How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Heavenly Mountain Resort

Why pick one state to ski in this winter when there’s one magical ski resort where you can carve turns in both California and Nevada in a single day? With sweeping views of Lake Tahoe below and snowcapped peaks rising in nearly every direction, along with more than 100 epic ski trails and some of the best après-ski nightlife in the region, it’s easy to see why Heavenly Ski Resort lives up to its name.

After traveling near and far in search of expert terrain, deep powder days, and jaw-dropping views, I can confidently say that Heavenly delivers some of the most memorable ski days you’ll find anywhere in the United States.

Here’s how to plan an unforgettable ski trip to a mountain that truly feels like heaven on Earth.

Where to Stay

Marriott’s Timber Lodge 

Marriott’s Timber Lodge is located right in the heart of Heavenly Village and is a top choice for those looking for classic resort-style accommodations. The lodge features a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, a fun pool, and a fitness center, all just steps from the gondola. Guests can also enjoy Fire + Ice Interactive Grill & Bar, which serves Mongolian-style barbecue. 

Marriott Grand Residences

Also located in Heavenly Village, the Marriott Grand Residences offer an excellent ski-in, ski-out option. These condo-style accommodations feature studios, guest rooms, and one or two-bedroom units, each with a kitchen, fireplace, and living and dining areas. The residences are fantastic for those seeking a more home-like experience rather than a traditional resort vibe. 

The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa

If you’d rather stay right on Lake Tahoe but still be within walking distance of the ski resort, The Landing is a fantastic choice. True to its name, it offers resort-style accommodations and an excellent on-site spa. It’s a phenomenal option for couples who want to relax, take in the lake views, and enjoy the restaurant and bar. Plus, the resort offers a free shuttle service to Heavenly. 

Where to Eat

Driftwood Cafe

Driftwood’s menu is packed with breakfast classics like omelets, breakfast burritos, eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. Located in the heart of Heavenly Village, it’s a convenient and satisfying stop to carbo-load before hitting the mountain.

Tamarack Lodge

Sitting at the top of the gondola, Tamarack Lodge is an easy win for an on-mountain meal. It’s an ideal lunch stop, serving up classics like burgers, hot dogs, fries, chili, soup, chicken tenders, flatbreads, and BBQ sandwiches. With a lineup of familiar American favorites, it’s the perfect place to rest and refuel between laps on the mountain.

Himmel Haus

This slopeside joint offers front-row views of the chairlift and ski runs and is ideal for those who crave classic German fare. The menu features pretzels, German beers, hearty sausage platters, and spaetzle. That, and you can keep an eye on the lift line so you can time your next run during a lull. 

California Burger Company

As the name implies, this is the go-to spot for standout burgers. You’ll find everything from a classic no-frills burger to creative specialty options topped with pesto, green chile, blue cheese, and guacamole. The rotating beer list is solid, but guests especially rave about the impressive whiskey selection.

Where to Après-ski

McP’s Taphouse

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a classic Irish pub, and McP’s delivers. The menu mixes familiar pub favorites like pretzels, wings, and chicken strips with Irish staples such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. With an extensive draft beer selection and live music, it’s the perfect place for anyone craving bar food with an Irish twist and a fun place to settle in for après.

Sidellis Lake Tahoe Brewery and Restaurant

I’m a huge brewery fan, and Sidellis is easily one of my favorites in the Lake Tahoe area. It has a laid-back, beer garden–style atmosphere, excellent beer flights, and solid bar food. You can’t go wrong with its BBQ sliders, which come with a healthy side of coleslaw, or its veggie delight sandwich for something lighter. 

Social House Craft Sandwiches

At first glance, you might wonder why a sandwich shop makes the list for best après-ski, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Tucked away in the back is a hidden speakeasy, and all you have to do is ask a staff member to point you in the right direction. The space is small with limited seating, but it’s known for expertly crafted cocktails, as well as an intimate, under-the-radar environment that will make you feel very in-the-know.

Off-mountain Activities

Enjoy winter tubing.

As a mom to a toddler, I can personally vouch for what a fun time tubing can be both for the kids and parents. Spots like Hansen’s offer several runs that are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $40 per person for an hour and include all the equipment you need, so you don’t have to lug your own sled up and down a hill this time. 

Experience a snowy mountain coaster.

Unlike some coasters that only run in the summer, Heavenly’s stays open in the winter when conditions allow. The only catch here is that you will need to ride the gondola up to the start, which means you will also need a gondola ticket to ride. Just make sure to check online if the coaster is running before you make the ascent. 

Take in the views from a scenic gondola ride.

Speaking of the gondola, a scenic gondola ride is the perfect way to slow down and soak in the beauty of Lake Tahoe. But, rather than take it straight up and down, consider staying at the top for a while and enjoying a meal at the Tamarack Lodge. That way, you can people watch and get a great meal with an even better view in one. 

Road trip around Lake Tahoe.

I can’t talk about off-mountain activities without mentioning a road trip around Lake Tahoe. The 72-mile loop around the lake offers gorgeous views at almost every turn, as well as the chance to stop in at all the charming towns that punctuate the coastline. Plot out your stops, hikes, or viewpoints here, and pack some snacks for the road. 

How to Ride

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

Heavenly Mountain Resort has 28 lifts accessing 111 trails across 4,800 skiable acres. The terrain is mainly geared toward intermediate and advanced skiers, with 53 percent intermediate, 32 percent advanced, and 15 percent beginner runs.

Tickets

Skiers and riders can purchase lift tickets at the resort or online, the latter of which is always recommended as it allows you to take advantage of any early-bird discounts and skip the long lines. The mountain uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the price goes up and down depending on the date and demand, but we found some for February starting at $135 for a single-day adult ticket. 

Heavenly is also part of the Epic Pass, a multi-resort ski pass that gives you access to resorts across the U.S. and even worldwide. If you’re planning to ski at multiple destinations, it’s worth checking out, but do note that the best time to buy an Epic Pass is over the summer for the best pricing. 

Rentals

The easiest place to rent gear is at Heavenly Sports. It offers ski and snowboard rentals for both kids and adults, and with a location right in Heavenly Village, making it convenient for picking up and dropping off equipment.

Programming

Heavenly has an excellent Ski & Ride School where you can book lessons for all ages and skill levels. They offer child group lessons, adult group lessons, private lessons, and both half-day and full-day options. Whether you’re a first-timer, beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier or snowboarder, there’s a lesson that’s right for you.

When to Go

The prime time to ski Heavenly runs from late January through early April, with February and March offering the best conditions. During these months, you’re most likely to find higher-quality snow, a deeper base, and more consistent powder days.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Heavenly is by flying into Reno–Tahoe International Airport, followed by a one-hour drive to the resort. I recommend renting a car so you can move at your own pace. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to circle the lake, take in the views, and explore both South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe during your trip.

That said, there are several shuttle options from the Reno–Tahoe Airport to Heavenly if you’d rather skip renting a vehicle. Try the South Tahoe Airporter, which runs frequently and offers drop-offs at major hotels and casinos, including Caesars Republic and Golden Nugget.

If you’re staying somewhere outside these main stops, you can get off at a nearby location and use Lake Link, similar to Uber or Lyft, to reach your final destination.