The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Las Vegas, 2023/24
Believe it or not, there’s more to Sin City than just glitzy casinos and kitschy neon lights. Vegas also serves as an excellent starting point for a ski vacation in Nevada, Southern Utah, and California, so to swap the slot machines for snowy slopes here are the five best destinations to choose from!
1. Lee Canyon
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 80 km (1 hour drive)
Why Ski Lee Canyon
Lee Canyon is under an hours’ drive from the Las Vegas Strip, making it an awesome option for a skiing day trip. It’s the smallest resort in this list but still remarkably well-equipped, with a large modern base lodge complete with a ski-in/ski-out bar and grill featuring an open-air heated terrace. Beginners and intermediates will undoubtedly get the most out of this mountain, the Ponderosa Glade being one of the standout trails. Advanced skiers can have a blast too though, thanks to four backcountry gates opening up access to deep powder bowls and steep chutes.
Known for
Being the closest mountain resort to Las Vegas with skiing, snowshoeing and tubing all availableHighlights
- Complimentary coaching sessions for first-time skiers
- Excellent slope-side amenities at the Hillside Lodge
- Hike-to terrain offers experienced skiers untouched snow up to 3,441 m
- Small lift-served ski area with only 26 trails in total
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 07 2022
- Closing Date: May 14 2023
Closest airports
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 80 km (1 hour drive)
Why Ski Lee Canyon
Lee Canyon is under an hours’ drive from the Las Vegas Strip, making it an awesome option for a skiing day trip. It’s the smallest resort in this list but still remarkably well-equipped, with a large modern base lodge complete with a ski-in/ski-out bar and grill featuring an open-air heated terrace. Beginners and intermediates will undoubtedly get the most out of this mountain, the Ponderosa Glade being one of the standout trails. Advanced skiers can have a blast too though, thanks to four backcountry gates opening up access to deep powder bowls and steep chutes.
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 323 km (3 hour drive)
Why Ski Brian Head Resort
Largely overlooked by skiers who focus on the bigger Utah ski destinations, Brian Head is a wonderfully laid-back resort with an impressive 914 cm of average annual snowfall. If you’re seeking quiet slopes this place is for you, and with 71 trails across 263 ha there’s plenty to ski. Lunchtime is best spent at the Last Chair Saloon, where you can enjoy a view of the mountainside with some traditional pub grub and a glass of their signature pale ale. Don’t miss out on a guided snowmobile tour into Dixie National Forest if you fancy a day off the skis! Just a little over 3 hours from Las Vegas, Brian Head is the best destination for experiencing Utah’s famously dry powder.
Known for
Laid-back resort with affordable lift tickets, ski rental, and lodgingHighlights
- Good quality snow and wonderful mountain scenery
- Free shuttle buses make getting around the resort easy
- Far less crowded than other ski resorts in Utah
- Tiny town with few restaurants and quiet nightlife
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 04 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 16 2023
Closest airports
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 323 km (3 hour drive)
Why Ski Brian Head Resort
Largely overlooked by skiers who focus on the bigger Utah ski destinations, Brian Head is a wonderfully laid-back resort with an impressive 914 cm of average annual snowfall. If you’re seeking quiet slopes this place is for you, and with 71 trails across 263 ha there’s plenty to ski. Lunchtime is best spent at the Last Chair Saloon, where you can enjoy a view of the mountainside with some traditional pub grub and a glass of their signature pale ale. Don’t miss out on a guided snowmobile tour into Dixie National Forest if you fancy a day off the skis! Just a little over 3 hours from Las Vegas, Brian Head is the best destination for experiencing Utah’s famously dry powder.
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 346 km (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Bear Mountain
Head across the border to California and you’ll find a resort that’s geared up for skiers and boarders looking to get their adrenaline fix. Bear Mountain is absolutely covered with freestyle features, ranging from gentle banks and small rails for beginners all the way up to big air kickers and a superpipe for skilled tricksters. Drop by Geronimo’s Outpost at the bottom of Chair 8 for a quick bite, or head down to the base area for a flame-grilled burger at BBQ in the Park. And once you’re done for the day, grab a drink and join the revellers on the sundeck at Laybacks Bar!
