Superb!5 / 5Oct 28, 2011
EEdward
Since I've not skied at all the resorts listed, Heavenly is the one I liked the best so far. Good location, ease of access, good experiences, friendly folks, are just a few reasons I selected this resort.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 / 5Oct 22, 2011
MMichael
I've been to Steamboat, Winter Park, Heavenly and Squaw Valley and most recently to Heavenly/Squaw Valley. They are all beautiful places to go. I had great experiences each time.Superb!5 / 5Sep 04, 2011
NNatalie
great scenery, town, lift system, and long trail runs. Food and restaurants a little pricey.Superb!5 / 5Sep 01, 2011
MMelodi
the broad variety of terrain at heavenly brings me back over and over again.Very Good!4 / 5Jul 10, 2011
GGuy
Big area, many runs, and there are advanced areas that are not too heavily skiedSuperb!5 / 5Jun 10, 2011
AAnne
we have a large family group and we ski at different levels. Heavenly gave us a good combination of variety, challenge and distanceVery Good!4 / 5Dec 08, 2010
SStephen
The two sides of Heavenly afford amazing views, of the lake and of the desert.Superb!5 / 5Nov 03, 2010
TTeri
It is also within driving distance and there are a number of resorts nearby.Superb!5 / 5Feb 02, 2010
JJerry
The views of Lake Tahoe from several trails are so special that I lose skiing time.Very Good!4 / 5Jan 28, 2010
JJason
The only large resorts I have been too are Snowshoe Heavenly and Kirkwood. Heavenly was the best. Also spent a week out there and did not need a rental car. Gotta Love That.