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Did you know that you can find snow-capped mountains an hour away from the Las Vegas Strip? Yes, it’s true! This week we decided to take our annual drive to Mt. Charleston to see the snow in the Spring Mountains. élan’s dad was visiting from out of town and it was our last opportunity before the girls and I headed for sunnier weather in Hawaii on Friday.
élan checked the weather report that morning to make sure that the roads were open while I packed snacks and the winter gear for the girls – coats, bibs, gloves, beanies, and boots. We picked Lyric up after school, and met élan’s parents so they could follow us. It was a scenic drive up the mountain, with only a few cars on the road since it was a Monday.
Mt. Charleston has several areas great for snow play and sledding. We decided to go to Mary Jane Falls since it had nice open fields surrounded by trees. We parked along the side of the road because the parking lot was closed and filled with snow. We walked in and I made sure we took some family photos first before I let Lyric and London play in the snow. Our backdrop was picturesque with powder snow covered grounds, trees, mountains and rustic homes in the distance. I love taking family photos and making memories.
No matter how cold it is, Lyric and London love playing in the snow. élan bought them a two-person toboggan and they had a good time sledding down the tiny slopes. They had fun making snowmen and snow angels, (until Lyric tossed a snow ball that landed in London’s face). Maybe next winter season we can take a family trip to Lee Canyon Ski & Snowboard Resort to try tubing, skiing or snowboarding.
Lyric and London asked to stay longer, but we wanted to leave before it got dark. We changed them into dry clothes and headed down the mountain. On the way down, we almost hit a donkey as it crossed the street right in front of us! It was dusk and the light brown donkey blended in with the horizon. It was a good thing we saw it in time. We ended our family trip to Mt. Charleston with toasted subs at Jersey Mike’s. What a wonderful snow day for the family.
Here are a few tips for your Mt. Charleston snow day:
-Check the weather and road conditions before you head up
-Chains, snow tires, and AWD may be required to handle icy roads
-Make sure you have a full tank of gas, there is no gas station on the mountain
-Keep blankets and kitty litter in the trunk in case you get stuck in the snow
-Plan ahead by downloading the 2018-2019 Snow Map courtesy of Go Mt Charleston.
-Bring a complete change of clothes including socks
Check out my Amazon picks for Snow Day Fun. If you have any recommendations to add, please let me know!
Have you been to Mt. Charleston? What are your favorite snow activities?
Best,
Marlene
Hi Marlene, this blog reminded me that’s it’s been far too long since the last time I too much family on a snow trip. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks stopping by our family blog Cheryl! After this snow day we actually had a “real” snow day at our home. That has never happened in the last 8 years that we’ve been living here. That will be a future blog for sure!