Superb!5 / 5Oct 26, 2009
CCraig
Just about unsurpased beauty, the lake below, actually being above the clouds on some snow days, absolutly the best there is.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.
Save up to 39% when you book a Heavenly package!
View Heavenly packages
Heavenly Reviews
Superb!5 / 5Sep 15, 2009
JJason
I live in Kentucky and ride Snowshoe often. I went to Heavenly and Kirkwood in Early spring. Heavenly was the best of the three. Also spent a week there and did not need a rental car. Gotta Love That.Very Good!4 / 5Aug 03, 2009
AAl
OK, with this year's weather, I was lucky, but it was easily the best I've ever skied in. Look forward to going back sometime.Superb!5 / 5Jul 26, 2009
JJamie
A great place for families. There is a more difficult area for adults and a easier area for kids.Very Good!4 / 5May 02, 2008
AAgnes
The name of the ski resort explains what the place is about. The place is like no other wiht the beautiful surroundings and the beautiful view of Lake Tahoe and the desert - a very unique place.Very Good!4 / 5Oct 07, 2007
BBob
Its even better than Whistler for the adults. However, the skiing has minimal vertical. Every other aspect is as excellent as Whistler.Superb!5 / 5Sep 01, 2007
PPatty
Skiing down the maountain looking at lake tahoe is breath taking. we did Spring skiing here and the base of the mountain was mushy.Superb!5 / 5Jul 17, 2007
DDavid
The terrain at Heavenly is similar to Steamboat + there's the casino and nightlife.Very Good!4 / 5Apr 07, 2007
KKim
Heavenly is beautiful with tons of runs to choose from. I also, like Steamboat with their wonderful snow and they are so friendly.Superb!5 / 5Jan 04, 2007
KKatie
It was another beautiful sunny day and the view of the lake was amazing!