Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort’s plans to add 50 trails and 10 lifts, increased snowmaking capability and parking, upgrades to equipment, and additional guest facilities have been approved by the Humoldt-Toiyabe National Forest Service. The news comes after many years of examining the extensive multiphase project, which will take several years to complete.


This is an important moment in history for Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, as well as the local community, explains Kevin Stickelman, LVSSRs president and general manager, which was acquired by Powdr Corp. in 2003. The approval of our MDP means that in addition to offering the finest outdoor winter experience, LVSSR will be poised to provide year-round outdoor recreation and to serve as a premier special event venue. We will also be creating employment opportunities, as well as attracting tourism by providing a very unique Las Vegas experience.

Terms of the MDPs acceptance include the ongoing evaluation of individual projects for feasibility and impact in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). According to Stephanie Phillips, Humoldt-Toiyabe National Forest Services deputy forest supervisor, the two parties sharing a goal of protecting the environment was a critical factor in the MDPs acceptance.


While the MDP will take place in phases over a 10- to 12-year period, Stickelman explains that some of the changes will be visible as early as the 2011-2012 season.


By opening day, we will have added two yurts that will be home to an expanded youth ski school and beginner programs, says Stickelman, noting that the area will also launch a more comprehensive youth racing program. Outdoor seating at our base lodge will increase to 5,000 sq. ft., and well offer a ski corral that provides secure ski and snowboard storage.


Other visible changes will be the quantity of snow. Last summer, LVSSR increased the capacity of its snowmaking pond to 7.5 million gallons of water-more than four times the supply of the previous pond, which held only 1.6 million gallons.  Due to last seasons heavy snowfall, the pond is already full. Stickelman explains, Immediately, were tackling the installation of electricity on top of Chair 1, which will run five additional high-efficiency snowmaking guns. This means that on opening day we will be positioned to create top-to-bottom powder on every run. Its exciting, and yet is only the start of the areas transformation.   
 
LVSSR also plans to expand the popular NASTAR grassroots ski race program. An acronym for NAtional STAndard Race, NASTAR provides recreational racers with an opportunity to compete and to compare their scores to those of other racers. Its website records stats and ranks racers by factors including age and ability. More than 95,000 people participate in the program to win platinum, gold, silver and bronze medals in their age and gender groups.


Finally, the resort will installed a state-of-the-art software program that will be able capture a concise picture of its guests and their habits. This will inform the design of LVSSR’s season pass and ski school programs. As a part of its technology upgrades, LVSSR will be launching a new website in the months ahead. The new site will allow guests to register online for contests and programs, make ski school reservations, and purchase or renew season pass products.


Local and visiting skiers and boarders alike have waited patiently for this news, says Stickelman. The entire staff is thrilled to be moving forward and we greatly appreciate the patience of our community. We also extend our deepest thanks to Stephanie Phillips and the U.S. Forest Service for sharing in our vision for creating a better outdoor experience for our guests.


Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR) is located approximately one hour from downtown Las Vegas in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Established in 1963, LVSSR offers guests access to 11 trails via three chair lifts and one surface lift. The area features LVSSRs Ski & Snowboard School, Darkside Terrain Park, a freestyle terrain park for skiers and snowboarders, and off-slope amenities.