It’s easy to call Lake Tahoe the last unforked pea on the plate of American snow riding. More and more Tahoe resorts might be mirroring the mainstream, painting a canvas of haves and haves more, but don’t kid yourself: No other resort destination in North America encompasses such a wide array of world class slopes, abundant snowfall, pristine vistas and sparkling amenities. Moreover, there are more chair lifts to ride in the Tahoe Basin than in the entire state of Colorado and four out of five days are sunny. Winter temperatures average around 29 degrees, and when it snows, which is often this early season, the flakes fall thick and fast, piling into soft mounds on the upper portion of discolored mountain peaks and setting the stage for exceptional skiing and snowboarding.

Heavenly Mountain Resort
(775) 586-7000
Snow Phone (775) 586-7000
www.skiheavenly.com
4,800 acres

UPDATE: Since the original publication of this story, Vail Resorts, owner of Heavenly Mountain Resort, has announced their purchase of Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort on Tahoe's north shore. This is a huge development for the region and for skiers and snowboarders. Heavenly and Northstar have already announced new season pass options for this season combining both resorts, plus Vail resorts around the country, as well as Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Although the resort giant has always drawn attention for upper boulevards of intermediate terrain and eye-popping views of America’s premier alpine lake, a new energy supported by owner Vail Resorts is helping redefine an emerging Heavenly that retains an air of adventure.
 
In 1955, it was Heavenly’s original owner, Chris Kuraisa, along with local ski professional Lutz Aynedter, who mapped out the steep slope that would run under the resort’s first chairlift. When Lutz looked down the fall-line and commented, ”This is like looking down the barrel of a gun,” Kuraisa said,” You’ve just named the run.”
 
Gunbarrel remains as wild, wet and forbiddingly beautiful as the lake it surrenders to below. Bumps on the steep slope stay cold, hard and gullied into massive mounds storm to storm. A non-stop down its 1,700-foot leg-thrashing fall line is a confrontation between the myth and reality of skiing and riding skill.
 
Twenty square miles of terrain straddle the California-Nevada border, making Heavenly the land of alpine opportunity. There are literally miles of gentle cruisers, like 2.2 Stagecoach Run. Then there are Mott and Killebrew Canyons, 1,600 vertical feet of 40-degree chutes that pump adrenaline like a triple-shot latte. Its rolling shoulders, long boulevards, and unobstructed views of Lake Tahoe create most of the pleasure. Thanks to a multi-million dollar commitment made by Heavenly over the past two decades, the ski area now has the largest snowmaking system in North America blanketing almost 70% of the skiable trails.
 
Eight years ago, Heavenly installed one of the world’s longest gondolas. It transports skiers from a blossoming village center and casino core to a high ridge overlooking Lake Tahoe and Carson City, Nevada. The resort is a slice of heaven for families and groups who need an array of activities. Skiers and boarders are guaranteed their heart’s desire, while non-skiers can dabble in the snow, shop, gamble and headliners in the casinos.
 
What's New: Under construction with plans to open in February, the new 15,000 square-foot Tamarack Lodge restaurant will offer seating for 500 inside and 250 on its outside deck.
 
A Good Deal: Heavenly’s Peaks Rewards program rewards members with discounts on lift tickets, ski school, dining and other exclusive offers.
 
Best Event: Mogul worshipers join Glen Plake in hand-to-hand combat on Gunbarrel during the Gunbarrel 25, April 7, 2007. A temple to monster bumps and jelly legs, competitors attempt to descend its1,700 vertical feet 25 times.
 
Don’t Miss: Guests looking for a fine dining experience will not be disappointed at the newly remodeled, ski-in/ski-out Lakeview Lodge. When ordering the petit filet mignon, smile big and ask for Chef Roger Young’s rosemary Gorgonzola cream sauce with roasted pine nuts, a high-altitude twist on a flatlander’s favorite.
 
Best Place To Take A Screaming Pottie: Mogul worshipers congregate on Gunbarrel. A temple to monster bumps and jelly legs the smoking bump run stays cold, hard and gullied into massive mounds storm to storm. Ripping down its bumped-out 37 degree compressions are like facing 1,700 vertical feet of hand-to-hand combat.
 
Insider Tip: Heavenly operates an advanced shuttle system that can drive  the guest to the resort from almost anywhere in town. Avoid parking all together and get a ride to the Gondola aboard one of Heavenly's green shuttles.

More of Tahoe Resorts: A-to-Z

Alpine Meadows
Boreal
Diamond Peak
Donner Ski Ranch
Granlibakken
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Mt. Rose
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Soda Springs
Sugar Bowl
Squaw Valley USA
Tahoe Donner