LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Lee Canyon’s Mountain Bike Park will open Friday, the earliest start in the resort’s history, following a drier-than-normal winter that cut the ski season short across the western U.S.
The ski resort in the Spring Mountains started strong in November with heavy snowfall that continued through December and into early 2026. By February, the mountain was blanketed in snow, and slopes were packed with skiers.
But a record heat wave in mid-March forced the resort to wrap up the ski season early. In March 2025, the Spring Mountains saw 50 inches of snow. In 2023, ski slopes remained open through May 14.
“We started out with a really big snowpack right off the bat on opening day. And we’re very lucky to have all of our chairlifts and all of our terrain open from day one,” said Johnny DeGeorge of Lee Canyon.
MORE ON FOX5: Warm regional temperatures force early end to winter operations at Lee Canyon
Early transition to summer season
Lee Canyon staff worked to ready the trails for mountain bikes earlier than the normal summer season.
“This is the earliest Lee Canyon has ever opened for Mountain Bike Park… just opens up a door for more recreation in Las Vegas,” DeGeorge said.
DeGeorge said the resort has evolved beyond winter-only operations.
“We operate in the wilderness. So of course, we accept that we deal with the weather, whatever it is. But Lee Canyon has really grown into that of a year-round business as opposed to previously being more of a winter recreation site,” he said.
The mountain offers cooler temperatures than the Las Vegas valley during the summer months.
“An average day in July, you’ll see in the mid-70s up on the mountain. So, you know, 30 degrees cooler than town, if not more, is very typical,” DeGeorge said.
The mountain bike park opens Friday with lift-served bike trails. On Sunday, the resort will host its first Cinco de Mayo celebration. The Bristlecone Skyway scenic chair will also operate for views of the Spring Mountains, and a new hiking trail will be introduced soon.
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