Heavenly

Closed
Ron Thompson
SnowPak Local Insider
Ron Thompson
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

4.1

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

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South Lake Tahoe (1-3 mi)

  • Wide range of affordable and luxury lodging
  • Close to Heavenly Village
  • Close to various restaurants, stores and activities

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California Base area (Walk)

  • A range of condos and private homes
  • Expensive lodging but better for large groups
  • Far from dining, shopping and activities

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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

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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!

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Heavenly Reviews

Fabulous 4.4 / 5
based on 125 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Very Good!4.2 / 5Oct 15, 2021
DODouglas O.
intermediate skier
Spectacular views up there! It’s beautiful. The snow was pretty good considering how warm it was and the lack of fresh snowfall. Grooming was good. The runs are a little disconnected at certain places but for an intermediate skier it was perfect with lots of Blue runs. Ran into a lift guide who went out of his way to be rude, sarcastic, and... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Oct 11, 2020
Heavenly ReviewsPete L.
advanced skier
one of the largest ski mountains in Tahoe. nice long trails for beginners and intermediate. plenty of wooded areas to ski through whether it is in isolated areas or right next to main trails. my 14 and 9 yr olds prefer heavenly over northstar because of the vast ungroomed wooded areas. only downside is when lifts close due to winds on the nevada... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Oct 11, 2020
Heavenly ReviewsAlaina K.
expert skier
It is a beautiful mountain with nice terrain and gorgeous views. The staff are friendly and helpful and I had a great time with friends while I was skiing there.... More
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 11, 2020
Heavenly ReviewsDan S.
advanced snowboarder
Heavenly is amazing. Can’t beat walking to a resort from basically anywhere in the town of south lake. All the amenities for a great vacation and the riding is amazing. The way the mountain is set up, you can usually find places with out a soul in sight!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Feb 25, 2020
KMKennedy M.
beginner snowboarder
For a first time snowboarding experience I think Heavenly was fantastic! I loved getting to meet all the workers from around the world who were all very friendly and helpful.... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Jan 15, 2020
Heavenly ReviewsThomas B.
advanced snowboarder
I thought that stagecoach lodge and staff was incredibly knowledgeable and I thought the operations were top notch. Groomed trails were pristine and ready to go before 9am open. We snowboarded during the week, which I would recommend because we avoided the crowds of weekender tourists.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 02, 2019
Heavenly ReviewsTricia D.
advanced snowboarder
So big and terrain for everyone. It can get really crowded and lift lines can have a wait time of 30 minutes at times. Otherwise the terrain is good and snow never disappoints.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Heavenly ReviewsJeff F.
advanced snowboarder
This is a very fun and exciting place to ski/ snowboard. Lots of different terrain from beginner to advanced. The view of lake Tahoe is amazing. The fun never ends at Heavenly. Several great lodges to eat at on every side of the mountain. When there is enough snow you can ride out of bounds down to the casinos at lake level, incredible deep... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Heavenly ReviewsRichard A.
intermediate skier
Skier and family friendly great place to have family vacation you stay in lake tahoe great nightlife for everyone casinos on the Nevada side you can ski in California or Nevada... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Heavenly ReviewsJake R.
expert snowboarder
Heavenly is a great mountain for all skill levels. It provides the best view of lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Lift lines can be rough on the weekends, but the mountain has plenty of room including some amazing glades that are often fairly empty. You can easily find some pow multiple days after a storm.... More