Physiography
The quality and feasibility of a winter sports site is highly dependent upon the topographic characteristics of each individual site. Physiographic features which substantially affect ski development particular include: aspect (exposure), slope gradients, fall line patterns and elevation.
Landform
The study area is dominated by Mount Charleston, with an elevation of 11,918 feet. From the summit of Mount Charleston, a ridge is formed and runs approximately 3,300 feet in an easterly direction until it turns to the north. This northerly section of ridge separates Lee Canyon from Foxtail Canyon and forms the eastern boundary of the Special Use Permit area. A second ridge to the west of the summit of Mount Charleston runs in a northerly direction and forms the western boundary of the Special Use Permit area and study area. These major ridges form a large, "U" shaped alpine bowl and the headwaters of the Lee Creek drainage and Upper Lee Canyon. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is located in this "bowl" in the upper portions of Lee Canyon. There are several smaller sub-ridges in this bowl which divide the terrain into several distinct drainage areas.
Slope Aspect
The aspects in the study area are mainly northerly. The ridge that runs along the eastern portion of the Special Use Permit has north westerly facing slopes. Figure 3a (JPG | PDF) illustrates the slope aspects within the study area, and Figure 3b (JPG | PDF) illustrates the slope aspects in a 3-dimensional perspective.
Fall Line Patterns
As mentioned previously, many of the slopes have uniform gradients from top to bottom, interspersed by parallel streambeds. Major fall line concentration areas are identified on the Fall Line Analysis Map (Figure 9 (JPG | PDF) ).
Elevation
The potential vertical drop available for lift serviced skiing/boarding plays an important role in site suitability, since it determines the length of potential ski trails and also the vertical transport feet that can be supplied to the skiing and snowboarding public. Essentially, the more vertical the better, as many skiers/snowboarders use vertical rise as a basic yardstick of an area's desirability.
Elevations within the study area range from the uppermost portion of the permit area located at the 11,308-foot elevation on Lee Peak and extend down to the bottom portions of the permit area at the 8,520-feet elevation. The existing lift serviced terrain ranges from the top of the Black Chair (Lift 2) at 9,350 feet, to the bottom of the Rabbit Peak Chair (Lift 3) at 8,588 feet. The maximum lift serviced, skiable/rideable vertical drop within the facility is 762 feet. Figure 4 (JPG | PDF) graphically illustrates the Elevation Analysis at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.
