To make the most of your day at Heavenly, start by embracing both California and Nevada. Split down the middle between two states, Heavenly Ski Resort offers the unique thrill of skiing or boarding from California to Nevada and back again in one day. This epic journey across the slopes of Heavenly promises a day of unforgettable adventure.
Heavenly is a favorite among skiers and snowboarders alike, with a perfect amount of intermediate slopes, the clear blue skies above, the shimmering expanse of Lake Tahoe below, and wide trails ideal for cruising and soaking it all in.
Here's a guide to help you plan your perfect day, avoiding the crowds, and experiencing the best parts of the mountain at the best times.
Morning: Explore California
Your adventure begins with a choice: start your day at the Gondola in Heavenly Village or the California Lodge a few miles away. The Gondola is your best bet, it’s fast, comfortable in any weather, and you can’t beat the views on the way up.
Once you reach the top, it’s time to strap in and head down the California Trail. This trail is relatively flat at first, making it a great warm-up to get your heart rate going. Snowboarders, take note: Heavenly's trails weren't originally designed with you in mind, so some flat areas like the California Trail and Skyline Trail can be a bit tricky. But hey, that's what skier friends with poles are for!
Cruise down the California Trail to the Sky Express lift, which is blissfully line-free in the early hours. At the top, you’ll be at a crossroads: left to Nevada, right to stay in California.
I recommend sticking to California in the morning, as it will get busier later in the day. Start with Ridge Run. Its expansive views of Lake Tahoe and wide-open, well-groomed terrain will make you an instant Heavenly fan. Snap a few photos along the way and take in the beauty. Repeat the run or explore other trails like Liz’s, High Five, or Ellie’s—a great first black diamond for intermediates.
When the crowds start to build, take Sky Express up one last time and head left towards Nevada via Skyline Trail.
Afternoon: Discover Nevada
The Skyline Trail is relatively flat, but will be a gentle, scenic cruise that gives you plenty of time to admire Lake Tahoe. After this, you’ll find yourself amidst Nevada’s array of trails, most with celestial themed names—from Orion to Big Dipper to Meteor.
Explore the area served by Dipper Express and Comet Express lifts until the crowds grow. If you’re after a less-traversed experience, head to the Galaxy area.
Galaxy offers a nostalgic lift ride that fits two people and moves at a leisurely pace, but trust me, the runs are worth every minute. We stumbled upon Galaxy by accident, by accidentally taking the run Perimeter down from Big Dipper instead of the trails that would have led back to the Dipper Express, and it turned out to be the best mistake ever! The trails are steep enough for some exhilarating speed, yet well-groomed and confidence-boosting. Plus, it's blissfully quiet, even on a busy Saturday.
Back to Earth
Remember, Galaxy closes at 3 p.m., a bit earlier than the rest of the mountain, due to the time it takes to get back to the gondola. The gondola is your ticket back to Heavenly Village, so plan accordingly. As you descend, soak in the afternoon sparkle of the lake. As you come home to a great property, you will have found the perfect end to an epic day on the slopes.