Heavenly, Sierra Nevada (California)

Heavenly: 5 things to know before you go

Sierra Nevada (California), United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

The only major resort in the United States that straddles two states, Heavenly delivers Lake Tahoe panoramas from every lift on California time and Nevada time at once. By day, 270 km of pistes drop through pines toward the sapphire lake; by night, blackjack tables glow in the casinos at Stateline.

1.Is the snow reliable in Heavenly?

Yes. The base sits at 2002 m and the top reaches 3060 m, which puts snow reliability among the very best on our index (score 91/100).

2.Do you need a car, or can you ski in and out?

Ski-in/ski-out depends on the address here: some hotels are on the snow, others need a short walk or shuttle. Pick a slopeside address if skiing from the door matters to you.

3.How big is the ski area, and who is it for?

It is one of the bigger domains on the site: 270 km of piste on 28 lifts, enough to ski a different sector every day of the week. The terrain is balanced (19 green, 47 blue, 36 red, 25 black), which suits a mixed-level group skiing together.

4.What is the resort like?

Heavenly stands out for a vast, multi-sector domain, lively après-ski and a genuinely iconic name.

5.When is the best time to go?

The season usually runs Nov 22 to Apr 20 (about 21 weeks). For the most dependable cover, the deep-winter window of January to February is the safe bet. The altitude also holds spring snow, so late-season skiing stays good well into spring.

The full Heavenly guide

Hotels, piste breakdown, snow month by month, lift and rental info, map and more.

See the full Heavenly guide β†’

More questions, answered

How much vertical drop does Heavenly have?
About 1058 m of vertical, from a 2002 m base to 3060 m at the top.
Is Heavenly part of a larger ski area?
No, it is a self-contained resort with its own 270 km of piste rather than part of a linked domain.
Is Heavenly good for beginners?
Yes. With 19 green and 47 blue runs, there is plenty of gentle terrain to learn on.

Where to stay

Hotels we like for ski access and value. Prices are indicative; check live availability.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort
4.73.2k reviews
€175
β˜… Top pick

Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Excellent Β· 3.2k reviews

Why we like it

One of the highest-rated places to stay in Heavenly, with guests singling out the service and comfort.

Guests rate this hotel as excellent (4.7/5 from 3,198 reviews). It sits about 3.4 km from the slopes. A mid-range option for Heavenly, with live nightly rates shown for your exact dates so you always see the best price.

β‰ˆ 3.4 km to the slopesMid-range
From
€175/ night
Check availability β†’
Bally's Lake Tahoe
3.86.7k reviews
€135

Bally's Lake Tahoe

Good Β· 6.7k reviews

Why we like it

A long-standing favourite in Heavenly, trusted by thousands of guests before you.

β‰ˆ 2.9 km to the slopesMid-range
From
€135/ night
Check availability β†’
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
3.93.7k reviews
€135

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Good Β· 3.7k reviews

Why we like it

A long-standing favourite in Heavenly, trusted by thousands of guests before you.

β‰ˆ 2.5 km to the slopesMid-range
From
€135/ night
Check availability β†’
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort
4.02.5k reviews
€155

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort

Great Β· 2.5k reviews

Why we like it

A long-standing favourite in Heavenly, trusted by thousands of guests before you.

β‰ˆ 5.6 km to the slopesMid-range
From
€155/ night
Check availability β†’

Ratings and review counts from Google Places. We may earn a commission on bookings.

Live snow reportSki-in/ski-out: United States