Snowfall shortfall curtails amenities at Lee Canyon

Less snowfall at Mount Charleston means fewer recreational activities at Lee Canyon.

Last winter season (November 2016-February 2017) saw 26 inches of snow in the Spring Mountains by early January and more than 100 inches by the end of February, National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Outler said. As of Jan. 3 of this year, there had been 0.8 inch at Mount Charleston. The Weather Service didn’t have statistics for how much snow was at Lee Canyon specifically, Outler said, but the resort’s website indicates that the yearly average is 161 inches.

Lee Canyon offers winter activities such as snow tubing, snowshoeing and chairlift rides. Because of the limited snow, some amenities are temporarily closed, Lee Canyon marketing director Jim Seely said. The resort has only opened two of its 24 trails (beginner and intermediate levels) this season. Lee Canyon also closed one of the three scenic chairlifts, he said.

It’s making artificial snow using a 10-million-gallon reservoir that pumps from a large pond about halfway up the resort’s marked terrain area, Seely said.

Despite the challenges, visitation numbers haven’t changed much, Seely said. Locals make up about 60 percent of the resort’s visitors, he said.

Season prices, which range from $349 (adult Battle Born pass) to $549 (all-access pass), haven’t changed, Seely said.

There’s still hope for more snow in the Spring Mountains, with February statistically being the “wettest” month for Las Vegas, Outler said. February is Lee Canyon’s busiest month, Seely said, adding in early January that “we’ll probably see improvement (of snow) within the next few weeks.”

At The Resort on Mount Charleston, “We’ve been doing well at the resort regardless …” said Julia Mattucci, who handles marketing.

A problem elsewhere

Brian Head Resort in Utah has received 16-18 inches of natural snow, a far cry from the 30-plus that’s typical by mid-January, public-relations coordinator Mark Wilder said. The resort has been using artificial snow to make up the difference, he said.

January is a busy month for Brian Head, Wilder said. The resort has about 70 runs, and about 20-30 were open as of early January, he said. The resort lowered the cost of its weekend passes from $69 to $59 amid the snowfall shortage, Wilder said.

“(Most) of the West Coast is struggling right now, but it will change and winter will come back,” he said.