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!4.7 / 5Nov 05, 2017
MRMarc R.
expert snowboarder
Heavenly is a hidden gem that's right out in the open and very crowded during peak season/holidays. What I mean by that is the majority of the mountain is in the trees or accessed by gates. Once in the trees, skiers/riders can often find powder stashed days after the storm. Heavenly has the best tree skiing in America and in certain years can... More
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 29, 2017
JBJason B.
The mountain is wonderful it has true diversity at all levels .The areas for consumption of food and beverage are always claim and staff is always very courteous 1000 need a Billy to ski the Nevada and California sides really make this place a special venue for recreational sking.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 27, 2017
JTJosh T.
The staff, views, trails, and terrain park are perfect. Trails are never crowded and awesome powder days on both Nevada and California sides! Heavenly has been my home mountain for years and wouldn't trade it for anything
Superb!5 / 5Oct 19, 2017
SJSteve J.
Heavenly has some of the best views in north America. Ridge Run is an epic classic to view Lake Tahoe. A must picture spot with Mr Tallac and Lake Tahoe in the background. Orion has great views of the Minden Valley to the east.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 19, 2017
JBJames B.
Very nice trails but lift tickets are on the expensive side. Really amazing views at the top of the mountain. Food is really expensive and really not very good. Cool gondola ride to the top.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 18, 2017
WMWill M.
Heavenly resort is exactly what the name says: heavenly. Unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe makes you stop for pictures. The runs cater for all skill levels and is great for kids learning as wel as groups of friends. With trail parks for the more experienced riders. Make sure you stop at Tamarack lodge on the mountain for daily happy hours, DJs and... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 18, 2017
RGRobin G.
Heavely has EVERYTHING any skiier or boarder can want. Looooong trails, steep and deep in Motts Canyon, and the best snow(highest peak) in Tahoe. Weekend are so fun too with the DJ out near tamarack.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 18, 2017
EFEric F.
Heavenly Ski Resort is one of the most majestic skiing you will find in the US. The views of Lake Tahoe are simply EPIC! Runs for all ski levels. If you are looking for a fun long blue run that can still get the adrenaline running I would recommend heading up to the top of the mountain and take Skyline Trail to Meteor to Big Dipper to Galaxy! ... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 08, 2017
DSDavid S.
I decided to take a week off work and go snow exploring this past snow season. Decided to drive up the 395. Along the way visited mammoth, as well as Sierra at Tahoe. But nothing compared to the beautiful views that I experienced at Heavenly Mountain in south Tahoe. So much mountain to explore, wonderful powder, and amazing views at every turn.... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 07, 2017
JJonathon
Great mountain. Super big with tons of lifts and runs for every skill level.could ski all day and never hit the same run if wanted to. Most amazing views of lake Tahoe.being on the mountain looking over the lake is worth the price alone.One of my favorite ski resorts.