Ski & Snowboard Resort expansion to add trails, create jobs

By Aida Ahmed

Wednesday, July 20, 2011 | 2 a.m.

The Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort in the Mount Charleston area is undergoing a $35 million expansion that will add trails, jobs and general improvements to the valley getaway.

A $35 million master development plan proposed to the U.S. Forest Service in 2007 has been approved.

The resort now covers 70 acres. When the expansion is complete, it will encompass about 500 acres.

Kevin Stickelman, president and general manager of the ski resort, said renovations, which have begun, will be finished after 2020, he said.

Upgrades will include 50 trails and 10 lifts, a hiking area, two new base lodges for retail and food, and increased snow-making ability with a reservoir that can hold up to 30 million gallons of water.

“There will be enough water storage capacity to make snow on lower and mid-mountain runs,” Stickelman said.

The expansion of the resort, which employs 220 seasonal and winter workers as well as 10 full-time instructors, will make way for almost 400 more seasonal hires, about 20 full-time positions and a number of additional summer jobs.

Stickelman said the resort hires mostly locals.

About 70 percent of resort visitors are from the Las Vegas Valley, but Stickelman said he expects the renovations to be a draw for skiers nationwide.

This winter, skiers can expect to see 1,400 square feet of space for children’s programs, snow upgrades and the ability to make online reservations.

Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is about 30 miles from downtown Las Vegas. Season passes range from $175 for children to an unlimited adult plan for $550. Locals can buy a weekday-only season pass for $350.