Superb!5 / 5Dec 03, 2012
KKelly
Beautiful views; trails are maintained, but not super well; lots of elevation; can be overly crowded, however.Build your Heavenly Ski Trip
Learn more about Heavenly
Pros
- Fun party atmosphere at base
- Spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the desert
- Tons of lodging options keep prices competitive
Cons
- Crowds can be a problem here
Overall
One of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is not only known for it's skiing but also it's partying. Split across the California and Nevada state line, the resort is 5th largest in North America and has the longest vertical drop in California. The tree-skiing is phenomenal as is the nightlife, entertainment as well as the gambling at the casinos sitting at the base.
Best month to go
January to March
Janurary to March are the best months to visit as Heavenly gets extremely busy with tons of holiday goers coming in December and around the Easter Weekend.
FLY TO
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
DRIVE/TAXI TO
Heavenly Mountain Resort (1 hour 10 minutes)
Stateline (1-2 mi)
- Has Casino's near Gondola or private homes a short drive away
- Has the cheapest accommodation
- Close to various restaurants, shops and activities
South Lake Tahoe (1-3 mi)
- Wide range of affordable and luxury lodging
- Close to Heavenly Village
- Close to various restaurants, stores and activities
California Base area (Walk)
- A range of condos and private homes
- Expensive lodging but better for large groups
- Far from dining, shopping and activities
Stagecoach Base Area (Walk)
- Has a lot of condos and timeshares that are almost ski-in/ski-out
- Far from restaurants, shopping and activities
- Range of accommodation including Airbnb's
For beginners
There is limited beginner terrain at Heavenly with only a few mellow trails and practicing areas around. Our pick for new skiers and snowboarders is around Boulder Lodge where you can easily hop on the Boulder lift and wind down Boulder Bowl. It's a nice wide green trail that's great for practicing turns!
For intermediates
Heavenly is a heaven for intermediates with blue trails at almost every lift! For a fun winding run with an amazing view of Lake Tahoe, check out our favorite, Liz's, which starts at 9,846 ft! Big Dipper and Skyline are sure to impress as well.
For experts
Heavenly is a place to be for advanced skiers and snowboarders! Ellie's is the best black-diamond groomer! North Bowl is even better when it is groomed too but no advanced skier and snowboarder would want to miss out on double black-diamond runs, Killebrew Canyon and Mott Canyon!
Find freshies
Freshies are everywhere after a storm (especially between the trees!) and with so much terrain to explore at Heavenly, you're bound to ski some untouched powder!
Ditch the crowds
Sky Express and Dipper Express are the busiest chairlifts since they serve some of the best terrain on the mountain. Opt for other chairlifts if you aren't a fan of queues.
Non skiers
Non-skiers can try out snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing here at Heavenly.
Families
Tamarack Express is the most popular chairlift for families to be around with the Tubing Hill close-by at the base of the chairlift.
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Heavenly Reviews
Very Good!4 / 5Sep 02, 2012
PPamela
It's been some time since I visited Heavenly but I remember the glorious vistas from the top.Superb!5 / 5Aug 24, 2012
KKate
have never been but am very interested. While on the lift a gentlemen was saying he was there on a business trip and the skiing was great even on the novice slopes. He loved skiing in two states. Loved gambling at nightVery Good!4 / 5Jul 20, 2012
JJohn
Iwent to Heavenly this March and although we didn't have any frsh snow while we were there, we were still able to find fresh powder in the trees.Superb!5 / 5Apr 11, 2012
CCathy
Not only is the terrain good for all types of skiers but the scenery is beautiful, the lodgining and transportation convenient and the snow conditions are fabulous!Superb!5 / 5Jan 01, 2012
MMichele
Heavenly also receives as much snow on a consistent basis as Mammoth. We enjoy the mountain and the town of Lake Tahoe.Very Good!4 / 5Dec 19, 2011
JJennifer
I love Heavenly, the workers are always nice, the conditions are awesome, the mountain rocks, the views are amazing...Tahoe is awesome to party and board!!!Superb!5 / 5Nov 24, 2011
PPatty
This was as close to Lakje Tahoe as I could find on the list.Very Good!4 / 5Nov 22, 2011
RRick
Huge mountain, lots of variety, easy to get to and plenty of places to stay and eat.Superb!5 / 5Nov 02, 2011
PPaul
Immense size, great snow, great night life. Only drawback is lack of convenient airport shuttle transportation.