Après Everything: How to Win Winter in the Silver State
From sand and snow to trails and cocktails, Nevada is easily the best wintertime destination in America.
Whether you’re a powder hound seeking the fluffy stuff or a snowbird bent on escaping it, Nevada is easily the most diverse state for wintertime fun in the entire U.S. The state’s elevation ranges from 481 feet in the sunny Mojave Desert to above 13,000 feet in some of our powder-packed mountain ranges, allowing winter lovers of all stripes to find their bliss.
World-class skiing and riding? Check. Desert hiking and mountain biking? Got it. No matter what kind of adventures you’re chasing this winter, discover why Nevada is the best place to find it. Take a look at our favorite ways to get a little out there.
Choose your wintertime passion and we’ll throw in the après-action satisfaction
Responsibly
Love this place? Learn what you can do to help care for the land we cherish and keep it accessible for future generations.


Snow Sports & Chill Resorts
As the most mountainous state in the Lower 48, Nevada naturally promises top-notch skiing, riding, and more—and not just around our slice of world-famous Lake Tahoe. That said, let’s start there.
North Lake Tahoe’s “small-but-mighty” Diamond Peak Ski Resort earns its title as “Tahoe’s hidden gem” with a family-friendly atmosphere and the basin’s incomparable “Big Blue” panoramas—especially from the Snowflake Lodge deck, where skiers and riders can reward themselves with hot cocoa or a signature Snowflake Snuggler.
South Lake Tahoe’s state-straddling Heavenly Mountain Resort is famous among skiers and riders for its unmatched 3,500 vertical feet and 97 runs across almost 5,000 acres. From there, the Heavenly Gondola drops you off at Heavenly Village, the epicenter of dozens of highly rated restaurants and bars, 40 local and name-brand shops, family entertainment, and plenty of other ways to end your perfect Tahoe day.
For the slopes closest to the Biggest Little City, head for Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Sitting at a base elevation of 8,260 feet, Mt. Rose has more than 50 trails across 1,200 acres of diverse terrain. Expert skiers and snowboarders can chase maximum thrills on the Chutes, featuring 55-degree pitches and more than 1,000 vertical feet.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas might not feel like the place to schuss, but trust us, it is. One hour from The Strip, Lee Canyon has 28 lift-serviced trails and 445 total acres of skiable terrain. Kids have two snow play areas, but better yet, get them on the slopes—youth ages 12 and under ski free!
Wanna get extreme? Elko’s fabled Ruby Mountains are home to 11,000-foot peaks, untouched bowls, and some of the driest, fluffiest flakes in the U.S., beckoning backcountry powder hounds to go where ski lifts can’t. Skin up yourself, or catch a lift with Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience, one of the nation’s premier heli-skiing outfits since 1977. If snowmobiling is more your speed, rip around on a guided excursion with SledNV. Afterward, relax like royalty at the family-run Ruby 360 Lodge, a five-star chalet with uninterrupted views of the mountains you just shredded.


Snowshoes & Fire Pit Views
They don’t call it Chickadee Ridge for nothing. Grab the fam, pack the snowshoes—many local retailers rent them in Incline Village and Reno—and head up to Mount Rose Wilderness Area, just west of the Mount Rose Summit on NV-431. A beginner-friendly, about-a-mile-long walk carries you to breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, where, sure enough, a bunch of cute little birds just might flutter down to say hello.
After, head down the hill to the Hyatt Lake Tahoe to heat things up by the fire at the Lone Eagle Grille. The sprawling indoor restaurant and lounge boasts big, beautiful fireplaces and towering windows with Tahoe-sized views, but the real action is outside—at the lakefront fire pit. We can think of few better places to witness a stunning Lake Tahoe sunset. All ages are welcome.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
No bird seed required to attract the chickadees—they’re accustomed to people and likely to land on your empty, outstretched hand. Plus, feeding Nevada’s wildlife is illegal and harmful.