Known for
Top-notch terrain parks make it a hit with freestyle skiers and snowboardersHighlights
- Home to Southern California’s only Superpipe!
- Take on the 2 km Geronimo trail for a double black diamond leg burner
- The lift pass covers you to ski at nearby Snow Summit too
- Not the best mountain for traditional downhill skiers or families
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 23 2023
Closest airports
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 346 km (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Bear Mountain
Head across the border to California and you’ll find a resort that’s geared up for skiers and boarders looking to get their adrenaline fix. Bear Mountain is absolutely covered with freestyle features, ranging from gentle banks and small rails for beginners all the way up to big air kickers and a superpipe for skilled tricksters. Drop by Geronimo’s Outpost at the bottom of Chair 8 for a quick bite, or head down to the base area for a flame-grilled burger at BBQ in the Park. And once you’re done for the day, grab a drink and join the revellers on the sundeck at Laybacks Bar!
4. Snow Summit
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 344 km (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Snow Summit
The sister resort of Bear Mountain, Snow Summit makes up part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort and is definitely the more family-orientated ski area of the two. It features a children’s learning area where kids as young as 4 years old can practice skiing safely, plus the Grizzly Ridge Tube Park is a place where everyone can have fun together no matter their skiing ability. When hunger strikes you have two mountaintop restaurants to choose from, Skyline Taphouse and Hog on the Rocks, both serving tasty BBQ fare with stunning alpine views. Hotels, condos, and cabins are all within walking distance of the lifts here so you can really get the most out of your ski vacation.
Known for
A family-friendly resort with plenty of cruisey blue runs, plus regular night skiing tooHighlights
- Laidback terrain perfect for honing your skills
- Extensive snowmaking operation keeps trails open
- Excellent mountaintop eateries
- Only 10% of trails are suitable for beginners
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 30 2023
Closest airports
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 344 km (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Snow Summit
The sister resort of Bear Mountain, Snow Summit makes up part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort and is definitely the more family-orientated ski area of the two. It features a children’s learning area where kids as young as 4 years old can practice skiing safely, plus the Grizzly Ridge Tube Park is a place where everyone can have fun together no matter their skiing ability. When hunger strikes you have two mountaintop restaurants to choose from, Skyline Taphouse and Hog on the Rocks, both serving tasty BBQ fare with stunning alpine views. Hotels, condos, and cabins are all within walking distance of the lifts here so you can really get the most out of your ski vacation.
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 362 km (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mountain High
Mountain High is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the United States. People have been skiing here since the 1920s, when the only option was to hike up! With three ski areas you can pick whichever is best suited to your ability; North Resort for beginners, East Resort for intermediates, and West Resort for more advanced terrain. Our top pick for on-mountain dining has to be the Grand View Bistro, quickly reached by riding the Mountain High Express chairlift. Just a few miles down the road in sleepy Wrightwood you’ll find cosy mountain cabins and luxury chalets to rent, along with straightforward rooms at affordable motels and inns.
Known for
Offering three distinct ski areas for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiersHighlights
- Variety of terrain caters well for groups of mixed ability skiers
- Plenty of accommodation options in nearby Wrightwood
- Kids will love the tubing and sledding at Yeti’s Snow Parks
- Lacks really steep trails for expert skiers
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
- Closing Date: May 01 2023
Closest airports
Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 362 km (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mountain High
Mountain High is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the United States. People have been skiing here since the 1920s, when the only option was to hike up! With three ski areas you can pick whichever is best suited to your ability; North Resort for beginners, East Resort for intermediates, and West Resort for more advanced terrain. Our top pick for on-mountain dining has to be the Grand View Bistro, quickly reached by riding the Mountain High Express chairlift. Just a few miles down the road in sleepy Wrightwood you’ll find cosy mountain cabins and luxury chalets to rent, along with straightforward rooms at affordable motels and inns.
