Royal Gorge Ski Resort - Reno, California

Address:Reno, California
Tel: (800) 500-3871

Ranked by Snow Country Magazine as the largest cross country ski resort in North America, Royal Gorge lives up to its name. 308 kilometers of skiiable terrain and over 90 trails await you just 3 hours East of San Francisco, 1 1/2 hours from Sacramento, and only 45 minutes West of Reno.

Groomed every night and throughout the day by 5 Snow-Cats, the 20 foot wide trails receive an average snowfall of 600 inches a season. Each trail has two diagonal stride tracks and a skating lane in the middle. There are 28 novice, 44 intermediate and 16 advance trails to explore. 4 surface lifts operate only on weekends and holidays. The site operates from 9am to 5pm during the week and from 830am to 5pm on weekends.

Prices at Royal Gorge are low and discounts abound. Weekly, there are Two for Tuesdays where you buy a learn-to-ski package for you and a friend, Wild Wednesdays where all day access is generally under $20, or Thrifty Thursdays where you get a snow pass and rentals for around $40. Don't miss out on the combo pass or Mom-n-me deal where moms get a trail pass and pull sled for their little one. These deals are not valid during the Christmas holidays from December 24 – January 1st. Rates change according to the high season which runs from December 22-Jan 1st, January 21, and February 18 to the low season which includes the rest of the days of the year not mentioned above. Children under 12 and seniors over the age of 70 ski and ride for free. There is also an AAA discount available.

The rental skis at Royal Gorge are top of the line, and include Fischer skis, Salomon boots and Swix poles. But be sure to try out the available demos before you buy. More than 1000 rentals are on hand, so there are no worries if you do not own your own equipment. One or two day ski rentals are available, as are snowshoes and pull sleds.

If you need to stay connected to the world even while on holiday, never fear! Free wifi internet is available in the Ice Lakes Lodge, along with free broadband internet at Royal Gorge's Summit Station, not to mention that there's free shuttle from the Ice Lakes lodge to the summit station itself.

Lodging is available on-site at the Ice Lakes Lodge and Rainbow Lodge, or head into Reno for a wide range of lodging options. Don't miss out on the Goldrush bar or the family center with coin operated games, air hockey and other games to occupy all members of the family. Settle around the fireplace and drift to sleep with the sounds of nature surrounding you.