Heavenly
4,800 acres across CA-NV border, 1,066m vertical, 97 runs. Epic Pass access at Lake Tahoe's highest resort.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
24 Nov 2026
Closes
4 Apr 2027
Days open
131
Annual snow
360in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Heavenly spans 4,800 acres across the California-Nevada border at Lake Tahoe, with a summit elevation of 3,068 metres making it the highest resort in the basin. The 1,066-metre vertical drop feeds 97 runs spread between four base areas, whilst the ski area receives an average of 9.1 metres of snowfall annually and maintains extensive snowmaking across more than 60 per cent of terrain. The resort opened in 1955 and has been owned by Vail Resorts since 2002.
Terrain breaks down to 8 per cent beginner, 62 per cent intermediate, 25 per cent advanced and 5 per cent expert. Ridge Run and California Trail deliver panoramic Lake Tahoe views across long intermediate cruisers on the California side, whilst Mott Canyon on the Nevada side offers steep chutes and glades with over 490 metres of sustained vertical. The ski area's unique straddling of two states creates distinct characters - California slopes face the lake with wider groomers, Nevada terrain delivers steeper pitches and Carson Valley vistas.
The base village sits in South Lake Tahoe at Heavenly Village, where the 8-person gondola rises 900 metres from the casino corridor. On-mountain lodges include Tamarack at the gondola's upper terminal, California Lodge with the aerial tram, and East Peak Lodge on the Nevada side. Crowds concentrate at weekends and holidays, particularly on connector runs between states, though the sprawling footprint disperses traffic across multiple pods.
Epic Pass provides unlimited access, with the resort also honouring Epic Local Pass with holiday restrictions. The 2025-2026 season runs from 22 November through 5 April. Heavenly suits strong intermediates and groups mixing abilities, though beginners face isolated learning zones with limited progression routes between sectors and experts may find the double-black percentage modest for a resort of this scale.
3,497ft
Vertical
97
Runs
4,800 acres
Skiable
360in
Annual snow
Epic
Pass
The Terrain
97 runs across 4,800 acres skiable
Heavenly is the big resort on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, with about 4,800 acres (1,943 hectares) straddling the California-Nevada line. From a 6,570 ft (2,002 m) base to a 10,070 ft (3,068 m) summit, the vertical is 3,500 ft (1,066 m) across 97 runs. Intermediate terrain takes up 62%, with 25% advanced, 8% beginner and 5% expert, so cruising skiers get the most from it. Twenty-seven lifts, including a gondola, serve the mountain, though crossing between sides takes planning. Size is the draw here, with Lake Tahoe views from the California side.
Ridge Run and Big Dipper offer long, scenic descents with views of Lake Tahoe, and the California side is home to well-groomed cruisers. The Nevada side faces Carson Valley, with more varied terrain and fewer crowds. Advanced skiers head for the steeper pitches of Mott Canyon and Killebrew Canyon, where chutes, tree skiing and natural features reward confident riders, and Mott Canyon's north-facing chutes hold snow longer after a storm. Milky Way Bowl gives wide-open skiing and deep snow after storms. Heavenly suits strong intermediates, mixed groups and anyone wanting a large area to explore across two states, plus evenings in the casinos at Stateline.
Terrain split
97
runs
97 runs across 4 grades
Beginner8 runs · 8%
Intermediate60 runs · 62%
Advanced24 runs · 25%
Expert5 runs · 5%
Time it right
When to visit Heavenly
The 2025-2026 season opens 22 November 2025 and closes 5 April 2026, delivering a 135-day operating window. Heavenly typically opens in the third or fourth week of November depending on snowmaking windows, with Thanksgiving weekend reliably seeing gondola and multiple base areas operational. The resort celebrated its 70th anniversary in the 2025-2026 season, having first opened as Heavenly Valley on 15 December 1955.
Annual snowfall averages 9.1 metres at upper elevations, with the 3,068-metre summit and extensive grooming fleet maintaining cover throughout winter. Snowmaking blankets approximately 60 per cent of terrain via over 200 snow guns, concentrated on lower and mid-mountain zones. The Tahoe basin's relatively moderate elevation for a major resort means rain can affect base areas during warm cycles, though upper mountain snow quality benefits from cold storms tracking across the Sierra crest.
January through March deliver peak powder reliability, with the first week of March historically the snowiest period averaging 43 centimetres across 3.3 snowy days. December and April offer thinner but often uncrowded conditions. Spring corn develops by late March on sun-exposed California faces. Base depths held at 104 centimetres mid-season 2025-2026, with 477 centimetres of cumulative snowfall recorded.
The resort hosts the Toyota Air and Après event in late February featuring professional athletes on a 14-metre jump constructed on World Cup terrain. A weekend DJ Cat programme runs December through March with guest DJs performing from a snowcat on weekends. Night operations are not offered, though the gondola operates for summer sightseeing from May, and tubing at Adventure Peak typically opens mid-December.
