We’re traveling to ski resorts in the western U.S. trying to decipher which will provide the best vacation experience for skiers and snowboarders like you. We spent a few days at Heavenly interviewing locals, shooting local skiers and boarders tearing up the hill, and then compiling what we learned into this micro guide.
The video above contains lots of useful information, but, if you want to carry have this information on the hill where it will really come in handy, bookmark this guide on your phone.
Heavenly Micro Guide Part 1: The Hill
Whenever I show up at a hill, I never know where to go. The map doesn’t tell you enough. So, we’re created annotated maps of each hill explaining the terrain, so that you know where to go. Here’s our annotated map of Heavenly.
Download a full-sized version of this map to your desktop or phone (11.1 mb)
For the hardcore:
On the Nevada side of Heavenly, thrill-seekers traverse left from the top of the Dipper Chair to numerous double-black diamond runs and pitches over 40 degrees.
Mogul lovers absolutely must try Gunbarrel. With moguls the size of Volkswagons, the run is home to Glen Plake’s (in)famous Gunbarrel 50, which is a race to see who can do the run fifty times consecutively the fastest. Riders who don’t care for the bumps will enjoy the well-spaced trees that flank the run.
For the park rats:
Park lovers will want to set up camp at the Sky Deck Lodge on the California side of the mountain. From there you can take the Sky Express or Canyon Express to access the High Roller Park (large features) and the Player’s Park (medium features).
For the groomer cruisers:
The Olympic Chair is intermediate heaven. It’s 3 -5 miles of cruising with lots of widely spaced trees along the sides.
Comet, Orion, and Dipper, are all also great chairs with intermediate terrain and lake views.
For the snowplowers:
The Boulder Chair is an excellent place to learn. The chairs move slowly. There’s lots of gentle, rolling terrain as well as a very nice lodge and a rental shop that caters to the needs of beginners.
Heavenly Micro Guide Part II: Where to Eat
The following restaurants came highly recommended by the locals we spoke to:
A pleasant family-owned sushi joint with all-you-can-eat seven days a week.
177 Lake Tahoe Blvd Stateline, NV 89449
(775) 588-8588
Another great casual sushi spot popular with locals.
2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 544-5599
A large upscale eatery with a lake view that can’t be beat.
900 Ski Run Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 542-2600
Cold drinks, hot food, and tables around large outdoor fireplaces make for a unique dining experience just steps from the base of the Heavenly gondola.
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 542-6650
Heavenly Micro Guide Part III: What to do Off the Hill
Even without Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe is a destination unto itself. South Lake Tahoe has world class dining, shopping, and plenty of bars if you’re looking to party. There are casinos if you want to get your gamble on. There’s also plenty of hiking, snowshoeing, and even winter kayaking on the lake (if you’re brave enough!).
BEST GEAR DEALS ONLINE
