Resort Overview
Not many ski resorts can compare to the amazing views, convenient gondola access, sheer quantity of accessible terrain and number of ski lifts provided by Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. Its convenient location in South Lake Tahoe draws thousands of visitors every year, and for good reason. Heavenly has the city of South Lake Tahoe to thank for its many amenities and entertainment activities to complement it’s ski resort. The mountain itself boasts the largest amount of terrain, the latest in high speed lift technology, the highest elevation and the biggest vertical drop in the Lake Tahoe area.
For many, the expansive views of the lake, mountains and Carson Valley are enough to justify the trip. It’s tree skiing is also known to be quite good. The Vail resorts, Inc. resort sits atop the state line between California and Nevada, allowing one to ride in both states.
Trail Details
Beginner Runs: 20%
Intermediate Runs: 45%
Advanced Runs: 30%
Expert Runs: 5%
Longest Run: 5.0 miles
Terrain Details
Elevation
Highest Point: 10,067 ft
Vertical Drop: 3,500 ft
Lowest Point: 6,540 ft
Skiable Terrain: 4,800 acres
Backcountry/Off-Piste:Yes
Tree Runs:Yes
Lift Info
Total Number of Lifts: 30
Gondolas & Trams: 2
High Speed Sixes: 2
High Speed Quads: 7
Quad Chairs: 1
Triple Chairs: 5
Double Chairs: 3
Surface Lifts: 10
Lift Hours of Operation
Monday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Tuesday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Thursday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Saturday: 08:30 AM – 04:00 PM
Sunday: 08:30 AM – 04:00 PM
Night Skiing: No
Lift Tickets
Adult Single Day: $57+
Teen Single Day: $43+
Child Single Day: $33+
Snowfall
Average Annual Snowfall: 360 inches
Snow Making Capability: 3,360 acres
Terrain Park
Halfpipe: Yes – 1
Terrain Park: Yes – 4
Notes: Heavenly’s snowboard parks are varied, well constructed and designed, and well maintained. However, in comparison to other terrain parks in Lake Tahoe, according to some they could be more progressive. Also, parks are only located on the California side for most of the season.
Ski/Snowboard School
Instruction is available at all skill levels from at the top of the Gondola and at Boulder Lodge on the Nevada side. The gondola area includes dedicated beginner lifts and magic carpets. Lessons are available for children as well.
Important Dates
Ski Season Dates: Typically November to late April or early May
On and Off-Mountain Services
On-mountain ski rental and repair shops can be found at each base lodge. Multiple upper mountain lodges offer restaurants, bathrooms and more. On-mountain ski patrol outposts are located throughout the mountain.
Off-mountain shopping and boutiques are plentiful throughout South Lake Tahoe. Nursery and childcare, first aid and hospitals are located within 6 miles.
Lodging Info
There are 11 lodges located within walking distance to the gondola. In the city of South Lake Tahoe, over 250 hotel and motels are scattered throughout town. Many vacation rentals are also available. Most hotels have transportation services available to shuttle visitors to resorts and casinos. There are also many campgrounds nearby, both private and public.
Transportation Info
Driving Directions:
Coming in from Reno first take highway 395 towards Carson City. Then take highway 50 and you can
follow the signs to South Lake Tahoe (58 miles)
Coming in from San Francisco take highway 80 all the way to Sacramento. Then take highway 50 which
leads you directly to South Lake Tahoe.
Flying:
The closest large airport is Reno International. Shuttles are available with a transfer time of around 1 hr.
A small airport is also located in South Lake Tahoe.
Bus/Coach:
Busses are available from Reno with travel time of about 1.5 hours. Busses are available from San
Francisco with a travel time of about 6 hours. Snow busses are also available to take you from bay area
cities directly to and from Heavenly.
Other Activities
Heliskiing: Not available
Snowmobiles: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Snowboarding Access
Snowboarding is allowed on all lifts at Heavenly.
History
Heavenly was started in 1947 by Lee and Daisy Miller, who named it Bijou Skyway Park. At that time the resort consisted of a tow rope up to the first 1000 feet, and a second which went up to Saddle Road. During the 1950’s, the resort was sold and renamed to Heavenly Valley, after which it continued to expand with more ski lifts throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. The 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2005, to commemorate the opening of the California Base Lodge and single lift in 1955, even though the true origins of the resort came 8 years before then.
Summer Activities
The gondola is open during the summer, which takes visitors on a ride up to a viewing deck as well as the end of the gondola where food and other amenities area available. Some of the trails on Heavenly are also available for hiking, such as the ridge trail which is accessible at the Stagecoach lift base on the Nevada side.
Contact Info
Heavenly Mountain Resort
PO Box 2180
Stateline, NV 96150
Phone: (800) HEAVENLY
[email protected]
Other Information
Snowboard Leashes Required: Yes
Common misspellings: Heavanly, Heavenley, Heavenley, Heavenlie, Heavenly, Hevanely, Hevanley, Hevenely, Hevenley, Hevenli