Heavenly Ski Resort | California | 2026 Information

Heavenly Mountain Resort spans the California Nevada border above Lake Tahoe. It offers about 4,800 skiable acres across two states, 97 marked trails, three terrain parks, and 28 lifts with a total uphill capacity of approximately 52,000 riders per hour. Heavenly is one of the largest and most scenic resorts in the Tahoe Basin, with terrain that overlooks both lake and mountain vistas.

Snowfall and Conditions at Heavenly Resort

Heavenly Resort receives an average annual snowfall of about 360 inches at higher elevations, supported by extensive snowmaking coverage to help establish and maintain base conditions. It is often among the first resorts to open for the season.

See here for the current weather conditions at Heavenly, and plan around the 6 day forecast.

Winter at Heavenly Resort

Heavenly terrain leans heavily toward intermediate runs (approximately 53% of all terrain), but delivers variety for all abilities.

About 32% of terrain is marked advanced and expert. It is spread throughout the resort and is particularly strong on the Nevada side of the mountain. Over on the California side, you'll find Heavenly's infamous Gunbarrel Run bump run. The trail runs more than 1,600 feet in vertical and offers a challenging workout when conditions allow.

Roughly 15% of terrain at Heavenly is designated beginner. Big Easy and Easy Street are dedicated learning areas, found at the top of the gondola just above Tamarack Lodge. Enchanted Forest and Poma Trail are great options in the California Lodge area, and can be accessed via the First Ride lift.

Just a short drive from Heavenly Village, the entertainment district at South Lake Tahoe offerscasinos, dining, and nightlife on the Nevada side, giving guests a marked contrast between the family-centred activities on-mountain.

Winter Activities at Heavenly Ski Resort: Skiing and Snowboarding, Private and Group Lessons for Adults and Kids, Cross Country and Nordic Skiing, Ice Skating, Snow Tubing, Snowmobiling, Scenic Gondola Rides.

Summer at Heavenly Resort

Expect a range of summer mountain activities that take advantage of the dramatic topography and lake views.

• Scenic Gondola Rides: The Heavenly Gondola climbs roughly 2.4 miles up the mountain, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding peaks. Many summer activities at Heavenly require a gondola ticket to access.

• Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster: A gravity‑powered coaster that seats up to two and winds through forest terrain. You must have a gondola ticket to access the Ridge Rider.

• Hot Shot Zipline: Four parallel ziplines reaching speeds of up to 30-40 mph whisk flyers down the mountain. The total experience is 1,000 feet long and suitable for anyone 8-years-old and up. The ziplines are accessed using the Big Easy Lift, so you will need a gondola ticket.

• Tubing: A summer tubing run with more than 500 feet of vertical slide, no snow gear required.

• Granite Peak Climbing Wall: A 25-foot tall man-made climbing wall inspired by the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Climbers as young as 3 can experience the wall, which features 15 defined climbing routes of varying difficulty to scale. A gondola ticket required to access.

Summer Activities at Heavenly Resort: Scenic Gondola Rides, Hiking, Tubing, Ridge Rider Coaster, Zip Line, Rope Course, Rock Climbing, Gemstone Panning, ATV Tours

Getting Around Heavenly Resort

Access to Heavenly is spread out across four base areas, two in California and two in Nevada. Depending on your point of entry or the day of the week, parking fees may apply and reservations may be required. Check parking information before you arrive.

California Lodge and the Heavenly Gondola are on the California side and require paid parking and reservations on weekends and busy holidays. All skier services, from lift tickets to daycare are offered at Cal Lodge.

On the Nevada side, Boulder Lodge and Stagecoach Lodge have free parking and are typically a little less crowded. Skier services at both include food, lift tickets and rentals.

Most visitors use a car or local shuttles to get around, so choosing lodging near your preferred base area can simplify your day.

What's New at Heavenly Resort

For 2025-26, Heavenly celebrates its 70th anniversary with a series of events throughout the season.

Other recent improvements include parking reservation abilities, refreshed food and lodge offerings, and continued investing in snowmaking, grooming, and on-mountain operations