Summer Fun at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort

When you think of Las Vegas you imagine busy casinos, hotels, and many wonders of the world all in one place.  One thing you don't think about when it comes to visiting Vegas is the mountains!  Trust me I didn't think that was possible in the middle of the desert either.

Hidden away in Lee Canyon, at 8,510 feet in elevation, the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort offers an abundance of activities perfect for a summer escape where you can relax and enjoy the views or get a little adventurous.

I was lucky enough to have a day to go on a mini adventure by myself to clear my head and get to some cooler temperatures at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.  With a short 45-minute drive you can be in the mountains and cooler temperatures year round!  A neat detail is the resort is totally off grid so they have to create their own power which also means no cell service.

So what does a ski resort have to offer in the summer?

• Disc Golf – with the first hole at 9,300 feet in elevation the course winds its way through the resort's varying terrain that is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.  This National Forest is the largest forest in the United States outside of Alaska!  Hike or ride the chairlift up to the first tee the rental fee of one driver and one putter also includes a chair lift ticket. $17 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under
• Scenic Chair Lift – if you love breathtaking views Chair 1 takes you to 8,000 feet for a peek at Lee Canyon's cathedral-like limestone cliffs, acres of ponderosa pine and aspen trees as well as animal life that are unique to Mt. Charleston.  $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under
• Hiking – with 51 miles of trails throughout the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area the possibilities are endless.  Starting right next to the resort is the 6.2-mile pet-friendly Bristlecone Trail where hikers can work their way through White Fir and Quaking Aspen, then climb exposed slopes to an ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. After passing the junction with the Bonanza Trail, hikers descend into a canyon next to the trailhead near McWilliams Campground.

I highly recommend spending the day exploring and taking in the views, the drive out there was amazing and with all the activities at the resort and surrounding it the whole family will be entertained.  What makes an adventure day even easier is the dining available at the resort.

At the Bighorn Grill, you can enjoy the pristine views surrounding the 5,000 sq ft patio and even play a variety of lawn games including giant Jenga and cornhole.  The menu includes grilled items, custom burgers and hand-tossed salads.  For an adult experience, the Bristlecone Bar serves premium draft beers, bottled beers, wines, and cocktails.