Skiing in South Lake Tahoe: Guide to Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States. The mountain straddles the California and Nevada border and from the peak, you can see stunning views of the lake. Keep reading for a complete guide to skiing in South Lake Tahoe.
I recently visited Tahoe for a family vacation and ski trip. We enjoyed time in the snow, the stunning lake views and amazing (warm) ski days. There are many ski resorts around Lake Tahoe and choosing the right one is difficult, this guide will outline how to choose and why Heavenly is likely the best option.
When Skiing in South Lake Tahoe, some important things to consider are which runs to hit and how to plan your day since the mountain is large as has multiple bases. Below, I will explain why Heavenly is the best ski resort and how to optimize your time on the slopes.
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Choosing the Right Tahoe Ski Resort
As mentioned above, there are many ski resorts around Lake Tahoe. Since the lake is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is the perfect location for mountain resorts. The below ski resorts are the most popular and are each known for something different.
Northstar- Northstar Ski Resort is known for high-end luxury. This resort is in north lake Tahoe and tucked into the mountains. The resort consists of the Ritz Carlton and a village with restaurants and condos. Northstar California is the best ski area for those seeking private luxury.
Squaw Valley- Squaw Valley Ski Resort was the location for the 1960 winter Olympics and is known for grueling and challenging runs. This resort is the most sophisticated with multiple gondolas and a tram. Squaw Valley is the best choice for advanced skiers that plan to spend all their time on the mountain.
Heavenly Ski Resort- Heavenly is my personal favorite and the most well-rounded of the ski resorts on this list. Heavenly is in South Lake Tahoe, across the California-Nevada border. It is complimented by the large town and plenty of non-ski activities. Heavenly ski resort is the best option for families or people who want a balanced winter vacation.
Pro’s and Con’s of Skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly Mountain Resort my favorite place to ski in South Lake Tahoe and one of my favorite ski resorts in the United States. However, there are some pro’s and con’s to consider before planning your vacation.
Pro’s of Skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort
-Amazing lake views from the slopes
-Vibrant resort village with après ski, restaurants, and shops
-Quick drive from a major airport in Reno
-Variety of groomed runs for all levels
-Moderate temperatures, even in the middle of winter
-Lift tickets are a part of EPIC pass program
-Quick drive from San Francisco
Con’s of Skiing in South Lake Tahoe
-Busy crowds especially during holidays
-Warm temperatures can cause wet snow
-Getting from village to runs takes around 45 minutes to 2 hours to wait for gondola, ride gondola then catch one more chair lift
-Casinos on Nevada side of resort can detract from ski village charm
If the above reasons convinced you to book a South Lake Tahoe ski trip, keep reading to learn how to plan out your time on the Mountain.
For more information on Tahoe, read my complete guide to South Lake Tahoe in the winter.
Choosing a Base at Heavenly Resort
Unlike many ski resorts, Heavenly has four different bases to ski from. Based on your interests, lodging location and level, you can select a base to starts you day that best suites your needs.
The most popular base is in Heavenly village, which has a gondola. The perks of this base are the location if you are staying in town and the comfort of a gondola ride. However, it is the most crowded of the bases and the gondola line can take upwards of one hour.
The other California base is called the California Base Lodge. A 10 minute drive from the village, this option will be close for those staying on the California side of South Lake Tahoe. Be warned, the runs serviced by this base are all expert level. Only ski here if you want to avoid crowds and can handle black-level runs.
In Nevada, there are two bases located close to each other. Both are operated by one lift each and both lifts are slow. However, the Nevada bases will be the least crowded and lead to the biggest part of the mountain. If you are willing to drive, I recommend either of the Nevada bases: Boulder Lodge or Stagecoach Lodge.
Food Options on the Mountain
On the Mountain, there are a variety of lodges for food, drink or snacks. Each base has a large lodge that serves classic ski cuisine such as chili and burgers. To avoid crowds, plan to hit these lodges at off-peak lunch hours.
In addition, Booyah’s offers a full-service restaurant with gastro-pub cuisine and many beer options. Heavenly doughnuts is located in the lower Gondola building and serves fresh-made doughnuts that are perfect for a morning sugar rush.
Best Runs to Ski in South Lake Tahoe
The biggest reason to go skiing in South Lake Tahoe is to take advantage of the amazing runs with amazing lake views. The California Trail is a long blue run with the best views of Lake Tahoe. The Big Dipper run is an underrated blue run that will typically have low traffic, allowing for faster speeds and untouched snow. To ski from the peak, the Skyline Trail is a long run with rewarding terrain.
Ski Attire Essentials
When skiing, or simply walking around the ski resort, staying warm and comfortable is key. If you do not have ski year or are looking to update, the below selections are some of my personal favorites. Be sure to utilize layers to manage your changing body temperature throughout the day. Our first day on the mountain, I was tempted to throw my ski pants away and just wear my leggings because I was so hot! Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
-Baselayer Top and Bottom
–Ski Jacket
–Ski Pants
For more outfit ideas, check out my guide to what to pack for a ski vacation.
Final Thoughts on Skiing in South Lake Tahoe
This guide to skiing in South Lake Tahoe will get you started planning an amazing ski vacation. Whether you are going with family, friends or a partner, enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the snow. Take advantage of your time to get in many runs and relaxation.
For a great international ski trip, check out my guide to skiing in Zermatt Switzerland.
If you enjoyed this post or have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
