The Skiers' Guide to Heavenly

Heavenly is a sprawling ski resort that straddles the California-Nevada border on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. What truly makes this resort special are the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe that can be admired from many runs, particularly on the California side. As Stev notes, "Don't forget to look up while you are skiing. The views of Lake Tahoe are also pretty good."

The resort spans multiple peaks across two states, with a top elevation of 3068m and a base elevation of 2185m. This impressive ski area encompasses 113 runs served by 14 lifts, including 2 gondolas and 12 chairlifts. Heavenly earns an overall rating of 4.20/5 from our community, with particularly high scores for groomed runs (4.46/5), family friendliness (4.42/5), and tree runs (4.25/5).

Heavenly offers a diverse range of terrain with 113 runs split across 8 beginner, 68 intermediate, and 31 advanced routes. The mountain is particularly well-suited for progressing intermediates and advanced skiers, though the layout can be challenging to navigate for first-timers.

One Snomad community member liked the "good variety of intermediate through expert terrain," while another pointed out that "The beginner runs are sort of limited, narrow, and spread out or separated from other beginner runs." The mountain's design features long traverses between different areas, which can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the layout.

The tree skiing is frequently mentioned as a highlight, especially after fresh snowfall. Colleen, an advanced skier, raved: "Tree runs are fantastic - great spacing and variable pitch." For those seeking challenges, the Mott and Killebrew areas on the Nevada side offer expert terrain. As Sam notes, "Black runs are mostly glades or ungroomed mogul runs. Expert terrain can be found in the Mott and Killebrew areas in Nevada."

The resort also scores well for off-piste (3.91/5) with Manuel commenting that Heavenly offers "Off Piste runs in the famous Motts Canyon." However, several users mention the mountain's susceptibility to wind holds, which can affect lift operations and access between the California and Nevada sides.

Heavenly scores well for eating out (4.11/5), though reviews suggest that on-mountain dining can be hit-or-miss. Sharon candidly advises: "Food service isn't great on the mountain; they actually ran out of food in the early afternoon during spring skiing several days this year. Bring your own food!!"

The real dining gems appear to be in South Lake Tahoe itself, where options are plentiful. The Heavenly Village at the base offers various restaurants and cafés within walking distance. Sam mentions that "Lodging and food options are plentiful in South Lake," while Gustavo notes the village "offers a variety of food, drink, and activities."

A unique feature highlighted by Samantha is "The DJ set at one of the mid mountain lodges is an experience that should not be missed if you enjoy a mid day drink and bite with a fun vibe."

Heavenly boasts a strong après-ski scene (3.88/5), with options both on the mountain and in South Lake Tahoe. The resort offers a unique après experience spanning two states, with different vibes on each side.

Christopher describes it well: "California side very nice, not loud but bars and restaurants good, five minutes walk Nevada side wild clubs casino's bars, party time." This dual personality makes Heavenly suitable for different après preferences.

Randy, an expert skier, enthuses: "South Lake Tahoe was rockin with night life!!!!" The presence of casinos on the Nevada side adds another dimension to evening entertainment not found at many other ski resorts. As Luke points out, "with casinos only a short drive away, a show or party is very accessible."

Heavenly Village serves as a hub for après activities, with Gustavo noting: "The village at heavenly at night gets very full of people and fun to spend the night at a bar I had met a lot of people and made lot friend." Several users mention the gondola base as a good spot for post-skiing drinks.

Heavenly scores extremely well for family friendliness (4.42/5), making it a top choice for family ski holidays. The resort offers excellent ski school quality (4.03/5) and scores highly for beginners (4.38/5).

Joan, an intermediate skier, shares: "Wonderful place to ski with the family! Something for everyone and absolutely beautiful! We were a family of four and all of us (varying levels) enjoyed the slopes at Heavenly!" Many users mention the resort's ability to cater to mixed-ability groups.

Seth notes that Heavenly has "one of the best beginner areas that I've seen in the US," and Delaney adds: "The ski school was great, as a beginner adult I didn't feel awkward or embarrassed."

Beyond skiing, Heavenly Village offers family-friendly activities like ice skating, mini-golf, and a movie theatre. Manuel Jimenez points out: "In the winter, the outdoor mini golf turns into an ice rink Next to the movie theater. Also, walking distance from the gondola are four large casinos, Harveys also offers a very large exciting arcade for the kids underneath the casino."

Heavenly receives excellent marks for accommodation options (4.44/5), with a wide range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. The resort area offers everything from luxury properties at the base to more affordable options nearby.

Sharon explains: "There are tons of lodging choices, from high end right at the base to budget options across the street." This flexibility makes Heavenly accessible for various traveller types. Dylan adds: "The surrounding area, South Lake Tahoe, has lots of hotels to stay in that are walking distance to the village and casinos if you want to gamble."

Some users recommend staying on the Nevada side for better value. Christopher suggests: "I recommend staying on the Nevada side as it's a lot more cost-effective. Stagecoach ski lift has free parking and is not that far from Carson City."

Access to the slopes varies depending on accommodation location. Many properties are within walking distance of the gondola, while others require a short drive. Resort shuttles help connect accommodation with lifts, as Colleen notes: "Hotel and Heavenly shuttles were easy to use and frequent."

Heavenly's environmental initiatives focus primarily on efficient snowmaking operations and forest management. The resort has invested in modernising its snowmaking systems to reduce water and energy usage while maintaining quality snow coverage even in challenging weather conditions. Fritz notes: "Snowmaking is superb, very important in a season like this current one. As well as grooming, corduroy every morning."

As part of Vail Resorts, Heavenly participates in the company's "Commitment to Zero" programme, which aims to achieve zero net emissions and zero waste to landfill by 2030. However, specific details about Heavenly's individual sustainability practices are limited in user reviews, suggesting this might be an area where more visible initiatives could enhance the resort's environmental profile.