LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Lee Canyon saw a Christmas day surge in visitors as two inches of fresh snow covered the mountain, attracting hundreds of skiers and snowboarders eager to hit the slopes.
“I came because it’s Christmas, and where better to spend it than in the snow?” said Gwen Meloney, a snowboarder enjoying the view from the top of the mountain.
Meloney, who was running behind on her plans, was still “ready to shred” when she spoke with a reporter. “It’s kind of a blessing,” she said, explaining that she had purchased her lift ticket earlier in the month and was thrilled when snow fell the night before. “I was like, hoorah!”
For T.J. Ropelato and Sebastian Lafavor, two friends also on the slopes, the unexpected snowfall meant they’d start their snowboarding day a little earlier than planned. After a quick stop at the bar inside the mountain lodge, they were ready for some “shredding.”
“The extra snow helps a lot,” Lafavor said. “It’s the best Christmas gift. Without snow, it’s just not the same.”
Christian Best, the resort services director at Lee Canyon, noted that the crowds have been steady throughout the winter season. The slopes have been open every day, and the holiday period brought a strong turnout.
“Christmas is just another beautiful day on the slopes,” Best said. “It was great to see Mother Nature help us out with some snow.”
Over the past five years, Lee Canyon has invested $17 million in improvements to enhance the guest experience, according to the resort’s website.
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