Heavenly Mountain Resort | Tahoe

Heavenly Mountain Resort is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in North America, located on the border of California and Nevada at the southern shore of Lake Tahoe. Offering breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, the resort is known for its expansive terrain, world-class amenities, and diverse recreational opportunities. Whether you're visiting for skiing and snowboarding in the winter or enjoying the outdoors during the summer, Heavenly Mountain Resort provides a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Resort Overview

Location: The resort spans both California and Nevada, with access points from South Lake Tahoe, CA, and Stateline, NV. It’s situated directly on the shore of Lake Tahoe, providing stunning lake views.

Elevation:

Summit: 10,067 feet (3,068 meters)

Base: 6,570 feet (2,003 meters)

Vertical Drop: 3,500 feet (1,067 meters)

Terrain:

Skiable Terrain: 4,800 acres, making it one of the largest ski areas in Lake Tahoe.

Trails: 97 trails, with a mix of skill levels:

Beginner: 20%

Intermediate: 45%

Advanced/Expert: 35%

Terrain Parks: 2, including features for both beginner and advanced freestylers.

Annual Snowfall: Heavenly receives an average of 360 inches (9.1 meters) of snow per year, providing excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Lifts: The resort is equipped with 28 lifts, including high-speed gondolas, quad chairs, and surface lifts. This network of lifts provides access to a variety of terrain and ensures minimal wait times during peak season.

Backcountry Access: There are three designated gates for advanced skiers looking for off-piste or backcountry exploration.

2. Winter Activities

Skiing & Snowboarding

Heavenly is known for its vast terrain, offering something for every type of skier and snowboarder. The resort has beginner-friendly slopes, challenging moguls, steep tree runs, and wide-open bowls. Its location at the California-Nevada border allows it to offer panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from various points along the slopes.

Beginner Areas: Areas such as Stagecoach and Gondola provide gentle slopes and beginner-friendly terrain.

Intermediate Terrain: The resort boasts a variety of long, cruisy runs perfect for intermediate skiers, particularly on the California side of the mountain.

Advanced Terrain: Heavenly’s Killebrew Canyon and Mott Canyon are known for their steep drops, moguls, and challenging terrain, offering some of the best advanced runs in the region.

Terrain Parks

Groove Park and LRT Park feature jumps, rails, and halfpipes for freestyle enthusiasts. These parks cater to all levels, from beginner to expert.

Heavenly Gondola

The Heavenly Gondola is a major attraction for skiers and non-skiers alike. This 2.4-mile ride offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and provides access to some of the best skiing terrain on the mountain. The gondola ride itself is an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Après-Ski

Heavenly offers a lively après-ski scene with numerous restaurants, bars, and lounges, particularly around Heavenly Village and Stateline (Nevada side). Whether you prefer a casual drink with friends or a more upscale dining experience, the resort provides plenty of options to unwind after a day on the slopes.

3. Summer Activities

While Heavenly is most famous for its winter activities, it also offers a range of summer activities through Epic Discovery. This transformation from a ski resort to an adventure park during the warmer months ensures that visitors can experience the mountain in a new way.

Epic Discovery

Epic Discovery is a collection of outdoor experiences designed for visitors of all ages. Some of the key activities include:

Zip Lines: The resort offers multiple zip line tours that allow guests to fly over scenic terrain, offering incredible views of the surrounding area.

Mountain Biking: Heavenly features a variety of mountain biking trails, including downhill routes for advanced riders and gentler trails for beginners.

Ropes Course: For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the ropes course offers challenges for both kids and adults.

Hiking Trails: The resort has a network of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Heavenly Gondola also provides access to hiking trails on the mountaintop.

Scenic Gondola Ride

The Heavenly Gondola operates year-round and provides unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the landscape, whether you’re hiking, dining, or simply taking in the views.

4. Lodging & Amenities

Heavenly Mountain Resort offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy lodges and vacation rentals. Many accommodations are located near Heavenly Village, making it easy to access both the slopes and the resort’s amenities.

Heavenly Village

Located at the base of the gondola, Heavenly Village is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area that includes shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day on the mountain, offering a mix of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining.

Lodging Options: The area offers a variety of accommodations, including The Heavenly Village Condominiums, Marriott’s Timber Lodge, and The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel.

On-Mountain Dining

The resort has several dining options on the mountain itself, providing visitors with the chance to enjoy lunch while overlooking the stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Tamarack Lodge at the top of the gondola offers a mountaintop dining experience with a variety of food and drink options.

5. Getting There

By Air: The nearest major airport to Heavenly is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), which is about 1 hour away by car. Alternatively, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is about 2 hours away.

By Car: Heavenly is easily accessible by car via U.S. Highway 50 and I-80. If you’re driving from the California side, you’ll enter the resort through South Lake Tahoe. From Nevada, access is from Stateline.

Public Transportation: There are shuttle services that connect Heavenly with nearby towns and cities. South Tahoe Airporter and other shuttle services provide transportation between the resort and airports.

6. Best Time to Visit

Winter: The winter season runs from mid-November to mid-April, offering prime skiing and snowboarding conditions. The peak of the ski season is typically from December to February.

Summer: The summer season is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and ziplining. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is warm and the resort’s outdoor activities are in full swing.

7. Conclusion

Heavenly Mountain Resort offers a world-class experience for both winter and summer visitors. Whether you're looking to enjoy thrilling ski slopes in the winter or explore outdoor adventures in the summer, the resort’s variety of activities, stunning views, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in the Lake Tahoe region. With something for everyone—whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or someone looking for relaxation—Heavenly provides an unforgettable experience.