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Oh the Adventures We Go

Heavenly, California

We visited Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California from February 14-22, 2014.  Heavenly is the prettiest place we have ever skied.  The proximity to Lake Tahoe is amazing.  It is beyond beautiful.  Michele and Jim have skied Palisades Tahoe and the former Alpine Meadows (now part of Palisades) and Heavenly’s views are just tremendous.

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic

Table of Contents

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  • How to Get to Heavenly
  • Where We Stayed
  • Lift Tickets – Plan Ahead
  • The Mountain
  • Where to Eat on the Mountain?
  • Other Things to Do!
  • Beacon Bar and Grill
  • Our day at Northstar
  • Driving Around the Lake

How to Get to Heavenly

We had frequent flyer miles that could get our family of four to San Francisco for free, but not to Reno that did not include a hideous layover.  So, we flew direct from Boston to San Francisco, rented an SUV and drove the three hours to Lake Tahoe.  We did it at night.  The drive is gorgeous during the day.

Reno is much, much closer to Lake Tahoe and is the better choice for visiting the area.

If you are flying, we highly recommend using this boot bag!  It is so roomy and easy to carry! We can fit three pairs of skis in this bag for travel.  Someone in our family is always demo-ing a new pair of skis or she is at school and the vacation times do not line up!

2023- Michele also upgraded her iPhone to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.  The camera is amazing.  Seriously amazing.

Where We Stayed

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
The website above gives way better photos than I took of us inside. The hot tub was great after a long day of skiing. The home we rented was very well priced.

We stayed at three bedroom home called Jacarillo Junction on the California side of the Heavenly resort.  This three bedroom, three bathroom home was a great size for our two families.  It was conveniently located four miles from free mountain parking at the California Lodge and within a few miles to a Safeway.

Lift Tickets – Plan Ahead

Heavenly is owned by Vail resorts.  If you are going to ski more than five days, you should buy a ski pass. Plan ahead.  If you are going to Heavenly, decide early enough to buy either an Epic pass (there are several choices) or lift tickets in advance.  This can save a family thousands of dollars.  If you plan to ski at Heavenly (or any Vail resort) for more than six days, the Epic Pass is the way to go!  Visit epicpass.com before September 1.  Prices usually go up on the passes around Labor Day and continue to go up during the fall months.  Vail stops selling epic passes in mid-November.  After that your only option is to purchase tickets in advance online, which can save you money, too.

The walk-up price at Heavenly is now $164/day.  Even if you decide not to purchase a pass, purchase your non-refundable lift tickets well in advance to save money.  

The Mountain

Heavenly sits on the border between California and Nevada.  You can spend your day skiing from one state to another and back again!  No passport required.

We drove a few miles each morning to the parking area at the California Lodge.  We used our car as our locker and walked to the lifts.  We always began our day riding the four person Gunbarrel Express up.  From there, we usually rode up again, as we try to stay away from the bottom of the mountain due to crowds.  When we visited, it was a warm week, so the snow was icy and then slushy at the bottom.  The top was perfect.

We continued on the PowderBowl Express to gain access to more areas of the mountain. Expect beauty at every turn. 

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly’s views are amazing.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
My family tired of me asking for more photos!
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Kids on PowderBowl Express.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly is a fun mountain to explore!
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From the Skyline Trail at the summit, you can ski to the Nevada side. Both sides are amazing.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
The kids on the Nevada side.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Views from the top!
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Mott Canyon is on the Nevada side, and it is a very steep glade. The kids loved it. Advanced skiers only!
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Do not go into Mott Canyon if the gates are closed. It would be a very long walk out.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly is so pretty. This is where the California side and the Nevada side meet!
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Mid point of the Nevada side near East Peak Lodge where we ate lunch most days.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Scenes near East Peak Lodge where we ate our picnics most days.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
When we visited California was several years into a terrible draught. We had lots of blue sky days but only one night of new snow.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Headed back to the California side on the California trail to return to the car.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
A short hike up to the top of the Milky Way Bowl off of the Skyline Trail.

Where to Eat on the Mountain?

For east coast skiers who usually bring your lunch and leave it in a cooler at the base lodge – this is not easy to do at Heavenly.  There are lockers at the base areas, but there food offerings are small at the base areas.  When we visited Heavenly, it was a very warm February week.  We only went to the bottom at the end of the day as the bottom was icy in the morning and slushy in the afternoon.

We ski with a NorthFace backpack that is slender.  We can fit four drink bottles, four sandwiches, two cup of noodles, brownies, nuts, tea bags and hot cocoa mix.

We highly recommend eating lunch by 11:15am.  This allows you to get a table without hovering and waiting for people to leave.

Most days at Heavenly, we ate at the East Peak Lodge.  It is a smaller lodge with smaller crowds.  East Peak Lodge is on the Nevada side at the base of the Comet Express and Dipper Express lifts. We stopped for snacks and sat outside at the large, party atomosphere of the Tamarack Lodge, which is located at the top of the Heavenly Village Gondola and the bottom of the Tamarack Express lift. 

Heavenly has plenty of on-mountain dining options.  Be prepared to spend about $75 for lunch for a family of four.  This is why we picnic!

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Tamarack Lodge is a big party! Ziplining, tubing, UTV tours and a mountain coaster are found at Tamarack.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
We enjoyed having an afternoon snack at Tamarack on the Nevada side.

Other Things to Do!

South Lake Tahoe is a cute town with shopping, restaurants and bars.  We took the kids on the bungee trampoline and they loved it.  Most days, we skied from 8:30 until well past the lifts closed at 4pm, so we were tired.  We cooked at home every night as there were nine of us.

Heavenly has a zipline, a mountain coaster, UTV tours and tubing.  There is something for everyone!

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
The kids loved the bungee trampoline in South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village.

Beacon Bar and Grill

After we bungee jumped, we drove out to Camp Richardson and Beacon Bar and Grill for some appetizers and cocktails.  This gorgeous lakeside setting is about eight miles from the California Lodge parking lot.  The kids loved running on the dock and the nachos were excellent!

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic
The Beacon Bar and Grill dock.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Beautiful lake side setting!
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Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort

Our day at Northstar

Northstar resort is also owned by Vail resorts which meant that our Epic Pass was good at that resort as well.  We took a drive up there to ski.  It took us much longer than we thought.  We did stop to take some photos, but we stopped taking them as the drive was taking so long.  We had a great day on the slopes.  The views are far, far less than at Heavenly.  The grooming is great, and there are parts that are very steep!  We brought our picnics to the Zephyr Lodge which is at the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Express.

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Taken at the top of Backside Express, heading down!
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Very few lake views at Northstar.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
We had a fun day at Northstar.

Driving Around the Lake

Circling Lake Tahoe is amazing.  Emerald Bay is gorgeous, but you need to not be on rush to get to a ski day.  Take a day off and enjoy the drive around..  Michele did in 1997, and it was amazing.  We raced up the Western side on this recent trip on our way to Northstar.  We headed east from Northstar and came down the east side of the lake.  Take a full day to go the 72 miles around the lake.  It is amazing.

Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
On the Nevada side.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
Spend an entire day stopping and driving around the lake.
Heavenly ski resort south lake tahoe vail resorts california lodge tamarack lodge ski lift hike run views drive around lake tahoe travel blog for empty nesters  travel blog for adventurous families beacon pub nevada snow making picnic northstar resort
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