When it comes to ski destinations across the U.S. certain cities regularly come to mind. Salt Lake City, Bozeman, Denver to name a few. One that hasn’t popped up often in recent years, however, is the city of Reno.
Former Skier’s Mecca, Reno Falls on Hard Times
Go back a few decades and it was easy to find a myriad of ad campaigns touting Reno as the ski destination of choice for the Tahoe region. Casinos and nightlife were the driving force behind this mecca, attracting skiers from all over. However, when gambling came on hard times due to the rise of Native American based casinos and less lenient gambling laws, so to did Reno.
No longer a coveted landing place for mountain riders, Reno sat destitute for almost two decades. A remnant of its former self, it was a distant memory of a bygone era of après ski dominance. A place where people used to go for ski vacations and party until the wee hours of the morning. That, however, is all starting to change.
Renaissance Makes Reno Better Than Ever
Reno Tahoe is back and in many ways so much better than ever. In an effort to redefine itself it has become its own silicon valley of sorts. By attracting companies like Tesla, Blockchains and Google, the city of Reno has seen a resurgence in the last decade that extends far beyond business.
Burning Man has put its stamp on this city in the desert and now Reno is a place for skiers, artists, brewers, chefs, inventors and entrepreneurs alike. A city with a chip on its shoulder it now offers a vibrant street scene filled with eclectic eateries, maker spaces, vintage shops, tattoo parlors and public art at every turn. To top it all off, it is once again the hub for ski getaways thanks to its close proximity to all the Tahoe area ski resorts.
America’s Biggest Little City Awaits Your Next Ski Vacation
America’s Biggest Little City ready and waiting for your next ski vacation. Don’t believe me? Here are five reasons to convince you otherwise and will have you booking your next ski vacation to Reno Tahoe.
1. Tahoe has the Highest Concentration of Ski Resorts in North America
With 14 ski resorts all within close proximity to Reno and Reno-Tahoe International airport Lake Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America. This makes it super easy to pack in a ton of skiing in one long weekend. The closest resort, Mt. Rose, is only 30 minutes away and boasts the highest elevation of any Tahoe ski resort.
Northstar California Resort is just 40 minutes outside the city of Reno. There you’ll find the only Burton Academy in the world where you help them celebrate their recent 10 year anniversary, commemorate Jake Burton’s legacy and test out their latest equipment in their test shop.
2. Reno is an Après Ski Mecca
Any Tahoe ski adventure would not be complete without a visit to nearby Reno. Filled with countless amenities, they offer a unique stop on your après ski tour. Reno’s creativity can be discovered through the vibrant street art and public Burning Man sculptures throughout the city.
Be sure to grab a bite at the inventive Midtown Eats, a local favorite located right in the heart of Reno. The Bourbon Pub, Northstar’s newest dining establishment, is also worth checking out. Offering an array of comfort food your mouth will be watering just looking at the menu. Finally, be sure to finish your night off at The Arch Society: Reno’s one and only dessert bar offer up some creative cocktails that will have you rethinking dessert.
3. Reno’s Craft Brewery Scene is on the Rise
Reno’s craft brew scene is on the rise and offers a break from the slopes. Take your own personal brewery tour and sample tasty craft beers at one or more of the dozens of local breweries. The Depot is a favorite, an old rail station turned brewery and distillery, you can imbibe in a rather unique atmosphere. Other local breweries include Lead Dog Brewing and Alibi Ale Works both of which are worth stopping by.
4. Casinos Offer Gaming and Entertainment
Stay late and test your luck at one of the infamous casino hotels for some gaming and entertainment. Reminiscent of anything you’d find in Vegas, they are the ultimate luxury stay, dining, entertainment experience. Visit or stay the Eldorado or Grand Sierra and then hit up a fun cocktail bar like Rum Sugar Lime for interested twists on classic drinks in midtown.
5. Scale the World’s Tallest Climbing Wall
The mountains aren’t the only thing that are high in Tahoe. Right in Downtown Reno visitors can find the Guinness World Record’s Tallest Climbing Wall on the side of the Whitney Peak Hotel Reach new heights when climbing it’s face then bask in the beautiful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres
