Standing out among Lake Tahoe’s selection of stunning ski resorts is no easy feat, but the truly heavenly Heavenly Mountain Resort is no average hill. With nearly 5,000 skiable acres accessed by 29 lifts, and more than 3,500 thrilling feet of vertical rise, you could ride Lake Tahoe’s biggest resort all season long and still blaze new tracks. The mammoth mountain is crisscrossed with nearly 100 trails, making for 34 miles of impeccably groomed, wide-open lanes. Heavenly tops out with a summit elevation of more than 10,000 feet, and with 80 percent of its runs designated intermediate, expert and advanced, it will challenge even the best skiers and boarders. Daredevils can scream down 1,600-foot drops into double black diamonds, dodge bullets in some of the most unbelievable tree skiing on the continent and get busy on the 80-foot jumps in the High Roller Terrain Park, one of four at the resort. Another way to get your thrills? Take a ride on the longest zip line in the nation. The Heavenly Flyer zips the brave of heart 3,300 feet in what will definitely contend for the most exhilarating ride of your life. And then there are the views. Heavenly more than earns its stripes with one of the most stunning lake views of any Tahoe resort.The mountain is currently in its second year of a ten-year master plan that will incorporate new lifts and trails, as well as improved amenities like on-mountain restaurants, base villages and new lodging. But skiers and boarders on the slopes today will still enjoy one of the best snow experiences in Tahoe. Heavenly Village, tucked at the base of the gondola, is mere steps from the bustling town of Stateline and its many hotels and casinos. Browse the many shops and cafés in the Village, or stroll into Stateline for a five-star meal and a memorable night out at the clubs of MontBleu, Harvey’s and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Either way, it’s the perfect après-ski end to the day.
