With winter break starting for Clark County students Dec. 23, the Las Vegas community often looks to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), or Mt. Charleston as it is known by locals, for winter recreation opportunities. Considering the novelty of snow in the desert, it is understandable that visitors want to venture the short distance from Las Vegas to enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and other typical snow play activities.

Currently, there is no snow on the ground to support snow play in most areas at this time except for the Lee Canyon Ski Resort. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so to keep up with current conditions on the SMNRA, check the National Weather Service website at: https://mtcharlestonweather.com/.

Lee Canyon Ski Resort has been capitalizing on cold temperatures to produce snow. In November, the resort marked its earliest opening in over a decade. Currently, three out of five lifts are operating, offering access to beginner and intermediate terrain, as well as over 15 terrain park features for riders of all skill levels. For more information about Lee Canyon, visit www.leecanyonlv.com.

Even without snow, the SMNRA is still a great place to come recreate this winter. It is important to leave earlier than you might in the summer months to allow enough time to enjoy your chosen activity before the daylight fades and colder temperatures set in, potentially making it unsafe to continue. Several recreation sites remain that are open year-round to the public including McWilliams and Fletcher View Campgrounds, Kyle Canyon and Sawmill Picnic Areas, and numerous trailheads and trails. For recreation site information, visit: https://bit.ly/SpringMountainsNRA.

During the winter months, trails on the SMNRA experience a wide range of conditions including dry, black ice, hard packed snow and ice, loose snow, slush, and every combination. Waterproof footwear and traction devices are essential. In deep snow, snowshoes reduce how much a hiker sinks into the powder. On packed snow and ice, micro-spikes and other traction devices provide additional traction for better footing. Trekking poles are also highly recommended to provide more points of contact with the ground, which increases balance and traction.

It is also important to remember that snow-covered landscapes look very different than in summer. While out on the trails, do not rely on others' tracks which could lead you astray. Always be willing to turn around. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly as snow falls and melts. Even the best-laid plans can go awry, so it is important to know what to do if you find yourself disoriented. For more detailed winter safety tips, please visit: https://bit.ly/WinterRecreationTips.

Additionally, anyone who is planning a winter trip to the SMNRA can find more area specific weather, driving, parking, and snow play information at https://bit.ly/SMNRAWinterSafetyTips. For current conditions, Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway updates, and safety tips, visit: https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF or https://x.com/HumboldtToiyabe.

It is also important to check driving conditions, chain requirements, and road closures before traveling to the SMNRA. Check real-time information by calling 511 within Nevada or visit www.nvroads.com. For public safety, it is also best to wait to drive up the mountain until after a snowstorm and roads have time to be plowed. 

The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway facilities and parking area at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road is currently open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The facility is closed on Christmas Day and may be closed during weather events. Public restroom facilities are available in Kyle Canyon at the Cliff Rose Trailhead across the traffic circle from the visitor gateway and in Lee Canyon at Sawmill Picnic Area.

Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing for their planned activities and to not trespass on private property or closed areas. Sledding is not recommended in areas where there is less than 12 inches of snow and trash should be carried home or placed in dumpsters or trashcans. Owners should also keep pets on a leash and clean up their waste.

When traveling to the SMNRA, visitors should remember to start with a full tank of gas because there are no gas stations on the mountain. Always carry with you: tire chains, tow strap, cell phone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bags, first aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, and water.

To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months, Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department monitor traffic congestion, available parking, and road conditions in Kyle and Lee Canyons and regulate access. Depending on conditions, delays and periodic road closures may occur on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road), 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and 158 (Deer Creek Road).

It is important to abide by all posted parking signs in both Kyle and Lee Canyons. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed. In areas where roadside parking is permitted, ensure all tires are to the right of the white line to keep the lane clear for emergency vehicles.

In case of a roadway emergency, dial *NHP (*647) or 911 to report a serious accident. Since cell phone service is limited, public phones are located on Lee Canyon Road across from Lee Meadows, Old Mill Picnic Area, and Foxtail Snow Play Area. Local 702 and 911 calls from these phones are free.

The Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance promotes public safety during the winter months when Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon see large spikes in visitation. Clark County is a partner in the effort in addition to these entities: Clark County, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro), Lee Canyon Ski Resort, Mount Charleston Fire Protection District, Mt. Charleston Lodge, National Weather Service, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), and U.S. Forest Service.