Reno is one of those towns that refuses to be put in a box. Want to ski or snowboard, hike or mountain bike, watch live music or play some blackjack? In聽, you can do it all鈥攐ften in a single day. It鈥檚 on the doorstep of the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America and boasts a lively downtown brimming with craft breweries and fresh eateries, and it鈥檚 all easily accessed from basically anywhere via an international airport. Here鈥檚 how to win winter in Tahoe, Reno-style.
World-Class Skiing, Small-Town Vibes
Every winter, elite skiers from around the world flock to one of the聽more than ten ski resorts that are within a short drive聽of the Reno airport to train on the region鈥檚 renowned terrain. But that global status hasn鈥檛 diluted the local hills鈥 small-mountain-town feel. Exhibit A: , the family-friendly resort just 45 minutes from downtown Reno, is a local favorite for its stunning views of the lake, affordable lift tickets, and uncrowded runs. Over at , home to the highest base elevation of any resort in Tahoe and just 30 minutes from Reno, consistently great snow conditions start early in the season and stretch well into spring.
Bonus: January is Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, where the downhill and cross-country resorts within 100 miles of Reno typically offer discounts on lessons, lift tickets, and rentals, as well as programs designed for everyone from complete beginners to experts. So whether you’re a brand-new skier or snowboarder, or just looking to take your skills to the next level, there’s no better time to plan a trip to Reno.
Tons of Other Snowy Pursuits
The skiing around Reno could keep you busy for a lifetime, but that鈥檚 just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the area鈥檚 snowy landscape. Destiny Phan, manufacturing engineer at local outdoor gear company Cascade Designs, recommends renting snowshoes and ambling along 聽on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Looking to cover more ground quickly? Phan says the ride up Mount Watson with s is not to be missed. 鈥淭he views of the lake are incredible, and the tour ends with a 鈥榝ree-for-all鈥 on a frozen pond where you can let loose on your snowmobile,鈥 she says. Back in Reno, Phan loves the outdoor ice-skating scene at the Grand Sierra Resort.
Epic Send Opportunities
While it may be too cold to climb the granite peaks of the Sierra, stay at the聽for access to Basecamp, the hotel’s on-site climbing gym, and the Guinness-certified world鈥檚 tallest artificial climbing wall. Choose from over a dozen routes built into the side of the hotel鈥攅verything from slab to epic overhangs鈥攊ncluding an infamous two-pitch, 164-foot monster that is sure to leave you not only pumped but also dizzy with its bird鈥檚-eye view over the city and the snowcapped mountains beyond. If staying closer to the ground is more your style, Basecamp鈥檚 7,000-square-foot indoor bouldering park will keep even the most eager climbers busy. Looking to get on some聽real聽rock? Areas like Somerset Boulders聽and聽River Rock, both located just west of Reno along I-80, are climbable for most of the winter.
Get on the Water (Seriously)
The year-round Truckee River Whitewater Park, in the heart of downtown Reno, gives kayakers 11 drop-pools and other features to keep the adrenaline pumping. Yes, it鈥檚 cold in the winter, but weather permitting, you can suit up with a guide from and enjoy the expertly built whitewater park with none of the crowds. If you鈥檇 rather hit the big lake on a calm, sunny day, stop by 聽to rent a see-through kayak (yes, these boats are fully transparent, affording unencumbered views into Lake Tahoe’s incredibly clear depths)聽and聽explore聽nearby secluded coves.
Year-Round Dirt
One of the best ways to explore the snow-free natural terrain immediately surrounding Reno is on two wheels. The mountain-bike app Trailforks lists 158聽trails for this region, covering 230 miles, and , just northwest of town, is a top zone, offering trails from flowy cross-country to technical downhills. If you鈥檙e looking for a fun climb with plenty of obstacles to navigate, the Halo Trail鈥揅rispy Bacon loop will test your no-dab skills. Of course, the trails around Reno are great for hiking and running, too. Check out the popular l聽for a frozen waterfall payout or head to 聽for a chance to see herds of wild horses.
A Lively Apr猫s Scene
Reno is quickly becoming a craft beer destination,聽with more than 聽in the immediate Reno area alone. Head to the oldest brewery still operating in Nevada鈥., in Victorian Square in downtown Sparks鈥攖o try the 鈥淚cky.鈥 An original recipe, this delicious American-style IPA derives its name from the state fossil鈥攖he ichthyosaur. And it wouldn鈥檛 be Nevada without plenty of shows and live music to choose from. If you’re looking for grand stages and big acts,聽check the at Reno Events Center, the Grand Theatre, and the Nugget Event Center. But don’t overlook Reno’s more intimate venues, like The Loving Cup, which delivers a cozier small-show feel. For movie buffs, the 聽brings international films to various theaters in the region in early December each year.
聽isn鈥檛 your basic vacation destination. It鈥檚 a collision of contrasts, where majestic mountains converge on the high desert. Where the largest alpine lake and the Biggest Little City in the World meet. Discover Lake Tahoe and Reno.