Low Snowfall Has Silver Lining for Las Vegas Ski Area

Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal/Getty Images

Low Snowfall Has Silver Lining for Las Vegas Ski Area

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated May 9, 2026 6:26 AM ET

Las Vegas ski area Lee Canyon started off the 2025/26 season stronger than most places. By opening day, Lee Canyon had a better snowpack than much of the western US, which held strong until February. However, when warm temperatures hit in mid-March, the ski area was forced to close months earlier than it had in previous years.

The ski area is choosing to count its silver linings instead, though, and has already started to pivot towards its summer season. The mountain's staff has been hard at work to ready their slopes for bike park season. Lee Canyon's downhill bike park opened for its summer season on Friday, May 1, marking a record early opening date.

Lee Canyon has two lifts and five mountain bike trails open in their bike park, which is open Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The resort also offers hiking, disc golf, mountainside yoga, and scenic lift rides in the summer.

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"Of course, we accept that we deal with the weather, whatever it is. But Lee Canyon has really grown into that of a year-round business as opposed to previously being more of a winter recreation site," Lee Canyon's Johnny DeGeorge told FOX5.

The resort has been learning to adapt quickly to the volatility of winter and capitalize on all the recreation opportunities in the Las Vegas area. The mountain's base lodge sits at 8,660 feet, significantly higher than the elevation of Las Vegas itself, which is only about 2,000 feet. As a result, when summer temperatures in the city get hot, Lee Canyon can be up to 30 degrees cooler. The difference in temperature at Lee Canyon tends to make for a much more hospitable recreation environment in the summer months.

On average, Lee Canyon gets 129 inches of snowfall per season and sees 300-plus days of sunshine a year.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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