I've driven through hundreds of times. Been sniffed out by its speed trapping highway patrol. Seen desert for hundreds of miles around. Been glazed over by the monotony of endless highways. Yet never have I taken it for what it really is; a solitary skiing nirvana. Nevada has eluded me. That is until last week.

Joining up with Captain of all things weird, Hans Ludwig, in a state that is personified by the weird became a drive for me that ended up pulling me away from the glory and fame of the Verbier Xtreme in Switzerland. I left the competition early to hop a flight back to Salt Lake City and drive for hours into the unknown. All I knew was that Nevada is the most mountainous state in the continental U.S. and that it occasionally snows there. What I didn't know was the secret that has eluded nearly all skiers for centuries.

The mountains came into view.


The desert can be cruel


But amid the harshness lies our desert encampment. No running water, no electricity, no people, but plenty of snow, 10,000' peaks and a pristine hotspring out the front door made this place more luxurious than any 4 Seasons Resort.


Humans aren't the only survivors out here.


A Las Lenas style 4000' foot descent was our destination.




Unique environments littered with untouched creamy pow was the reward.





The tracks will not be crossed.


Waist deep pow in one of the most beautiful couloirs on the planet.


The golden eye photographer, Jordan Manley.


The curator to the desert oasis and sole guide to 2.3 million acres of Nevada backcountry, B.G. Tackett. One of the raddest dudes on the planet. Thank you B.G.


Nevada is littered with amazing skiing. You just have to know where to look and work a little harder. Or call B.G. he'll show you around.