Skiing . . . In Reno?

When I think of Reno I think of casinos, neon lights, and a rocking night life. But did you know the “Biggest Little City in the World” is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which means that it’s actually a great place for a ski vacation.

In fact, there are 18 ski resorts within a short drive of Reno. That astounding number actually makes the highest concentration of ski resorts in all of North America.

This makes Reno an excellent destination a winter fun vacation. Reno is an ideal choice for someone looking to for a wide variety of activities while vacationing. You can ski by day and enjoy the Reno night life by night.

Reno, Nevada Welcome Sign

The Sierra Mountains offer slopes for every level of skier, and snow boarding runs. Veteran skiers (that’s not me) can even show off their talents on half-pipes and challenging slopes. I’ll be in awe of those skills as I tumble down the bunny slopes with the 5 year olds!

Reno Ski Resorts:

Mt Rose is the closest ski resort to Reno – only a 25 minute drive away. Mt Rose Ski Tahoe is largely a locals’ ski area with no lodging.

Diamond Peak which is fantastic for beginners. Diamond Peak is very family oriented and great for smaller kids and less experienced skiers and is also really close to Reno.

If you’re looking to experience the area’s best and biggest then you’ll want to go a little further to Heavenly Ski Resort in southern Lake Tahoe. Catering to every experience level and with 4,800 acres, Heavenly is the highest and largest resort in Lake Tahoe.

Other resorts to explore include Northstar, Kirkwood and Squaw Valley. Squaw offers technology advanced lifts and the nicest equipment, while Northstar has a wonderful snow village for when you’ve had enough of the slopes.

Whatever type of resort you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it just outside of Reno.

Heavenly – at just over 10,000 ft.

Northstar Village

Some of the Resorts in the Area

Mt. Rose – 22.9 mi.

Donner Ski Ranch – 32.6 mi.

Diamond Peak – 34.0 mi.

Tahoe Donner Downhill – 42.1 mi.

Boreal – 44.5 mi.

Sugar Bowl – 45.0 mi.

Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows – 46.7 mi.

Soda Springs – 47.9 mi.

Homewood Mountain Resort – 55.7 mi.

Check out a few more reasons why Reno is the best destination for a winter skiing vacation: 

• Not interested in skiing? That’s ok there’s a lot of other winter activities, like ice-skating, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling.
• Winter sightseeing are some of the most gorgeous views you can see in the US, so dress warm and take it all in.
• Summit elevations range from 7,350 to 10,100 feet. That just about guarantees 20-foot snow packs and ski seasons that can last from November until long into spring! Snow skiing in May? Sure, why not?
• Staying in nearby Reno gives you an impressive selection of restaurants, hotels, and spas in which to relax those sore muscles!

No, Reno may not be the first destination you think of for a ski vacation but it should be your last!