When the snow hits, Nevada’s mountains and high deserts turn into a winter wonderland. Tahoe’s slopes are famous for sure, but there’s more to explore beyond the rim. Shred fresh powder in the Rubies or hit the snow-dusted peaks at Lee Canyon. Whether you’re carving down ski runs, strapping on snowshoes, or firing up a snowmobile, winter adventure is everywhere—just pick a spot and dive in.
Nevada Winter Activities & Sports
Explore All Winter Recreation
From tackling Tahoe terrain and heli-skiing in Nevada’s northeastern peaks to redefining apres-ski in Vegas, Nevada is your destination for winter activities—both wild and mild.
There are no items matching your search.
Winter Activities in Northern Nevada
There’s a reason the state is named after the Spanish word for “snow-covered.” From the Sierra Nevada to the Ruby Mountains—and the dozens of mountain ranges in between—northern Nevada becomes a veritable snow globe during the winter months.
Whether you’re seeking the excitement of world-class ski resorts or the solitude of backcountry slopes, this part of the state has every type of winter adventure you’re after.
Lake Tahoe
Each year, the mountains around Lake Tahoe are buried in over 30 feet of snow—more than enough for snowboarding and skiing in Nevada, plus tubing, snowmobiling, and tons of other winter sports.
Split between California and northern Nevada, the Lake Tahoe Basin is dotted with some of the best ski resorts in the West. Enjoying these outdoor playgrounds is as easy as grabbing your lift tickets, booking private lessons, and strapping up tight for the terrain parks.
Ski with the locals at the highest base on the Nevada side—Mt. Rose Ski Resort—and find some of the most insanely impressive views of Tahoe at Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Both are located in North Lake Tahoe near Incline Village. Expect affordable day passes, friendly vibes, crowdless runs, and some of the best terrain in Tahoe.
Across the lake, “big” doesn’t even begin to describe Heavenly Mountain Resort, which is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. Check out wide-angle views of Lake Tahoe, ski over the Nevada-California state line, ride the Heavenly Gondola, and kick back in the massive Tamarack Lodge.
Family-Friendly Activities
Of course, it’s not just skiers and snowboarders that will find a winter paradise in the Silver State.
Bring the whole family to Mt. Rose Meadows, located just north of Incline Village. You’ll find some of the best sledding, tubing, and snowshoeing spots in this kid-friendly winter sports headquarters. If you’re up for something a little more ambitious, channel your inner Snow White with a one-mile snowshoe trek to Chickadee Ridge, where wild birds will land right on your hands.
Up on the mountain, be sure to hit Heavenly Village for great shopping, open-air ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
In eastern Nevada, don’t miss one of rural Nevada’s largest winter parties: the Fire & Ice Winter Festival. From ice sculpting and snow bowling to ice fishing derbies, Ely’s Cave Lake State Park is the hottest place to enjoy the cold weather. Top the experience off with a fireworks show launched from a moving steam train.
Ride the Rubies
One of Nevada’s best-kept secrets is in northeastern Nevada’s rugged, unblemished Ruby Mountains: home to some of the driest, fluffiest powder in North America.
Situated about 30 minutes from downtown Elko, the Rubies attract visitors year-round with some of the state’s best hiking and backpacking. But winter is when this range really comes alive.
Some of the best snowmobiling in Nevada is in Lamoille Canyon. Don’t have your own snowmobile? Let SledNV give you a guided ride. If you’re after a more relaxed wintry adventure in the Rubies, be sure to bring your snowshoes—there’s plenty of untouched, crowd-free, snowy terrain to go around.
If you’re looking for something with a little more adrenaline, look no further than Ruby Mountain Heli Skiing. This family-owned enterprise flies extreme skiers high into the Rubies before dropping them off—don’t worry, you don’t have to jump out of the helicopter—to ski or snowboard down 200,000 acres of pristine backcountry.
Skiing, Snowboarding & More in Las Vegas
Tahoe isn’t the only place you can snow your own way in the Silver State. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, but despite being nestled deep in the Mojave Desert, it’s also the perfect winter destination—whether you enjoy golfing in January or snowboarding before hitting The Strip.
Winter Activities in the Las Vegas Area
For some classic winter fun, hit the slopes at Lee Canyon, the only ski resort in southern Nevada. Including a base lodge elevation at 8,660 feet, four chair lifts, and one surface lift, anyone looking for superb skiing and snowboarding in Nevada will find 31 trails ranging from beginner to expert. Lee Canyon’s terrain park is also a must, and areas for tubing, snowshoeing, and snow play open up depending on mountain conditions.
Photo: Lee Canyon
Just 40 minutes from The Strip, the Spring Mountains are one of the most ecologically diverse mountain ranges in the state. Mt. Charleston climbs to nearly 12,000 feet. In the summer, Nevada’s fifth-tallest peak offers a reprieve from sweltering Mojave temps. In the winter, it transforms into an unexpected alpine adventure land packed with opportunities for winter activities, including snowshoeing, ice climbing—like at Mary Jane Falls when conditions are right—and even skiing and snowboarding.
Year-Round Activities
While there’s plenty of cold-weather fun to be had in southern Nevada, let’s not pretend that lots of people don’t visit for the balmy, year-round climes.
Red Rock Canyon is a world-class rock climbing destination. From November to April, some of the best climbing conditions await, when the rock surface is cooler to the touch and the area is less crowded. If you’re after more “green” than white, join the club with great winter golf at award-winning courses in Mesquite, Boulder City, and Las Vegas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Winter
What is winter like in Nevada?
Winter in Nevada is all about contrast. Up north, you’ll find chilly temps and plenty of snow, perfect for hitting the slopes or exploring winter trails. Meanwhile, the south stays much milder, with places like Las Vegas offering cooler weather and little to no snow.
Does Nevada get a lot of snow?
Nevada’s snowfall varies by region. In the Sierra Nevada and higher elevations, you’ll find feet of snow for skiing and snowboarding. Meanwhile, the state’s lower desert areas, like Las Vegas, rarely see snow, with mostly mild winter weather.
What is the coldest month in Nevada?
January is usually the coldest month in Nevada, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, especially in the northern and central regions. It’s a prime time for winter sports in the mountains, but you’ll want to bundle up if you’re exploring the outdoors.
Does Las Vegas get cold in winter?
Las Vegas cools off in winter. Nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30s°F, but during the day, you’ll usually enjoy mild weather. It’s a nice mix of chilly evenings and pleasant afternoons—perfect for outdoor activities without the harsh winter chill.
#TravelNevada
Earning some serious bragging rights by skiing between state lines, or finding your inner Snow White at Chickadee Ridge? Tag #TravelNevada, and if we think your shot is just too cool, you may find it featured here.
![Nothin' wrong with some sunny ☀ spring laps in the park.
#regram @jennerrrrs - picture taken [02.28.20]](https://snapsea.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/7f48045f-f3ae-43b8-8db9-ee0f35d8c458/th/b24c6f23-e8b1-4d5b-9e0f-b799fa39368a.jpg)
