Tired of 'thing' gifts? Give your pals a Nevada adventure instead

Reno Gazette-Journal

Wallace McRae stands in front of a mural while telling a tale at the Cowboy Poetry Festival, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2000, in Elko. They come from all over to learn how to make horsehair rope, sell their sheep and cattle on the Internet and listen to lectures about environmental ranching. But mostly they come to warm their souls with poems and songs about one of the most romanticized, endangered species on the Western frontier -- the American cowboy.

If your Reno loved ones have plenty of stuff, maybe they’d like the gift of an only-in-Nevada experience. Here’s a list of possibilities.

Heli-skiing in the Ruby Mountains (if you dare)

Details: This one is for die-hard skiers with oodles of cash - but it would be the experience of a lifetime. Ruby Mountain Heli-Experience has been operating for more than 40 years in the mountain range near Elko. Their new luxury lodge is in its third year, with fancy food and drink, live music and massage therapists, said Mike Royer, whose family started the business in the 1970s.

How much? A three-day package costs north of $5,000 per person and includes meals, three night’s lodging at the Ruby 360 Lodge, guide service, ski rental and a guarantee of 18 ski runs. Or you can book a one-day package for $1,655 (that includes one night in the lodge and six ski runs). If there is a weather day that doesn't support helicopter skiing, the business offers Snocat skiing as an option.

More info: https://www.helicopterskiing.com

Skiers are dropped off for a run in the Ruby Mountains of eastern Nevada by a copter from Ruby Mountain Heli.

Candy Cane Express historic train ride, Virginia City

Details: These rides on the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad leave twice a day - noon and 2 p.m. – on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16. The rides start at the old train depot in Virginia City. They sell out, so make reservations early.

How much? Tickets are $19 for adults and $10 for children.

More info: Go to virginiatruckee.com or call (775) 847-0380.

Polar Express historic train ride, Ely

Details: This is a big trip for Reno folks in search of a weekend road trip, with a drive out to Ely and a 90-minute train trip with Santa and his helpers.

How much? Well, gas and a hotel in Ely. And the train ride is $42 for adults and $25 for children. Train rides are on weekends until Christmas.

More info: Go to nnry.com or call (775) 289-2085

A file photo of the giant, inflatable baseball at a Reno Aces game at Greater Nevada Field in Reno.

A night of baseball fit for Reno royalty

Details: A luxury suite at a Reno Aces ballgame includes super-fancy baseball viewing for 20 people, an all-you-can-eat feast and four parking passes. Plus, as Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson says, "There's always perfect weather in a suite."

How much? $1,600 Friday through Sunday or $1,500 Monday through Thursday for home games during the season (April 9 to Aug. 25).

More info: Get details at renoaces.com. Luxury suite details available at (775) 334-4700.

A related adventure: Both the Reno Aces (baseball) and Reno 1868 FC (soccer) are offering special holiday deals on ticket packages. Go to renoaces.com or reno1868fc.com for details.

Cowboy Poetry participant Rod Taylor, center, from Oregon, talks to fellow poetry lovers during the 2000 Cowboy Poetry gathering in Elko.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Elko

Details: It doesn’t’ get any more “Nevada” than this. The gathering is Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, combining all the Western culture, food, drink and freezing weather you can stuff into one trip. There are concerts, poetry readings, Western arts classes and even dance workshops. Some events are accessible via a day pass; others are by individual ticket only.

How much? Passes range from $20 to $80. Most individual-ticketed ost events are $20 to $40 (some are more). Tickets and passes sell out early – also, hotel rooms - so make your plans ASAP.

More info: Go to nationalcowboypoetrygathering.org or call (775) 738-7508.

Soak up art, treats and culture in Reno

Details: Nevada Museum of Art in Reno membership activities. Members get discounts at the museum store and chez louie café, plus free admission to exhibits, lectures and First Thursday events (music and booze!). The museum has guided tours of its frequently changing collections, plus classes for kids and adults.

How much? Yearly membership is $45, or $65 for families. Seniors can join for $35 and students for $30.

More info: nevadaart.org or (775) 329-3333.

Road trip to cut your own Christmas tree

Details: Offer to help with driving and labor (and hot chocolate) on a trip to cut a Nevada Christmas tree.

How much? Get a $5 permit to cut your own tree at a BLM office (see locations here). Then pack up the camera, some snacks and whoever you're treating to the experience. There are designated tree-cutting areas near Carson City, Fallon and Hawthorne. You’ll get a map and directions when you buy the permit.

More info: Here's an RGJ story with details, or you can call the BLM Reno office at (775) 861-6500.