Vertical Drop: 3500
Base Elevation: 6540
Top Elevation: 10040
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm; weekends and holidays 8:30am-4pm
Lifts: 27
Skiable Acres: 4,800
Number of Runs: 82
Beginner Terrain: %20
Intermediate Terrain: 45%
Advanced Terrain: 35%
Night Skiing: No
Snowboarding: half pipe, terrain park, permanent Swatch/Palmer Boarder X Course
Distance from San Francisco: 200 miles
Description: The only Western ski area to straddle two states (California and Nevada), Heavenly also has the highest top elevation (10,040 feet) in the region. While it is a vast ski complex with bowls, glades and ridge tops, it is known primarily as an intermediate skier's mountain. One of the largest snow-making systems in North America guarantees good coverage in lean snow years.
The lower California side below Gunbarrel features an intimidating face of moguls and steep terrain, with most cruising stuff higher on the mountain. For the prime powder, longest intermediate runs and best protection from the winds, try the Nevada side. The highest and most impressive view of Lake Tahoe is from the Top of the Tram day lodge, which has a sit-down restaurant, a bar and a large deck and is the terminus of a 50-passenger tram. Three modern lodges on the Nevada side offer superior facilities and fair food compared to the aging and cramped California base lodge.
Most of the advanced and expert runs are on the upper portion of the Nevada side, in Milky Way Bowl and Mott and Killebrew Canyons. There are some narrow, congested trails and convergence points, especially on the Ridge Run, and extra care and lower speeds are advised for these areas. Heavenly has very little beginner terrain for the size of the mountain, but it is well-used by the ski school here. Heavenly's free shuttle bus system to and from area lodging is the most extensive in Tahoe.
Strategy for skiing the mountain: