Overview

Skiing and snowboarding are the premier winter mountain sports in Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort has varied terrain that spans the California-Nevada border and includes rolling glades, terrain parks and technical doubles that will keep your heart racing. They call it a “mountain resort” rather than a “ski area” because of the endless amenities that give you the feel of an awesome winter vacation rather than a “trip to the mountain”. There are multiple terrain parks to ensure you will not be sitting at the top of the drop waiting for everyone else to go. They vary in difficulty so there is something for everyone. The resort is open all winter for skier and snowboarders and is right in the heart of downtown South Lake Tahoe.

Don’t Miss

The Nevada side of the mountain for amazing tree and back country runs. This is where a lot of the back country and technical terrain is located and you may be able to avoid some of the crowds. Also be sure to go to the very top of the mountain up the sky express chair lift and travel on the skyline trail toward Nevada and hit a cut all the way down to the stagecoach lift which will give you one of the longest runs on the mountain.
Also, when you get a spare second take in the breath taking view of the great Lake Tahoe. A lot of people will pay just to go up and view this marvel, you will get to check it out while riding the mountain.

Where to Eat Lunch

There are many lodges located all over the mountain with multiple spots to eat. The Lakeview Lodge is on the California side and if you want to get away from the main area and be able to breath a little this is the spot. There is an amaxing view of the lake from the lodge and it is a little less crowded than the other main lodges. There is also a bar located in the Lakeview Lodge to get your lunch time brew.

Parking

Parking goes along with the common idea that there are multiple options. There is the California side with a chair lift that will take you up to the Lakeview lodge previously mentioned but I would still recommend to Park in the Harrah’s parking lot (which is free) and is right next to the Heavenly Village on the Nevada side. This way you can ride all the way to the craps tables before you head back to shower. You can also head further into Nevada and park at the stagecoach lodge parking lot. This is further into Nevada but less crowded.

Where to Stay

If you don’t have access to a private cabin, then take a drive down Lake Tahoe blvd and take a look at all the places to stay. This is where you want to be, whether you are looking to pay and play at Harrah’s or you want a small shack to sleep at the Black Jack Inn. There is a spot for everyone. The range in dollars spent will vary by location and quality of Hotel but pretty much anywhere on this strip will give you access to the night life located right at Stateline on Lake Tahoe Blvd. This is where you will find Harrah’s, Harvey’s, Bill’s, Horizon, and Mont Bleu. Inside all of these casino’s there is lots of gaming, music, shows and bars. You can also head away from the strip some and find more “local” places to eat and drink, like the South Lake Tahoe Pizza co. and Womack's Texas Style Bar-BQ. All is good down there and open containers are legal on the streets of Nevada. The only other piece of advice would be to avoid the big food chains and cliché restaurants. You will get the small town feel of South Lake right when you get there, so enjoy some of the local greats to wet your whistle and fill your belly.