clouds at 8,805 feet.
The park is laid out over 1,665 vertical feet across 200 acres. There are 8 lifts and 4 moving carpets to get you from place to place. While there are only 15 trails, you won’t get bored.
Additionally, Big Bear Mountain Resort boasts 14 terrain parks and 3 pipes. You would be hard-pressed to get down the trail without going through at least one terrain park. If you want to work on your freestyle skills, this is the place for you.
And if you have a big appetite, this is also the place for you. Bear Mountain has a dizzying array of options for food and drink at the main lodge or up on the slopes. Whether you want a quick cup of coffee, a grab-and-go burger, or a full meal with drinks, Bear Mountain has you covered.
880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA | 844-462-2327 | bigbearmountainresort.com
Snow Summit – CA: 214 miles | 3.5 hours
Also located in Big Bear Lake, Snow Summit Resort is Bear Mountain’s sibling property. While Big Bear Mountain is tuned for skiers and snowboarders who are intent on improving their downhill or freestyle skills, Snow Summit is much more family-oriented.
The park has a base elevation of 7,000 feet and a peak elevation of 8,200 feet. It has 27 trails serviced by 11 lifts and 5 moving carpets. While there are plenty of trails and terrain parks for more advanced skiers, there is a wider variety of activities for beginners and non-skiers.
At the base of the park, you will find beginner runs. They are serviced by multiple moving carpets and two lifts. Adjacent to this run is Grizzley Ridge Tube Park. It has two 300-foot tubing lanes and a moving carpet to get you back to the top.
Another feature that sets Snow Summit apart from Big Bear Mountain is the resort’s night sessions. The Miracle Mile and Summit Run trails are open until 8:30 PM for skiers and snowboarders. Westridge Run is also available for night skiing and gets a full evening groom to boot!
Like Bear Mountain, at Snow Summit Resort you are spoiled for dining options. Not only are there plenty of restaurants in the main lodge but also the Skyline Taphouse and Hog on the Rocks are waiting for you at the upper elevations. The Skyline Taphouse specializes in get-it-and-go BBQ sandwiches and burgers. Hog on the Rocks, located at the top of chair 2, has a somewhat broader menu ranging from chili and soup to BBQ brisket sandwiches. Yum!
880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA | 844-462-2327 | bigbearmountainresort.com
Eagle Point Resort – UT: 242 miles | 3.75 hours
Another half-hour or so past the freeway exit for Brian Head you will come across the Eagle Point Resort. This resort is less crowded than Brian Head and offers extensive backcountry experiences.
The summit of Eagle Point Resort is 10,600 feet above sea level and offers 40 trails covering 1,500 vertical feet and 650 acres. Beyond the access gate, there are thousands of acres of open USFS land. Within the boundaries of the park, there is plenty to keep you entertained. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails as well as a terrain park, and snowshoeing trails.
When you’re done with all that, the lodges are waiting. The Skyline Lodge has cafeteria-style food from 9 AM-4 PM. For more of a dining experience, the Canyonside Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A gaming area next to the restaurant provides a place for the young ones to enjoy themselves while the adults hit the bar, open until 1 AM! On the opposite side of the resort is the “Lookout” warming cabin with a breathtaking view of the countryside.
150 S W Village Cir, Beaver, UT | 435-438-3700 | eaglepointresort.com
Mountain High – CA: 225 miles | 3.5 hours
Located just outside Wrightwood, California, the Mountain High Resort has been catering to skiers since 1924. Spread out over the North Resort, East Resort, and West Resort, there are 11 lifts and 3 moving carpets that cover 290 acres of skiable terrain.
The East Mountain stretches from a base elevation of 6,600 feet up to a peak elevation of 8,200 feet for 1,600 vertical feet of groomed runs for beginner to advanced riders. It is also where you’ll find the Yeti Snow Play area for tubing and sledding.
The North Resort is 70 acres of family-friendly fun. This area is great for beginners and sports a 1-mile snowshoeing loop at the top. The West Resort has 1,000 vertical feet of trails that range from beginner to advanced as well as night skiing from 5-10 PM.
If you have time though, thaw out by the fireplace at the Bullwheel Grill located at the West Resort or take in the scenery from 8,200 feet while you dine at the Grand View Lodge on top of the East Resort. From there you can see Catalina Island to the South and the Mojave Desert to the north.
24510 CA-2, Wrightwood, CA | 888-754-7878 | mthigh.com/site
Whether your preference is to hone your downhill skills or to hang out with family and friends, you’ll find what you’re looking for at one or more of the ski areas near Las Vegas. Some of the drive times are on the long side for a day trip but, hey, we’re talking Nevada. You can also find a campground near Vegas to post up at and save a few bucks over the hotels.
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