Heavenly ski resort

About Heavenly

The slopes at Heavenly ski resort, one of the largest ski areas in North America, provide spectacular views of Lake Tahoe as well as skiing in two states, with the resort straddling the border between California and Nevada.

The resort has seen millions of dollars of investment since the turn of the century that's helped to transform it into a world class skiing destination, with both on-mountain facilities and the resort base having been upgraded. Lift access to the slopes has also improved with a gondola now whisking people right from the Lakeside to the heart of the slopes, where once your only option was to drive up to the base of the runs.

The resort centre itself is a vibrant community on the south shore of the Lake with all the shopping, dining and accommodation options you would expect. Heavenly has managed to successfully blend Californian excess with Nevada's gambling culture – evident from the massive casinos towering up within inches of the state line.

It's a heady mixture of sunshine, snow, stunning scenery, adrenaline fuelled fun and 24 hour nightlife that's unique to the winter sports world, and a blend which most visitors find a lot of fun.

Location:

Heavenly is located at the southern end of Lake Tahoe, on the west coast of the USA. It is due east of San Francisco..

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Slopes

On the slopes

A modern gondola from the Californian lakeside resort whisks skiers and boarders high up to snowsure terrain, which is suitable for all ability levels, including plenty of blue runs for accomplished beginners and intermediates.

In fact, with the exceptions of Mott and Killibrew Canyons, the whole of the ski area here is open to intermediate skiers and boarders. And, for those who need yet more choice, a special ticket is available for non-US residents that allows for skiing at seven of the largest resorts around Lake Tahoe.

Beginners, meanwhile, can enjoy terrain ideally suited to their needs that is easy to access with nursery areas at the base of the slopes. Here, there's special tuition programmes designed to accelerate learning and to increase novice skiers' chances of getting hooked on snow sports.

Experts have around a third of the ski area's total runs to hone their skills, with a wide selection of twisting, steep trails; including the infamous Gunbarrel run in Mott and Killebrew Canyons on the Nevada side of the border.

Freestylers will enjoy the resort's terrain parks, with the High Roller Park in particular suited to experts with its boxes, rails and jumps.

The season in Heavenly runs from late-November (snow permitting) to mid-April. Snowmaking facilities are operational when the conditions are poor.