BluefoxToday blog : Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is open

It's that time again. Under normal weather conditions Lee Canyon ski center will be able to open all runs around Thanksgiving. This fall, though, temperatures have been unusually warm which has thus far limited snowmaking to cover only the Bunny Hill. Or officially Rabbit Peak, which opened today. If the weather stays cold like it now is, the two main slopes will come on line pretty quick as the snow cannons are working. A decent snow storm roaring in, of course, would also help.

The resort operators have done some upgrades during the off-season and expect for a good reason this winter to be the best on record. The snowboard park, called the Dark Side, has been refitted with new rails and boxes. Since 70% of visitors coming up to the mountain are snowboarders, it makes perfect sense.

The resort has also added more spaces in the locker room and replaced quite a bit of the old rental equipment, it's about time, including skis, snowboards and bindings. It installed around 1,000 feet of new snowmaking water line to improve efficiency, allowing the system to make more and better-grade snow.

The base lodge houses the Big Horn Café where you can grab a burger and a beverage to enjoy either in the dining room or out on the sundeck. If you forgot something, the sports shop or the rental facility can probably alleviate your concerns.

The ski resort's website at www.skilasvegas.com has daily snow reports, ski lift status updates and road condition highlights. Or it can be reached by phone at 593-9500. Happy skiing.