Season 2026 - 2027
24 Nov 2026
Opens
4 Apr 2027
Closes
131
Days open
360 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Heavenly
Daily snow reports at Heavenly go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
40 in
Snowiest day
18 Feb 2026
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
219 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Heavenly, and where to stay
Heavenly occupies the southeastern corner of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, with the ridgeline summit forming the California-Nevada state border at 3,068 metres elevation. The resort sits directly above the town of South Lake Tahoe on the California side and Stateline, Nevada, where casino hotels cluster along the boundary. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit oversees the permit area through the USDA Forest Service, with approximately one-third of the 4,800-acre permit currently developed for skiing.
South Lake Tahoe, population 21,330, provides the primary base with lodging concentrated along Highway 50 and around Heavenly Village at the gondola plaza. Stateline casinos including Harrah's and Harveys sit 500 metres from the gondola base. The California Lodge base lies 3.4 kilometres south along Ski Run Boulevard, whilst Nevada's Stagecoach Lodge sits 9 kilometres northeast via the winding Kingsbury Grade Road climbing 450 vertical metres from the lakeshore.
Highway 50 delivers all-weather access from Sacramento, 177 kilometres west via Echo Summit, a drive of two hours. From the San Francisco Bay Area, the journey covers 320 kilometres and takes approximately 3.5 hours via Interstate 80 to Truckee then Highway 89 south, or via Highway 50 through Placerville. Winter chain controls apply regularly on both routes during active storms.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport lies 88 kilometres northeast, a 75-minute drive via Highway 395 and Highway 50 through Carson City. Multiple shuttle operators including South Tahoe Airporter run hourly services taking 75 minutes. Sacramento International Airport sits 177 kilometres west with a two-hour transfer. Amtrak serves Reno with connecting shuttles to South Lake Tahoe. No passenger rail serves the immediate area, though the BlueGo bus system operates free routes between Heavenly Village, California Lodge, and both Nevada bases with service every 30 minutes during ski season.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Heavenly, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
Heavenly Webcams
8 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Heavenly's live webcams
Check live conditions across Heavenly with 8 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Gondola Mid Station8,599ft
- Experience breathtaking Lake Tahoe views through this Heavenly webcam positioned at the gondola's mid-station at 2621 meters elevation. This strategic Heavenly live cam captures the stunning transition zone between the base village and upper mountain terrain. Monitor current conditions and visibility through this live snow cam that showcases why Heavenly offers some of skiing's most spectacular scenery.
- Heavenly Snow Stake9,501ft
- Track precise snowfall accumulation through this essential Heavenly web cam focused on the official snow stake at 2896 meters elevation. This specialized live cam provides real-time snow depth measurements and fresh powder updates throughout the day. Perfect for powder hunters planning their approach to Lake Tahoe's largest resort, this Heavenly live snow cam delivers the accurate data you need for optimal skiing conditions.
- Aerial Tram Summit10,039ft
- Witness panoramic alpine vistas from this Heavenly webcam stationed at the iconic Aerial Tram summit at 3060 meters elevation. This high-altitude Heavenly live cam provides sweeping views across Lake Tahoe's pristine blue waters and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. Essential for checking summit conditions and visibility, this live snow cam captures the awe-inspiring perspectives that make Heavenly legendary.
- Dipper Express Lift Summit9,849ft
- Monitor upper mountain terrain through this Heavenly web cam positioned at the Dipper Express Lift summit at 3002 meters. This live cam provides crucial visibility updates across some of the resort's most popular advanced terrain. The Heavenly webcam shows real-time conditions where expert skiers access the mountain's challenging bowls and steeps overlooking spectacular Lake Tahoe.
- East Peak Lodge9,400ft
- Capture the Nevada side's distinctive character through this Heavenly live snow cam at East Peak Lodge at 2865 meters elevation. This strategic live cam reveals conditions across the resort's varied terrain on the lake's eastern shore. The Heavenly live cam helps you plan your route through this unique area where desert mountain skiing meets alpine forest terrain.
- Highway 506,230ft
- Monitor approach conditions along Highway 50 with this essential Heavenly webcam providing real-time road visibility at 1899 meters. This live cam helps you assess driving conditions on your way to Lake Tahoe's largest ski resort. The Heavenly web cam delivers crucial weather and traffic information for safe travel planning to this world-class destination.
- Gondola Base Station6,352ft
- Stay connected to base area activity through this Heavenly live snow cam positioned at the gondola's base station at 1936 meters in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. This live cam captures arrivals, departures, and current operational status at the resort's main access point. The Heavenly webcam provides essential information for timing your visit to this iconic mountain destination.
- Ice Skating Rink6,352ft
- Experience the village atmosphere through this charming Heavenly live cam overlooking the ice skating rink at 1936 meters in the base area. This Heavenly web cam captures the family-friendly activities and festive mountain town ambiance that complement world-class skiing. Monitor current weather and crowd levels through this live snow cam positioned at the heart of South Lake Tahoe's winter playground.
Heavenly snow cams FAQ
How often do Heavenly snow cams update?
All Heavenly snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Heavenly.
Which Heavenly webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Aerial Tram Summit webcam at 3,060m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Heavenly webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Heavenly lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Heavenly snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Heavenly snow cams?
Check Heavenly webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Heavenly lift tickets?
Use our Heavenly webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Heavenly webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Heavenly snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Heavenly intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.