It鈥檚 not often that a ski vacation brings together epic ski resort offerings and the limitless amenities of a city. When you make Reno Tahoe your urban base camp for winter adventure, you get the best of both worlds. Take your pick of world-class Tahoe ski resorts, all within an hour of downtown Reno, and pair them with a vibrant city scene with endless dining options and access to tons of off-the-slopes activities. Once you experience the urban base camp lifestyle in Reno Tahoe, you鈥檒l wonder why you waited so long to plan a ski trip based out of the Biggest Little City. Spend the day exploring more than 170 trails, 16 bowls, and 3,600 skiable acres at . Check out , a local favorite, where you can drop into or cruise the groomers. Then head back to Reno for an urban apr猫s scene. What does that entail? Here鈥檚 a look at all the apr猫s-ski fun Reno Tahoe has in store this .
Hot Springs and Chill
Nothing beats a soak when you鈥檙e fresh off the slopes. If you鈥檙e skiing , near Incline Village, take the scenic route back to the city and stop off at . A respite for the Washoe people and later for travelers en route to the California Gold Rush, this geothermal spring is the perfect place to let tired legs recover after a big ski day. The facility has a large outdoor pool and smaller private pools鈥攁ll naturally heated to the perfect soaking temperature. For an upscale experience, opt for , inside Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. This deluxe spa has been awarded the highly coveted Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star designation. Treat yourself with a hydrating body wrap to replenish dry winter skin, or bliss out with a massage. Make a day of it by enjoying the other spa amenities like the brine inhalation light therapy lounge and soaking tubs before and after your treatment.
Dine Downtown
Big ski days make for big appetites. In downtown Reno, your are as wide open as your favorite groomer. Right in the middle of the downtown action in the Riverwalk District, serves up shareable dishes that are perfect for groups and families. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine from the vacation-worthy drink menu and a classic apr猫s-ski crowd pleaser: Gruy猫re and white wine fondue served with green apples and a brioche pretzel. Then choose from a menu of hearty dishes鈥攚ood-fired pizzas crafted with homemade sourdough crust and regionally sourced ingredients, artisan-style pasta dishes, or steaks freshly cut at the Liberty USDA butcher shop鈥攖hat hit the spot after a day on the snow.
More of a brewpub person? Opt for . Originally constructed as the headquarters of the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway, this historic building is now home to Nevada鈥檚 first combined brewery and distillery that specializes in craft beer and whiskey. The on-site restaurant serves upscale takes on classic pub fare, including steak frites with bourbon honey butter and grass-fed burgers with bacon-onion jam and white wine aioli. Pair your meal with a whiskey cocktail or the brewery鈥檚 flagship Ranch Hand pilsner.
Experience the City鈥檚 Culture
For a truly local vibe, head across the river to , where you鈥檒l find streets lined with shops, unique cocktail bars, and . Grab a table at , across the river in MidTown. This American-style tapas bar serves a metropolitan atmosphere alongside creative, shareable plates that will satisfy your whole crew. Order a variety for the table鈥攍emon piccata meatballs, Korean barbecue spiced cauliflower, and salmon bruschetta on grilled focaccia. If you鈥檙e still hungry, there are always more plates to try.
Down the street, delights guests with hearty dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients. Tuck into a generous serving of red wine鈥揵raised pot roast served with saut茅ed baby carrots, asparagus, and house garlic mashed potatoes. Or go for the braised baby back ribs鈥攁 house specialty鈥攕lathered in house barbecue sauce and served with cheesy corn grits and organic wilted greens.
Keep the Fun Going
With access to public land and open spaces right outside the city, Reno will keep you entertained off the slopes. Fuel up at before renting in town. Then head to Chickadee Ridge for a mellow 2.3-mile out-and-back trail offering beginner-friendly terrain with big views overlooking the Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe. In late winter and early spring, chickadees鈥攌nown locally as cheeseburger birds because of their distinct song that sounds like the word 鈥渃heeseburger鈥濃攎ake for an exciting spectacle on their namesake trail. With their black caps, these friendly native birds are easy to spot. You may even get a chance for a closer look鈥攂old chickadees are known to land on hikers atop the ridge.
Need some time out of the elements? Try the indoor bouldering gym at . This competition-level facility features 7,000 square feet of bouldering routes and offers to non-hotel guests. Or head just east of town to the in Sparks, where you can work those ski legs and maybe even dial a new terrain park trick. While you鈥檙e on that side of town, don鈥檛 miss a chance to stop by the , a community maker space where local artists bring large-scale fabrication art to life. The space is open to the public for tours Tuesday through Saturday, when you can see work-in-progress pieces and watch the artists in action.
Reno Tahoe is where ambition is rewarded and you can push those boundaries, try something new, and make memories to last a lifetime. Head to for inspiration and begin planning today.