Mountain do
A guide to keeping things slopacetic on Mt. Charleston, whether you’re a bunny or a downhill dominator
Still just a casual rider? You can rent all necessary equipment and basic outerwear at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. Definitely purchase your lift ticket and reserve your rentals in advance. You can save as much as 35 percent. skilasvegas.com
Traveling with an entourage? Reserve the ski-in-ski-out party yurt for a worth-every-penny $300 catering minimum. It can hold up to 20 and is outfitted with a big-screen TV. 385-9950
On the weekend, you can nosh a coveted cronut at Lulu’s Bread & Breakfast, but they offer plenty of fuel options on weekdays, too, including stuffed French toast, green chile-topped breakfast burritos and fresh-brewed coffee. But, since you’re heading up to over 8,000 feet, drink plenty of water, too. 6720 Sky Pointe Dr., 437-5858
First chair is at 9 a.m. Don’t start later than 10:30 a.m. if you want prime powder. The 21-and-over start the day at the resort’s Bristlecone Bar with longtime bartender Ernie and a Bomb (a shot of Fireball inside the resort’s signature Bristlecone lager). On Sundays, make it a Bloody Mary and get fancy at the DIY garnish bar.
9:30 a.m.
Hop Chair 2 straight to Snake, a regulars’ favorite, or clock yourself on the resort’s free Nastar course. If you prefer snowboarding, the Strip Terrain Park is packed with jumps and jibs, including some beginner and progressive options. There’s even a dry mini-ramp if you happen to have your skateboard handy.
Beginners, don’t fret! Seek out a blue-jacketed coach on Rabbit Peak to ensure smooth cruising. The coaching service is complimentary. When you’re ready to move up the mountain, seek out Bimbo and Marcel’s Glade, two easy-to-love trails for beginners to intermediates, but with 30 trails, there’s plenty of terrain to explore.
Lunchtime
Adults-only climb up the spiral staircase to Chair 4, the resort’s open-air watering hole, where you can kick back in a refurbished lift chair and enjoy grilled fare. The younger set can stay on the mountain and grab a hot dog from Bighorn Dogs.
4 p.m.
Last chair!
5 p.m.
No ski day is complete without après–ski pleasantries. Down the hill, make it to Leticia’s before 6 p.m. to sip half-off margaritas and nosh $2.50 nachitos, shrimp cocktails and more. If you miss happy hour, flash your lift ticket receipt and receive 15 percent off. 7585 Norman Rockwell Lane, 445-7722
8 p.m.
Every athlete deserves a good rubdown, and Best Foot Spa will deliver from the tip of your beanie to the bottom of your boots. It’s open until midnight, but call ahead to reserve your spot. 4124 S. Rainbow Blvd., 534-8676
Extra special perfect day: Jan. 8. The resort celebrates Elvis’s birthday with an Elvis Run, so bring your warmest white jumpsuit.