Death Valley National Park
With summer temps topping 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest, driest, lowest place on the continent is far more welcoming in winter when you can explore its alien landscapes without melting. Snow-capped peaks reaching 11,000 feet make for stunning scenery while cool days allow for more time exploring famous sights like the Mesquite Sand Dunes, Golden Canyon, and the Badwater Basin salt flats.
Do some more investigating at nearby Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a literal desert oasis just a half-hour east of Death Valley. Some 23,000 crowdless acres entice winter wanderers with lush wetlands, stunning sapphire spring pools, and interpretive trails among endemic plants and animals, including the world’s rarest fish.
Wash the desert sand off your feet before slipping into the year-round heated pool and hot tub at the quirky wonder that is the Longstreet Inn Casino & RV Resort. Fill your belly at the steakhouse, then claim a plush chair in the lounge to take in the evening’s entertainment before heading to your room for a good night’s sleep.


River Trails & ‘Dam’ Good Cocktails
Warm winter adventures beckon just 45 minutes south of Las Vegas, on land and (sometimes hot) water, in Boulder City: “The Town That Built Hoover Dam.” Surefooted hikers can scramble down a 2.5-mile trail—with the assistance of eight fixed ropes—to the Colorado River’s edge, where the reward of a long soak at Gold Strike Hot Springs awaits. Winter is ideal, as summer temps close the trail altogether.
Prefer paddling? The Black Canyon Water Trail carries kayakers to the same glorious spot, as well as to sandy beaches, waterfalls, and the aptly named Emerald Cave. Along the way, look for an abundance of desert bighorn sheep, osprey, great blue heron, and other cool canyon critters.
Meanwhile, mountain bikers beeline it to Bootleg Canyon, a seriously epic playground home to 35 miles of dusty desert singletrack across two dozen trails, ranging from rocky technical rollers to killer, gravity-testing downhill bombs.
Afterward, all trails lead back to Boulder City’s charming downtown for post-adventure relief. For vino and elevated eats, make your way to Milo’s Cellar & Inn. For juicy burgers, novel pub grub, and draught beers, shoot for mobster-inspired The Dillinger Food & Drinkery. And for adults-only ambience, soak up the Prohibition-era vibes and live tunes at Cleveland’s Lounge, located in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel’s basement.


Hiking, Biking & Climbing in Southern Nevada
As with Death Valley, winter is a cooler, calmer season to explore southern Nevada’s most popular attractions—minus the millions of other visitors. Hikers and cyclists love Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for its red-banded canyons and sandstone peaks, while climbers flock to some of the continent’s best vertical routes. Meanwhile, trails at Valley of Fire—Nevada’s first and largest state park—wind among unearthly rock formations dotted with artwork from the Silver State’s first people. Day-trip these gems, then head back to Circa Resort & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas to simmer down next to rooftop fire pits with sweeping Vegas vistas or to clink cold drinks in hot tubs.
Further east in the adventure mecca of Caliente, climbers rejoice in aptly named Rainbow Canyon. Towering, 3,000-foot walls harbor two state parks and next-to-zero competition for sport and trad routes on limestone and basalt with beautiful corners and clean, blank faces. Meanwhile, mountain bikers go bonkers at Barnes Canyon, home to dozens of miles of singletrack arranged in loops that get more technical and challenging the farther and higher you go.
Let your heart rate settle at Panaca’s homey Pine Tree Inn & Bakery, or spike it back up at the haunted hotspot that is Pioche’s historic Overland Hotel & Saloon, replete with themed rooms and a classic Sagebrush Saloon downstairs.


Winter Road Trip on the Loneliest Road in America
It’s always cruising season in the Road Trip Capital of the USA, including along one of the nation’s most iconic stretches of road. In fact, thanks to snow-capped peaks and seas of sagebrush glistening in the bright Nevada sun, winter is one of our favorite times to hit up the Loneliest Road in America. Some things are definitely closed until spring, but read on for a few of our wintry favorites.
After a hot dip in our capital city’s Carson Hot Springs, shoot east to Fallon’s Sand Mountain Recreation Area, where you can climb a six-story sand dune. Past Austin, detour down to Big Smoky Valley for a legendary Bloody Mary at the Lucky Spur Saloon before a natural soak at Spencer Hot Springs.
When Great Basin National Park’s upper elevations are beautifully blanketed in deep snow (usually until at least late June), creekside hikes become snowshoe strolls. The rare shield formations inside the stunning Lehman Caves are just as cool in winter as they are in summer, too. Heat things up back in Ely with one of the state’s best chorizo sandwiches at Racks Bar & Grill.