Heavenly Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Heavenly ski and snowboard resort is the largest resort in Lake Tahoe, with an impressive 4,800 skiable acres. The area straddles the California and Nevada border south of Lake Tahoe, allowing skiers and boarders to cross over the border from one state to the other. Just outside of the town of South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is a great basecamp for longer Lake Tahoe ski and snowboard vacations, too.
Heavenly resort has three separate base areas, two in California and one in Nevada. The California Lodge base is the farthest toward the skier’s left side of the mountain.This base has some beginner terrain on the First Ride lift. The Aerial Tram and Gunbarrel express, meanwhile, access advanced and intermediate terrain on the upper mountain. The Canyon Express and Sky Express lifts on this side of the mountain have great glade skiing and snowboarding, as well as intermediate cruising.
The gondola rises from the Heavenly Village base area, bringing skiers and snowboarders up to the upper mountain. This is the middle of Heavenly’s three base areas. There is no inbounds terrain under the gondola. It does, however, access an amazing array of intermediate terrain.
The Stagecoach Lodge and Boulder Lodge make up the Nevada side base area. The terrain that leads back down to these bases is all intermediate and advanced, so beginners may want to choose another starting point.
Between the Heavenly Village and Nevada bases lies Heavenly’s extreme terrain. While it’s not crazy steep, advanced and expert skiers will have a great time exploring Mott and Killebrew Canyons, as well as the wide-open Milky Way Bowl.
Heavenly is located in South Lake Tahoe. Driving from San Francisco, it takes three and a half hours, Sacramento is two hours away, and Reno is 75 minutes away. The Reno Tahoe Airport is the closest airport to Heavenly. Once in town, there are shuttles to help skiers and snowboarders get around.
Travel Resources:
Travel Directions to Heavenly
South Shore Bus Services
Heavenly is located in South Lake Tahoe. Driving from San Francisco, it takes three and a half hours, Sacramento is two hours away, and Reno is 75 minutes away. The Reno Tahoe Airport is the closest airport to Heavenly. Once in town, there are shuttles to help skiers and snowboarders get around.
Travel Directions to Heavenly
South Shore Bus Services
Lodging at Heavenly ski and snowboard area is split up into several areas. These are: South Lake Tahoe, the Casino Area, the California base, the Nevada base, Heavenly Village, and the Lakefront District. In these various areas there are options for every budget as well as many different kinds of lodging.
Heavenly Lodging Overview
Our Favorite Snowboards for Heavenly
Local Food Picks
At the various lodges on the mountain and at the base areas Heavenly has a full host of dining options. The Lakeview Lodge at the top of the Gunbarrel lift and the Tram has the best views of the on-mountain options. In the village, there are more options. Nearby South Lake Tahoe has more restaurants than can be listed, everything from casinos to fancy sit down spots.Heavenly Dining Overview
Our Favorite Skis For Heavenly
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Heavenly?
Lift ticket prices at Heavenly are on par with the other large ski and snowboard areas in Lake Tahoe, such as Squaw Valley and Kirkwood. Skiers and snowboarders can save up to %20 off by buying lift tickets in advance online. Children, teens, and seniors are eligible for discount lift tickets, too. Heavenly is included on Vail Resorts Epic Pass, as well as the Tahoe Local Pass, which includes Kirkwood, Heavenly, and Northstar.Heavenly Weather & Conditions Information
Heavenly sees both plentiful powder and plentiful sunshine throughout the winter. 260” of snow, or 30 feet, fall on the mountain in an average year. That means lots of powder to fill up the great tree skiing and snowboarding. The California sunshine also makes for the classic Lake Tahoe days when the slopes are perfect, and the views of the lake are pristine.Heavenly Ski Report
Heavenly is a great South Lake Tahoe ski and snowboard destination because of its size, accessibility, and high quality terrain. Skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels can find something to love here. When the powder falls deep, and the sun reveals the views of Lake Tahoe, it is, as the resort’s name suggests, Heavenly.
