Las Vegas mountain enthusiasts finally have a reason to rejoice after a recent snowstorm blanketed Lee Canyon Ski Resort with a thick layer of white stuff. As reported by FOX5 Vegas, an impressive 35 inches of fresh powder hit the slopes, prompting a swarm of early risers on Saturday eager to dig their skis and boards into the fresh pack. "This season has started off very slow, so it feels like winter showed up this week, and we’re here for it," Lee Canyon Marketing Director Johnny Degeorge shared with FOX5 Vegas.
In a delightful twist of weather-induced fortune, the Sherwood chairlift was opened, completing the ensemble of available lifts and accommodating an influx of thrill-seekers. Joy spread among the crowd, stirring their ardor for winter sports, as one skier exclaimed, "Winter just got saved this season!" As skiers and snowboarders cheered on the newly opened runs, the anticipation and excitement were palpable, which could almost be cut with a knife, belying the prior slow start to the season that the resort had been enduring, as per FOX5 Vegas.
Adding to the sense of relief and rejuvenation for the popular outdoor destination, 8 News Now highlighted a significant turnout of over 1,000 snow sports fans, making the most of the long-awaited first powder day of the season. Resort crews, announcing the snowfall at 33 inches, worked diligently to prepare the slopes, deploying a vintage howitzer to trigger controlled avalanches, and laying the groundwork for a secure and joyous day on the mountain. "Here at Lee Canyon, we actually operate a howitzer, which is a World War Two cannon basically," Johnny Degeorge elaborated in a statement obtained by 8 News Now.
With all lifts in operation and optimal conditions prevailing, visitors can now explore the full extent of Lee Canyon. Even those preferring a serene slide down the slopes, along with families and avid snowboarders like Joab Torres, are in for a treat. "Fresh powder, It's always good to shred fresh powder," Torres told 8 News Now, encapsulating the shared anticipation of improved conditions and expanded terrain options. However, Lee Canyon staff have cautioned eager visitors to check Nevada 511 for real-time road conditions and to exercise preparedness and patience when making their way to the resort.
The recent snowfall and fully operational chairlifts symbolize the end to a slow start for Lee Canyon this season, and with a long weekend ahead, the resort stands ready to host a flurry of snow-goers itching for their alpine fix. Lee Canyon's marketing coordinator's advice mirrors the mood of the moment, as Degeorge urged visitors, "Have some patience for our mountain operations crew who's working hard to get this place up and running," according to 8 News Now.
