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

Find accommodations around here

South Lake Tahoe (1-3 mi)

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

Find accommodations around here

California Base area (Walk)

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

Find accommodations around here

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

Find accommodations around here

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!4.9 / 5Nov 17, 2017
MGMike G.
intermediate snowboarder
Heavenly is just as it's name mentions, a heavenly place to enjoy skiing or snowboarding. A place for the whole family to enjoy winter, with plenty of activities for all ages. ... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 17, 2017
NPNelson P.
beginner snowboarder
The resort offered a variety of slopes dependin on the level of experience of skiers or snowboarders. There was a a fee to pay for the gondola but it pays for the resort as well. The view is amazing and staff isbpretty friendly ... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 17, 2017
CBCameron B.
advanced snowboarder
I have enjoyed heavenly for the last 6 seasons. Never have I had a bad day there. The bartenders and lifties are always awesome. The groomers are always taken care of and the three runs are always a blast. Seems like the tree placement is a little more spread out then some of the resorts near by and that makes for spotting a line easier.over all my... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 13, 2017
JMJoseph M.
advanced snowboarder
We had 10 ft of snow that week. Powder everywhere!! It was amazing. Not sure how it would be if there wasn't that much snow. I recommend this place for future boarding. ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 12, 2017
DADalton A.
advanced snowboarder
Heavenly has been a great mountain to ride. its close, good snow. All of my friends usually rideso theres a nice family vibe. one of the best mountains ever! Bring the family and get ready to shred.... More
Average!3.4 / 5Nov 10, 2017
MMike
expert skier
Fun for everyone. If you don't mind traversing catwalks to get around to the other parts of the resort. But it is worth the effort to ski in two states... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 10, 2017
MHMark H.
advanced skier
Heavenly is heavenly!! It's looks like your skiing right into Lake Tahoe. Snow had a nice layer of power on it. This made the skiing enjoyable. There are also wonderful places to eat & see besides skiing. Bottom line. This is the best place I've ever skied. ... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 08, 2017
AFAtsushi F.
intermediate snowboarder
Nice resort. Amazing staffing and convenient location. Night life is great and family friendly. Snow level has been a little down but still worth the trip up. Prices are a little high compared to other resorts... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 08, 2017
SWSimon W.
advanced skier
Heavenly is easily one of the larger resorts in the Tahoe area. It has some amazing runs with good quality snow, but you will wait in line. However, the wait is more than worth it! ... More
Average!3.3 / 5Nov 08, 2017
CSChris S.
expert snowboarder
Heavenly is convenient centrally located in South Lake Tahoe with several access points very crowded on weekends, they have a little bit of something for everyone but their terrain parks are severely lacking. Amazing sidecountry that leads back to town.... More