It’s timeeeee…. for the annual family ski trip. This year’s destination: Heavenly Ski Resort located on the stateline between California and Nevada. It was our very first time here, and we spent an incredible week soaking up everything this winter wonderland has to offer. I’m excited to share my top travel tips and a complete guide to help you plan your own unforgettable trip!
There were no direct flights from Miami to Reno, which is the closest airport to Heavenly Ski Resort. Instead, we connected through Phoenix before picking up a rental car for the 50-minute drive to Stateline. We opted to stay on the Nevada side of the mountain, renting a house near Stagecoach Lodge. This location turned out to be super convenient, as it was where we rented our ski gear, picked up our passes, and parked every morning to catch the Stagecoach Express lift.
One policy at the ski shop stood out to me—unlike other resorts I’ve been to, they refunded you for any days you didn’t ski. This flexible system was a game changer, allowing us to hold onto our gear without the hassle of returning it on rest days. On top of that, getting around the mountain was pretty straightforward. There were multiple signs on the runs pointing to the California or Nevada side which was nice because you could ski both. On most of the runs and lifts you had the view of Lake Tahoe, which was spectacular especially on sunny days.
One thing to mention is that Lake Tahoe is one of the densest areas for black bears. In the past years, bears were seen running across ski trails and even though that didn’t happen during our time there, we did see one strolling around outside of our house.
Down in the city, Stateline, and at Heavenly Ski Village, it mostly consists of hotels, casinos, shops, and restaurants. Here were some of my favorite things to do and some restaurants we went to:
Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding: The main attraction at Heavenly Ski Resort during the winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding. With 97 runs and 30 different lifts Heavenly Mountain Resort is perfect for both skiers and snowboarders. The mountain is mostly intermediate and expert terrain but there is something for everyone!!
By the gondola there is Tamarack Lodge with plenty of food and drink options as well as tubing located to the right of it. The best run with views of the lake is Ridge Run but my personal favorite had to be Aries Woods. Aries Woods is a black diamond trail in the woods which are my favorite types of runs. I recommend taking Sky Express lift to the top of the mountain in the early morning for the freshest snow. If you are taking the lifts from the Nevada side of the mountain it is fairly easy to get to the California side and vice versa.
Ice Skating: In the heart of Heavenly Village, you’ll find an ice skating rink that offers ice skating with skate rentals for $20.
Puzzle Room Escape Room: I love booking an escape room whenever I’m traveling because it’s an interactive activity to do with friends and family. We went to Puzzle Room located inside of the Bally’s Hotel and it was so much fun. We booked The Bunker game and it was definitely a challenging hour that kept us on our toes until the end.
Magic After Dark Show: Located at The Loft in Heavenly Village, this comedy and magic show is a must-see. We attended the “Magic After Dark 18+” show with Robert Hall, and it was an absolute blast! The combination of magic and humor kept us laughing the entire time.
Tahoe Forest Baths: After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than a spa day. Instead of booking a traditional spa, we found Tahoe Forest Baths. This unique experience involves laying in a tub of ground cedar wood. There are only two places in North America that offer this service but in Japan it’s commonly used. This treatment was used at the Sapporo Olympic Games in Japan in 1972 for the athletes to recover. Some benefits include reduced stress, improved circulation, and detoxification.
We started in the relaxation room drinking water with electrolytes and then changed into our robes, slippers, and hairnets. We then headed back into the relaxation room for some Super Ohtaka. Super Ohtaka comes from Japan and it’s a fermented beverage made with over 100 different types of fruits and vegetables. This is actually what is used to “feed” the cedar wood which is why when you lay in the tub you feel natural heat. It’s biologically heated up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit via the fermenting microorganisms. My mom, my sister, and I all piled into this massive tub filled with ground cedar wood, where we each nestled into pockets specially dug out for us. We relaxed for 20 minutes, enjoying the experience, which felt similar to being in a sauna. To finish off our experience, we indulged in a session at the oxygen bar.
Dining
Fox & Hound: A casual spot perfect for a quick lunch bite or après-ski drinks.
Boathouse on the Pier: Perfect for lunch and drinks. The baked brie was a 10/10 and I recommend going on a sunny day for beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.
Chart House: Upscale restaurant that has an AMAZING happy hour!! One of the best happy hours I have seen in a long time. The menu has a great variety to chose from and the food portions were very generous.
Base Camp Pizza Co: Pizza restaurant in the village, perfect for a quick bite and après-ski vibe.
Fire + Ice Grill & Bar: Located right under the gondola with great outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny day for a drink around their fire pits.
Cuppa Tahoe: Located a few minutes past Heavenly Village, this local coffee shop is a bookstore and boutique all in one. Cuppa Tahoe is rated one of the best hot chocolates in South Lake Tahoe and even makes their own homemade whipped cream.
Champagne and Chocolate: This is a great option for hot chocolate or satisfying a sweet tooth and is located in the center of Heavenly Village.
Overall, Heavenly Ski Resort is the perfect destination to relax and unwind with your loved ones during the winter holidays. While it’s definitely a resort built around the actual sport itself rather than après-ski, nightlife, luxury dining, or people-watching (like resorts such as Aspen and St. Moritz), it offers a fantastic winter escape for those looking to enjoy the slopes and the natural beauty of the area.
Happy Skiing!!
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