wertu
Find a ski deal

Heavenly Village Ski Resort Review

Wertu ski expert
May 1, 2024

Heavenly is the life of the party for those who want non-stop action on and off the slopes, offering a range of terrains for all skill levels and a vibrant après-ski scene.

Heavenly Village overview

Stats

4.3
/5
Rating
1902
m
Resort height
3060
m
Summit

KM of slopes

18
Beginners
42
Intermediates
18
Experts
94
Total

Best for

Fun
Intermediates
Experts
Boarders
Fun
Fun
Fun
Couples
Fun

Heavenly Village for beginners

Beginners rating -
18
Perfect
Newbies are well-catered to here, but it's not a green run paradise. Heavenly has two designated "learn to ski" areas equipped with magic rugs at the California Lodge and Boulder Lodge base areas. Yet, there are no beginner runs from the Boulder Lodge base area all the way up. Still, a consolidated beginner area means newcomers ski at slower speeds amongst peers. For next steps, head over to Gunbarrel Express to explore the beginner-friendly Lift Patsy and the slopes around it.

Heavenly Village for intermediates

Intermediates rating -
Intermediates
Perfect
Intermediate skiers are the VIPs at Heavenly, which makes sense given that 45% of the resort's runs are tailor-made for them. Start at the Heavenly Village base and head to Comet, Dipper, or Tamarack Express chairlifts for pristine groomers like California Trail and Orion. Want panoramic Lake Tahoe views? Sky Express chairlift will get you there. For a different flavor, take Powderbowl Express to blue square glades that'll leave you smiling.

Heavenly Village for advanced

Advanced skiers rating -
Experts
Perfect
Thrill-seekers are far from ignored, with 35% of the 4,800 acres packed with technical and challenging terrain. Gunbarrel Express chairlift opens up to gravity-defying steeps like The Face and East Bowl. Get your adrenaline fix in gladed areas like Ski Ways Glades and Dipper Woods. Mott and Killebrew Canyons offer steep chutes but require good skills in narrow areas. No hike-to terrain? Not true! Get your workout hiking to Milky Way Bowl above Mott Canyon.

Heavenly Village for snowboarders

Snowboarders rating -
Boarders
Perfect
Heavenly Village is a snowboarder's delight with its diverse terrain and multiple snow parks. The resort's High Roller Terrain Park is a standout, offering a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes for freestylers to test their skills. Additionally, the resort's wide, groomed runs and tree skiing areas provide ample opportunities for snowboarders of all levels to carve their way down the mountain.

Heavenly Village for off-pistes

Off-pistes rating -
Fun
Perfect
Heavenly Village is a freerider's dream, boasting a variety of ungroomed terrains that are perfect for off-piste skiing. The resort's Mott and Killebrew Canyons are particularly popular, offering steep chutes and tree skiing amidst deep powder. Additionally, the resort's high altitude and lake-effect snow ensure a consistent supply of fresh powder, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic freeriding experience.

Heavenly Village for families

Families rating -
Fun
Perfect
Heavenly is an ideal location for a family ski vacation, offering both beginner and intermediate slopes and a variety of lodging options. The Marriott Grand Residence Club offers family-friendly amenities and is adjacent to the Heavenly gondola. Another great option is The Ridge Tahoe on the Nevada side, featuring an array of complimentary family services. On the mountain, families can start at the beginner-friendly California Lodge base area, then work their way up to intermediate and advanced runs, ensuring a fulfilling skiing experience for all.

Heavenly Village apres-ski

Apres-ski rating -
Perfect
Fun
Heavenly offers a vibrant après-ski scene centered around Tamarack Lodge's Unbuckle event, featuring half-price drinks, live DJs, and the Heavenly Angels. Once the sun sets, the party shifts to the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe, where five distinct casinos await. Harvey's is known for big-name performances, while Harrah's offers a more laid-back vibe. For those seeking the local experience, the Lakeside Inn and Casino is a popular choice, and MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa provides a Vegas-like party atmosphere.

Heavenly Village

food scene

Heavenly Village food scene

Heavenly is an ideal location for a family ski vacation, offering both beginner and intermediate slopes and a variety of lodging options. The Marriott Grand Residence Club offers family-friendly amenities and is adjacent to the Heavenly gondola. Another great option is The Ridge Tahoe on the Nevada side, featuring an array of complimentary family services. On the mountain, families can start at the beginner-friendly California Lodge base area, then work their way up to intermediate and advanced runs, ensuring a fulfilling skiing experience for all.