TL;DR
Heavenly Resort, nestled on Lake Tahoe's shores, faces challenges with the indefinite closure of its key 'Heavenly Gondola' due to mechanical issues. With the Stagecoach Express also not yet operational, the resort is redirecting activities to the California Lodge and advising guests to visit nearby Epic Pass Resorts like Northstar and Kirkwood, especially during the expected busy holiday week.
Heavenly Resort, a popular ski destination straddling Nevada and California on the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe, is facing an unforeseen setback. On January 4, 2024, the resort announced a sudden closure of its key 'Heavenly Gondola' due to a newly discovered mechanical issue, with no immediate date set for reopening.
“Due to a mechanical issue discovered this morning, the Heavenly Gondola will not operate until it is fully repaired. The Gondola Maintenance Team worked with the lift manufacturer and project engineer to diagnose the problem, which is related to one of the bearings in the high-speed shaft.
At no time has the Gondola been unsafe to operate, but it’s best to replace these bearings early before they do become a more serious problem. We are actively working with our manufacturer to secure replacement bearings with urgency. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about the timeline, but we are focused on completing this necessary repair as quickly as we can.” - Heavenly Resort Instagram
Heavenly Instagram Post
The resort, known for its sprawling base areas at the mountain's foot, heavily relies on the Heavenly Gondola for access from the bustling Heavenly Village. This closure comes at a particularly challenging time, as the Stagecoach Express lift, another major access point from the Stagecoach Lodge, has not yet opened for the season.
In light of this situation, Heavenly Resort is temporarily shifting its operations solely to the California Lodge. The resort remains hopeful that either the gondola will be repaired or the Stagecoach Express will open soon, possibly as early as the coming Saturday.
The timing of the gondola's closure couldn't be less opportune, falling during a holiday week when large crowds are expected. To manage the situation, Heavenly Resort is encouraging visitors to explore other Epic Pass Resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, such as Northstar and Kirkwood, until the Heavenly Gondola is back in operation.
“We apologize for this inconvenience – please know that we are working as fast and safely as we can to get the Gondola back open. Throughout the process, we will frequently update you on our social channels (please make sure to watch our stories). Additionally, our team members will be around to direct you and answer questions if needed. We are grateful for your patience and understanding!” - Heavenly Resort Instagram
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
