IN A NUTSHELL

Ski powder all day, party all night in one of America's most scenic resorts.

Heavenly SKI RESORT

Heavenly ski resort offers vast, scenic terrain and high-energy mountain life paired with South Lake Tahoe’s lively personality, a range of accommodations, and diverse dining, making it an exceptional ski destination.

South Lake Tahoe is where you'll stay and it offers a broad range of accommodations - from luxury resorts like Edgewood and lakefront hotels such as the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge to breezy places like Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe. Whether you prioritize alpine ambiance, access to nightlife, or family-friendly amenities, there’s a perfect stay near both the slopes and the heart of town.

South Lake Tahoe's dining options are many and varied.
Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort is a standout for elevated dishes using locally sourced ingredients, perfect for special occasions.

For casual fare and local favourites, try California Burger Company with its creative burgers and fun atmosphere, or Base Camp Pizza Co, known for gourmet pizzas and live entertainment that's great for families and groups. Artemis Lakefront Cafe serves excellent Greek and Mediterranean food with generous portions and plenty of vegetarian options.

Barbecue lovers flock to Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill, while Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar brings Hawaiian-inspired dishes and vegan choices, complete with rooftop lake views. Himmel Haus stands out for its authentic German fare and beer, making it a top après-ski destination near Heavenly Resort.

International and noteworthy options include Primo’s Italian Bistro for homemade pasta and cozy ambiance, Wolf by Vanderpump for chic, innovative cuisine, and My Thai Cuisine.

For breakfast and café culture, locals and visitors alike love Red Hut Café, Driftwood Cafe for hearty brunches, and Sprouts Café for healthy, plant-forward options.

Getting to Heavenly

Our ski holidays to Heavenly allow you to fly either to San Francisco and self drive or alternatively, into Reno and take a coach transfer.

THE SKIING IN Heavenly SKI RESORT

What unique skiing experiences does Heavenly Ski Resort offer?

It's got to be the views of Lake Tahoe! Heavenly Mountain Resort spans the California–Nevada border atop Lake Tahoe, offering a massive 4,800 acres and a thrilling 3,500 ft vertical drop. With 97 trails - 20% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 35% advanced - Heavenly caters to all ability levels. Beginners can start in sheltered zones like Tamarack and Boulder Lodge, then work their way up. Intermediates will love Ridge Run and Skyline, boasting sweeping groomers and breathtaking lake views. Advanced skiers can tackle legendary steeps: mogul-choked Gunbarrel, plus Mott & Killebrew Canyons and Milky Way Bowl. Snow quality is average 360 inches annually and snowmaking covers 70% of trails. Add vibrant après including the Casinos on the Nevada side, on‑mountain lodges, and dual‑state skiing variety, and Heavenly delivers blockbuster ski days in one of North America’s most scenic resorts.

A variety of on-mountain and base dining venues cater to all tastes - enjoy quick-serve favourites at Tamarack Lodge, Sky Deck, and Lakeview Lodge, or toast your day at the full-service Booyah’s with local brews and sweeping lake views. Après-ski at Steins Beer & Brats or relax at the California Lodge food hall for family meals and mountain classics.

WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT Heavenly?

Heavenly Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe offers a wide variety of terrain for all levels—but stands out especially for intermediates, with solid options for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Beginners
Terrain: Heavenly has several dedicated beginner areas, including bunny slopes and “Learn to Ride” zones at Boulder and California Lodges, as well as at the top of the Gondola and Aerial Tramway. Wide, gentle green runs make it easy for learners to progress, and the resort offers an excellent ski and ride school for all ages.
Progression: The green runs are accessible, confidence-building, and link easily to the main lifts. Once you’re comfortable, many intermediate (blue) runs at Heavenly are manageable for confident beginners due to their grooming and width.
Caveats: The beginner terrain is somewhat clustered—especially at bases and mid-mountain—so true first-timers may find the areas a bit limited if staying for multiple days, but group and private lessons help learners expand beyond the basics.
Experience: Many beginners appreciate the supportive teaching and relatively gentle greens, though a few reviews mention a desire for more variety, especially for those extending beyond three days.

Intermediates
Terrain: Heavenly is a genuine intermediate skier’s paradise. Over half of the runs are blue (intermediate), with wide-open cruisers, long groomers, and beautiful views across both the California and Nevada sides of the mountain.
Highlights: Runs such as Ridge Run, California Trail, Dipper Express, Skyline Trail, and Olympic Downhill are favorites for sweeping vistas and thigh-burning descents. Tree-lined blue runs and light-gladed areas offer a variety of experiences at this level.
Experience: Intermediates can explore nearly the entire resort, making the most of massive on-piste areas and the option to discover new blues every day.

Advanced/Expert
Terrain: Heavenly provides a mix for advanced skiers, though it's known more for blue runs than extreme in-bounds steeps. Advanced runs are found mostly at higher elevations and in the tree-gladed areas, with select challenging black diamonds (such as Waterfall and West Bowl) and double-black canyon terrain.
Glades & Off-Piste: The real advanced skiing comes in the form of superb tree runs—Heavenly is renowned for its widely spaced, gladed terrain, especially in old growth pine forests, providing powder stashes and technical lines for strong skiers. The Mott and Killebrew Canyons offer steep chutes and some of the resort’s toughest runs.
Expert Note: While there are some “black” runs, many are more like high-end intermediates. For the most demanding chutes and steeps, stick to the canyons and gladed sections where advanced and expert skiers will find satisfaction.

is Heavenly good for families?

Heavenly Ski Resort is generally a good choice for families, especially those with children who are comfortable on easy and intermediate slopes, and for families who want a mix of on- and off-snow activities in a lively, scenic resort town.

Family-Friendly Features at Heavenly
Terrain for Kids & Families: Heavenly has a range of easy green and gentle blue runs accessible from several base areas (such as Boulder and California Lodge), with well-organized ski schools and kid-specific lesson programs. While the amount of absolute beginner terrain is somewhat limited compared to some other resorts, confident beginners and progressing children will find plenty to enjoy.

On-Mountain & Village Activities: Families love Heavenly’s snow tubing hills (with tracks for all ages), ice skating, sleigh rides, and games arcades both in the village and in nearby lodges. The village area is pedestrian-friendly, packed with shops, toy stores, and family dining, making it easy to relax and keep everyone entertained after skiing.

Lodging & Convenience: Accommodations like Margaritaville Resort near the base area provide kitchen facilities, space, and walking access to lifts and restaurants—critical for families managing gear and young children. Family suites, game rooms, and laundry service often top family-favourite lists.

Ease of Access: The main gondola is centrally located in Heavenly Village and takes families quickly to mid-mountain green and blue terrain. Families mention the convenience of proximity to dining, rental shops, and lessons as a big advantage.

Heavenly Property Map