Lake Tahoe & Eastern Sierra Ski Resorts
Heavenly Mountain Resort
- Critic's rating
- LAT
Average User Ratings
- overall (3)
- value
- terrain
- après-ski
This hugely popular resort -- the only one on the South Shore -- has the highest elevation (10,067 ft.) of any resort at the lake. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find something to challenge them, including 3 snowboard parks, 4,800 skiable acres, 30 lifts (including a 50-passenger aerial tram), and 86 runs. Heavenly is also the only resort with day care for infants as young as 6 weeks (up through 6 years of age), child care and ski combinations for toddlers 3 to 5, and full-day programs for older kids. With arcades, recreation centers, bowling alleys, and movie theaters nearby, it's a great choice if you have teenagers or if you want to visit the big casinos at night. The latest addition here is the $20-million Heavenly Gondola -- cars that can transport up to eight passengers from the South Shore casino area up to an observation deck at 9,200 feet on Heavenly Mountain -- a 2 1/2-mile journey. The resort also recently invested nearly $30 million in improvements to the mountain, including two new high-speed lifts and a new 15-acre beginner's area.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on purchase and visit dates.
Season: Nov. 16 to April 21
wherever it appears.