Lee Canyon (Ski and Snowboard Resort) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort |
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 Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort
Location in Nevada
Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clark County, Nevada |
| Coordinates | 36°18′06″N 115°40′51″W / 36.301638°N 115.680759°W |
| Top elevation | 11,289 ft (3,441 m) |
| Base elevation | 8,510 ft (2,590 m) |
| Skiable area | 385 acres (156 ha) |
| Runs | 24 15% easiest 45% more difficult 40% most difficult |
| Longest run | 3,000 ft (910 m) |
| Lift system | 3 chairlifts 1 surface lift |
| Terrain parks | 1 |
| Snowfall | 161 in (4,100 mm) Annual |
| Snowmaking | 70 acres (28 ha) |
| Night skiing | none |
The Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort, also known as Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, is a fun place to ski and snowboard! It's located about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States.
You can find this resort in the beautiful Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The main lodge sits at the base of Lee Peak, which is very tall at 11,289 feet (3,441 m). Nearby is Mount Charleston, an even taller peak in Nevada. You can get to the resort by taking US 95 to Nevada State Route 156.
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About the Ski Area
The resort is run by a company called Powdr Corporation. They work with the United States Forest Service to operate the ski area.
Lee Canyon is usually open for skiing and snowboarding from November to April. The best snow often falls in February and March.
Skiing and Snowboarding Fun
The resort has 385 acres (1.56 km²) of skiable land. This area offers 11 different trails for alpine skiing and snowboarding.
There are four lifts to take you up the mountain:
- Three chairlifts
- One surface lift (a type of tow that pulls you along the snow)
You can also explore special areas for advanced skiers and a cool freestyle terrain park where you can do tricks!
History of Lee Canyon
People have enjoyed winter activities on these snowy slopes since the early 1930s. In the 1940s, a group called the Las Vegas Ski Club had a small rope tow and a warm hut here.
How the Resort Started
The Lee Canyon Ski Area officially began in 1964. The Forest Service gave permission to create a place for winter fun in Southern Nevada.
- A T-Bar lift was put in.
- The A-Frame Chalet building was finished.
- In 1968, the first chairlift, called Chair One, was installed to reach higher parts of the mountain.
- A rope tow was added for beginners.
- The main lodge building was completed in February 1970.
Changes Over the Years
Many improvements have been made to the resort over time:
- In 1980, Chair Two replaced the old T-Bar lift.
- In 1982, Chair Three was added to the beginner slope, replacing the rope tow.
- In 1987, Lee Canyon started making artificial snow. This helps cover 60% of the main trails, even if there isn't much natural snow.
- Snowboarding was allowed starting in the late 1980s.
- In 1988, lights were installed so people could ski at night!
New Name and More Fun
In 1995, Lee Canyon Ski Area officially changed its name to Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.
During the 1990s, a freestyle terrain park and a half-pipe were built. This allowed for local competitions where skiers and snowboarders could show off their skills.
In 2005, a new triple chairlift was installed to replace Chair One. The snowmaking system was also improved even more.
Record-Breaking Season
On October 7, 2009, Lee Canyon opened earlier than ever before! It was one of the first ski resorts in the entire United States to open for the 2009-2010 season. That year turned out to be the longest season on record for Lee Canyon, lasting over 180 days!
