Heavenly is one of the largest ski resorts in the USA covering 4,800 acres, with 97 trails, and 3,500′ vertical accessed by 29 lifts, 9 of which are high-speed. The resort averages 360″ snow and 300 bluebird days per year! With huge snow making capabilities Heavenly has a long season with lots of quality snow. With 45% of the mountain covered in intermediate terrain you can cruise long groomers till your legs turn to jello. The 360 degree views of Lake Tahoe and the Nevada desert are what really set this resort apart. The town of South Lake Tahoe, literally at the base of the Mountain, is full of great dining, shopping, lodging and entertainment. You can literally hop off the gondola and hit the casino floor before even taking your ski gear off. Heavenly is a big Vail resort and comes with all the comforts and amenities that you’d expect from a Vail property.
Tips:
-Be sure to enjoy some apres ski action at the Tamarack Lodge at the top of the Gondola. Soak in the mountain and lake views out on the huge patio before taking the gondola down to the village and continuing the party at any number of night clubs or casinos.
-If you’re an expert rider be sure not to miss the infamous Gunbarrel run in the California Lodge area. It offers up some seriously steep and challenging terrain!
-You can find some great stay and ride packages at the casinos conveniently located at the base of the Gondola.
Special Thanks To:
Heavenly
Tahoe South
Matt-Gibson.org
Check out more about by Matt Gibson:
Heavenly About.com Resort Review
Heavenly Eye Candy
Heavenly Micro Guide (Video)
Sh*t People Say About Heavenly (Video)
Although I only managed 1 day at Heavenly on this trip, I was able to capture some great images. The scenery here is truly spectacular! Although you might pause for a few extra minutes taking in the views at the top, it is hard not to charge the wide open groomers on the way down. A huge thanks to local ripper and South Lake ambassador Mike Frye for getting Matt and I around most of the mountain in such a short time frame. I look forward to getting in more turns and enjoying more of South Lake on my next visit to Heavenly. -Bryon Dorr
(A great way to save a TON of $ on lift tickets is by checking out LIFTOPIA.)
