Travel Nevada Unveils 2018-19 Winter Experiences
Nevada, (Winter 2018)—Travel Nevada debuts unique winter experiences in six Nevada territories, encouraging travelers to road trip through diverse wilderness, visit the “Alps of Nevada,” search for heart-shaped hot springs, meet cowboys and celebrate high-altitude holidays in the Sierra Nevada. Signature winter events include the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Tahoe Film Fest in North Lake Tahoe and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
See below for Nevada’s top winter experiences by region:
Heli-ski and rhyme with cowboys in Cowboy Country (Northern Nevada)
The Ruby Mountains Wilderness in northeastern Nevada brims with wildlife, as well as 24 alpine lakes and 10 peaks above 10,000 feet. Expert skiers can try the Ruby Mountains Heli Experience, where helicopters bring athletes to untouched runs, led by experienced backcountry guides. Stay at the new Ruby 360 Lodge, situated at 10,000 feet among the Rubies, often called the Alps of Nevada. After a day on the slopes, cozy up in the Western Folklife Center in Elko for the 35th annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Jan 28-Feb. 2. Spoken-word poets tell stories and personal narratives of their lives on the range. During the gathering, meet popular western artist Billy Schenck at the Art of the West Reception. Try this road trip! The Rubies Route.
Dip in a natural hot spring in Pony Express Territory (North Central Nevada)
Off Highway 50, also known as the Loneliest Road in America, find the quaint Spencer Hot Springs, just outside of Austin. Enjoy a front-seat view of the mountains at 130 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. Travel Nevada encourages hot spring hunters to follow proper Hot Springs Etiquette. Try this road trip! Loneliest Road in America.
Explore Western heritage in Nevada Silver Trails Territory (Central Nevada)
In Goldfield, stop in the Historic Bullfrog-Goldfield Railroad Yard, right across the street from the Santa Fe Saloon, the oldest operating business and longest standing saloon in town. Head north, and discover the historical ruins in the living ghost town that is Manhattan. The town does receive snow in the winter, so warm up with a hot cocktail while visiting with the locals at Manhattan Motel & Bar, the only functioning business in town. Drive down the Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada state Route 375) and stop for a photo outside of the mysterious Area 51. While you’re traveling on the lonely road, stop for some sustenance at the Little A’Le’Inn or ET Fresh Jerky––but watch out for little green men and unidentified flying objects. Try this road trip! Extraterrestrial Highway
Celebrate the season with high altitude holidays and luxe aprés experiences in Reno-Tahoe Territory (Northwestern Nevada)
This winter, Lake Tahoe hosts a season of events, including the fourth annual Tahoe Film Fest, Dec. 6-9, and the Northern Lights festival Nov. 30-Dec. 23 in Incline Village, and various New Year’s Eve celebrations. Take a few turns down Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, one of the region’s 12 downhill ski resorts. Catch air at the new terrain park at Diamond Peak or enjoy a scenic gondola tour at Heavenly Mountain Resort. For families and non-skiers, try an offbeat winter activity such as moonlit snowshoe tours, fat tire biking or cross-country skiing. In Reno, take advantage of the eclectic brewery and distillery scene, from vacuum-distilled spirits at 10 Torr to flavorful brews at the The Depot, located within a renovated train depot. Hit the streets Dec. 15, for the annual Santa Pub Crawl with thousands of Santas, reindeers and elves— and don’t miss the iconic all-community “Santa Selfie” in front of the Reno Arch. Nightlife continues from dusk until dawn— from Midtown craft cocktail bars to nightclubs and entertainment within the city’s resort-casinos. Enjoy a luxury treatment at Reno’s newest Spa at Silver Legacy, or catch a live performance at one of the city’s underground theaters or mainstream venues. Try this road trip! Lake Tahoe Loop
Party like a cowboy in Las Vegas Territory (Southern Nevada)
This holiday season, head to Las Vegas, the city of lights, where visitors can drive through millions of Christmas lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, through Jan. 6. The city draws the most talented cowboys and cowgirls from around the world for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec 6-15. Bring your dancing boots and fringe for 10 days of world championship rodeo, country music concerts and the iconic Cowboy Christmas Show, where holiday shoppers can find presents while sipping on a spicy Bloody Mary. Located just outside of Las Vegas, the city of Henderson hosts Winterfest (Dec. 7-8), which transforms the Henderson Events Plaza into a winter wonderland, with lights, activities and craft vendors. Try this road trip! Death Drive
Discover ancient petroglyphs and a vibrant Native American culture in Nevada’s Indian Territories
Nevada is home to 21 federally recognized Indian tribes, each with its own rich histories and traditions. Visit the Stewart Indian School in Carson City, a former federal boarding school for American Indian children. Today, you can walk the grounds while listening to an audio tour accessible via personal cell phone, and next year, a new museum is expected to open on the site. In southern Nevada, at the Lost City Museum in Overton, view ancient artifacts from American Indian sites; or discover prehistoric petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon, in Laughlin.
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