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
Superb!5 / 5Nov 29, 2017
RMRoss M.
advanced snowboarder
one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen twenty twenty one twenty two twenty three twenty four twenty five twenty six twenty seven twenty eight twenty nine thirty... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 24, 2017
MFMichael F.
intermediate skier
Being an older intermediate skier I really appreciate the large number of runs available. Also there are many ski lifts that move along at a good pace so you never have wait long. The Sierra Nevada snow is some of the nicest to ski on as well. ... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
expert snowboarder
Out of the large majority of the Tahoe areas, Heavenly is my least favorite. Lots and lots of people and if you don't know where to go you can find yourself traversing A LOT! Can be a good time if you want to tie in more than just riding into your trip though. It's gondola is located right in downtown South Lake. You can save some cash in the... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 23, 2017
GGGeorge G.
expert snowboarder
Please hire enough staff to be able to open sky chair on powder days like you used too. Like in 10-11. Last season snow was great but the work by staff was obviously understaffed. Stop being cheep Vail. You make plenty of money. ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 21, 2017
ADGAlfredo De G.
expert snowboarder
Awesome resort with a great view of the lake when going down the slopes. If year's snowfall is good this is the best place for powder I have ever rided before.... More
Good!3.5 / 5Nov 21, 2017
TVTanner V.
expert skier
I enjoy how large the resort is. It feels like they're are three different resorts. However for snowboarders it may be hard to get from major lift to major lift.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 21, 2017
SLSongyuan L.
advanced skier
Heavenly is right at the city of South Lake Tahoe, a very convenient location to most people. The gondola has great view of the Lake Tahoe. The snow at the Nevada side is great. The only drawback is the trail to Nevada side is too flat.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 21, 2017
RCRandy C.
intermediate skier
The resort has plenty of terrain for all abilities and features one of the most awesome views with Lake Tahoe in the background. The apres skiing is improving but not on the level of others like Vail or Breckenridge.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 20, 2017
KWKyle W.
advanced snowboarder
Beautiful resort with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. It's convenient and it's location is close to numerous restaurants and hotels. It's one of the best and most accommodating resorts in Northern California. It provides ample space and opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities to master their craft. Overall it's an awesome resort... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
RMRobert M.
advanced snowboarder
Hevanly has some of the best views you will ever get at a ski mnt, with hardly any lines during the weekdays. Gets a little crowded on Saturday/Sunday but not to crazy compared to squaw. Located right in town as well. 4/5 stars... More