Explore the Most Scenic Ski Resort at South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly has been in business since December 15, 1955 and has 97 runs and 30 lifts that are spread between California and Nevada and four base facilities. Elevation at the peak is over 10,000 feet. I was very lucky to live and work very close to Heavenly. The views from the runs and gondola of Lake Tahoe are spectacular. The are also trails in the off season. They have a slope for everyone from beginners to experts. Even if you don’t ski take the ride up the slope for the views.

Nestled in one of the most authentic ski towns in the United States, Heavenly boasts a diverse range of terrain sure to challenge all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner seeking gentle slopes or a seasoned enthusiast craving thrilling runs, Heavenly has something for everyone. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of South Lake Tahoe, it's a destination that beckons skiers, snowboarders, and mountain lovers alike. Add Heavenly to your must-visit list for an unforgettable alpine experience. If you found this review helpful, please consider giving it a like.

California side is bit run down but has everything you need. I like it here since it has less crowd = less wait times. Great rental team and wonderful instructors. Food is more for convenience. Lots of seating area.

Heavenly Ski Resort offers a striking case study in the commodification of natural beauty, transforming a potentially sublime skiing experience into a rigidly controlled, commercial spectacle. Straddling California and Nevada, this sprawling 4,800-acre resort feels claustrophobically regulated despite its vast size. The atmosphere is dominated by what the resort calls music, blasted at volumes that obliterate the tranquil silence of snowy landscapes. This sonic pollution, coupled with relentless winds that harass skiers and snowboarders, turns any descent more into a battle against the elements than a thrilling ride down. The lower trails often reveal slushy, melting snow, reminding visitors of the region's challenging weather conditions. One of the most intrusive aspects of Heavenly is its overzealous implementation of rules and signage. A staggering 54 signs was seen at the base of a chairlift, dictating behavior in minute detail. Similar commands are everywhere on the slopes—skiers are told where to stop, photograph, slow down, and speed up, reminiscent of the overly managed flow of a Japanese subway system, yet oddly out of place on mountain slopes. The "black shirts," security personnel in foreboding uniforms, patrol the area, evoking an almost militaristic control that's out of step with the recreational nature of skiing. Moreover, on chairlift poles guests are compelled to report any infractions, such as smoking, through a dedicated hotline, adding to the surveillance state ambiance and placing an uncomfortable burden of policing on the visitors themselves. To add to the pervasive atmosphere of control, the use of cell phones by guests is very restricted, yet the resort's personnel are permanently speaking with walkie-talkies, highlighting a stark double standard in communications and personal freedom. This policy not only disrupts the guest experience but also starkly contrasts the freedom one expects in such expansive natural settings. Such heavy-handed management saps the joy from what could be a liberating experience. Skiers might feel they're navigating a corporate minefield rather than freely exploring the vast terrain. This results in a resort experience where every potential moment of enjoyment is heavily policed, making guests question the high cost of passes and accommodations. In essence, at Heavenly, you are reduced to just another "PAX" customer—merely a passenger in their commercial machine, where your dollars matter more than your experience, and the overriding concern is not to enhance your joy but to ensure you do not sue. If relentless, thumping music and a litany of rules sound appealing, then Heavenly might just be the place. This environment, where the spirit of winter sports is not celebrated but totally controlled, serves as a chilly reminder of the commercial pressures that loom large over modern recreational spaces

The gondola scenic ride is a must! Go all the way to the top and they have a few outdoor activities, play in the snow, grab a quick bite to eat or drink. Bathrooms were clean. So glad we did this on our trip