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!

View Heavenly packages

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
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Heavenly ReviewsCameron J.
advanced snowboarder
One of my most favorite mountains. Living in san francisco it is my release from my city. There is nothing like standing ten thousand feet above sea level and looking down over the lake. Then smiling so much on the way down you have to cover your mouth because your teeth get cold, or tucking into some trees just to pop out into an untouched meadow... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Heavenly ReviewsTodd D.
advanced snowboarder
Very nice resort that is easily accessible to the west coast. The views from the mountain of Lake Tahoe are outstanding. I have been many times and have always had great conditions.... More
Good!3.8 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Heavenly ReviewsTojz S.
expert snowboarder
Heavenly is appropriately named. The place is gorgeous and huge. The views of Lake Tahoe are unsurpassed. It’s so big it’s in 2 states and they blow a ton of snow... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 20, 2018
Heavenly ReviewsColeman C.
expert snowboarder
This resort nestled in the mountains above Sacramento is one I will never forget. from the epic powder days to riding in a tee and shorts! This resort falls on the state line and you can go from Ca to Nv and back. this is a resort and experience!... More
Good!3.7 / 5May 29, 2018
Heavenly ReviewsTroy M.
intermediate snowboarder
Great location, awesome snow and Miracle March delivered after a lean early season. Book lift passes early because buying on the day is rediculously expensive. Overall a great experience and look forward to more boarding in coming years.... More
Average!3.4 / 5Apr 26, 2018
Heavenly ReviewsCharles W.
advanced skier
At Heavenly you come for the picture perfect views of Lake Tahoe, and stay for the nightlife at the stateline. Your arms will get a workout polling yourself one traverse after another to get around. Can be great with good snow but crowds can get pretty brutal. Take your kids or your significant others who are learning and take some pretty pics and... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 03, 2017
MMMichael M.
advanced snowboarder
A somewhat expensive resort but has all the amenities and fun for the whole family. Has lots of terrain and it's fun to just get lost on the mountain. Powder days are epic , coaster is fun, kids will love tubing and the apre' lodge has great food and drinks. ... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 02, 2017
SHStephen H.
beginner snowboarder
Great all around resort. Was my first ever place to board and though the lifts are kinda scary for someone afraid of heights its still really fun. I will be returning to explore more as i advance.... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 30, 2017
STSon T.
intermediate skier
One of the best mtn I've ski on. Of course, it has the best sceneries. there's no other resort can match the views of lake Tahoe. When there's not enough natural snow. Heavenly did a good job of making them.... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 30, 2017
RRyan
intermediate skier
Heavenly was amazing. After meeting two seasoned skiers the night before in the hotel hot tub, my friends and I were invited by the two guys to use their discount buddy passes at Heavenly for an amazing day of POW. I've never seen anything like this or felt snow like that. Two storms of 4 feet each dropped just before our trip burying everything... More