Some ski resorts stand out for being among the best in a state. There aren’t many that can make that claim in two. Heavenly Ski Resort has nearly 5,000 skiable acres just above South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, with 111 ski runs across California and Nevada.
It’s not only the size and variety of terrain that will leave a strong first impression. Views of the “Jewel of the Sierra” below the snow-covered pines are a big reason it’s on so many winter vacation bucket lists.
If you haven’t been to Heavenly before, this guide can help you understand what to expect, where to stay, and how to plan a trip for the upcoming ski and snowboard season.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Heavenly
Heavenly Ski Resort has the highest elevation in the Lake Tahoe region, topping out at over 10,000 feet with a 3,500-foot vertical drop. The 4,800 acres of skiable terrain favor intermediate and advanced skiers, with 32% rated black, 53% blue, and 15% suitable for beginners.
Notable Runs
Heavenly's vast ski area offers countless places to explore. These are just a few of our favorites.
Easy Street and Big Easy: At the top of the Heavenly Gondola, beginners can practice on these green runs near Tamarack Lodge and Heavenly’s tubing area.
Boulder Bowl: A short, relatively mellow green run near the base of Boulder Lodge gives skiers and snowboarders a chance to practice their turns before graduating to the blues of North Bowl Express.
Ridge Run: From the Sky Deck, take the Sky Express to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from this popular blue run on the California side of the mountain.
Skyline Trail: If you’re ready to move from the California side toward the Nevada side of Heavenly, take this intermediate connector trail to the Nevada-side lifts.
Gunbarrel: Skiers who want to try large moguls on a 1,500-foot slope will want to tackle this popular black diamond just up from the Gunbarrel Express lift near the California Lodge.
Olympic Downhill: Starting at the top of Olympic Express, this 5.5-mile groomer takes skiers all the way down to the base of the Stagecoach Express in Nevada.
Mott Canyon: Located through gates at the edge of Stagecoach, the advanced terrain here features glades, steep chutes, and overall challenging terrain.
Groove Park: An intermediate-level ski and snowboard terrain park with its own lift that's located on the California side.
What Makes Heavenly Stand Out
People visit Heavenly Ski Resort for skiing and snowboarding, but also for the full experience that makes South Lake Tahoe a year-round vacation destination. The views from the top of the Gondola are worth seeing whether or not you plan to hit the slopes, and Heavenly Village stays lively throughout the day, with easy access to shops, ice skating, and après-ski spots.
There's plenty to do after skiing and snowboarding, and resort activities include scenic Gondola rides and tubing (for visitors over 42 inches tall). You can also drive around Lake Tahoe, go for a winter hike, or spend time at the casinos just across the Nevada state line.
Along with everything there is to do, there are a lot of places to book Heavenly Lodging in the area.
Planning Your Stay at Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly isn’t a small ski resort, and planning where you’ll stay can make a big difference in how enjoyable your trip is. With four separate base areas across two states, it’s important to know where each one is and how to access the mountain before you arrive.
First-time skiers can easily access rentals and beginner-friendly terrain from the Heavenly Gondola, California Lodge, and Boulder Lodge—all of which are also convenient starting points for getting further up the mountain to access steeper pitches, long catwalks, and cruisers connecting to the different bases, plus chutes and glades for experienced skiers and snowboarders. Stagecoach is another base area but only offers direct access to intermediate and advanced terrain.
How to Get There
The closest international airport to Heavenly Ski Resort is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), about an hour away. A shuttle is available, but we recommend renting a car if you plan to see more of the area. Other airports from which visitors can drive include:
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Approximately a 2-hour drive
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 4 hours
- Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK): 4 hours
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC): 4 hours
Note that drive times can be several hours longer if you get stuck in traffic or bad weather. Check road conditions and be sure to carry chains if snow is in the forecast.
Where to Stay: Featured Heavenly Lodging
Zalanta Resort is one of our favorite Heavenly condos, located in the heart of the village just across Lake Tahoe Boulevard from the Heavenly Gondola. The 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom accommodations are spacious, comfortable, and have a charming Sierra cabin feel.
The luxury property includes an on-site ski rental shop, fire pits, hot tubs, and a heated outdoor pool. It’s a short walk to the gondola, restaurants, and Lake Tahoe.
Where to Eat in Heavenly
There are many dining options around Heavenly Resort, with most concentrated around Heavenly Village or a short drive away. One of our favorite family-friendly options for lunch or an early dinner is Tipsy Putt, a mini golf bar and restaurant located near Zalanta Resort. But there are many other options within walking distance of the gondola, including popular spots like Edgewood, The Loft, and Base Camp Pizza Co.
If you’d rather dine in, boutique shops and large grocery stores are close enough to stock up before you head back to your Heavenly hotel.
Photo Credit: Vail Resorts - Heavenly
Reserving Lift Tickets, Lessons, and Rentals
Guests can reserve lift tickets, lessons, and rentals ahead of time through Heavenly Resort, the My Epic app, or with our travel consultants at The Lodging Company. Rates and availability vary, depending on when you travel, and you may end up paying higher prices or having fewer choices if you wait until the last minute to book.
New to Know for the 2026/2027 Ski Season
At The Lodging Company, our travel consultants work to keep up with the latest resort updates, so you can plan both the small and large details of your trip ahead of time.
Here are a few things we recently learned about Heavenly Ski Resort ahead of the upcoming season:
- Opening day is set for Friday, November 20, if conditions allow.
- Epic Pass is offering skiers and snowboarders ages 13 to 30 savings of 20% at Heavenly and other Vail Resorts.
- Guests can use digital check-in for ski lessons via the My Epic app at Heavenly and other participating resorts.
- Parking reservations are no longer required (!). The California Base Entrance no longer requires reserving a spot ahead of time, which makes it much easier to plan a last-minute trip or add a ski day to your itinerary.
About the Author
Deric Brown is a writer who has traveled domestically and internationally, writing about his journeys along the way. A storyteller at heart, he’s always looking at both the small details and the big picture. Whether snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains or hiking the Marin Headlands near his San Francisco home, he loves experiencing the beauty of California and beyond, and writing about each solo adventure and family trip.
