Brains
After a long, action-packed day on the slopes, sometimes a little after-hours action at a casino is just what one needs to keep that adrenaline going. While many people might think of casinos and picture the deserts of Las Vegas, or the ocean beaches of Atlantic City, there are plenty of places you can roll the dice or spin a slot machine after a day spent chasing powder.
Reno, Nevada
Starting off the list, we head to arguably the largest and most famous gambling destination provided. Reno, located less than an hour from stunning Lake Tahoe, boasts over 20 casinos within its city limits. Some of these casinos, such as The Silver Legacy and Peppermill Casino, rival some of those even on the Las Vegas Strip. Called “the Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno is renowned for its nightlife options, attractive hotel rates, and world-class gaming. Lake Tahoe itself is also no slouch when it comes to gaming-related activities. Stateline, located next to South Lake Tahoe right on the water, has three mega casinos. With 15 ski resorts in the immediate area and countless casinos, Reno is always a safe bet when it comes to a trip if one wants to blend the two pastimes.
Northern Michigan
Michigan might not immediately come to mind when it comes to skiing or gambling. Michigan has 26 land-based casinos throughout the state, many of which are located in its more rugged northern portion. Northern Michigan is famous for its lake effect snow, dumping feet of fresh powder sometimes over the course of a single night. Being located smack in the middle of the largest urban region in the U.S. and equidistant from both Chicago and Toronto, Michigan sees a large amount of winter tourism. The state has over 40 ski resorts, the second most of any state, and boasts what many consider the most insane resort anywhere in the east, Mt.Bohemia. This combination of ski areas and casinos, along with ease of accessibility for many Americans and Canadians alike, makes it an easy choice for many vacationers.
Taos, New Mexico
New Mexico’s desert landscapes stretch on for miles, until they abruptly end at the mighty Sangre De Cristo Mountains. One of the most rugged subranges of the Rocky Mountains, Taos is known around the world for its dry light powder and rich culture. What many may not realize, however, is that New Mexico is also home to 23 casinos. Some of its largest casinos are located near the scenic town of Santa Fe, only a short drop from the winter mecca of Taos. Ski Apache also has the famous Inn of the Mountain Gods Hotel and Casino nearby for those venturing further south in the Land of Enchantment.
Black Hawk and Central City, Colorado
Tucked up at nearly 9,000 feet high in the Rocky Mountains just west of the Continental Divide sit the sister towns of Black Hawk and Central City, Colorado. Both former mining towns, Black Hawk and Central City, offer the perfect combination of casino amenities and access to world-class skiing. Just a short drive to the famed Colorado ski resorts of Summit County, Black Hawk has it all. With over 20 casinos lining the Clear Creek River, gamblers and skiers are sure to find all the games, luxuries, and all-you-can-eat buffets one could want in a casino town. Just a short drive from I-70 and the Denver metro area, Black Hawk and Central City attract millions of locals and visitors alike every year.
It’s easy to see how thrills of both the slots and the slopes can go hand in hand. Luckily, in the U.S., there is no shortage of places you can enjoy both activities easily on the same day. The only question that remains is whether to hit the card table before or after a day spent chasing the cold smoke at one of these high-altitude, high-risk destinations?
