[2025 Alpine County ] Travel Guide for Heavenly Mountain Resort (Updated Jul)

#newyearnewtrip Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, South Lake Tahoe is a year-round paradise. In winter, hit the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort for world-class skiing and snowboarding. As snow melts, the landscape transforms into a haven for hikers, bikers, and kayakers. Emerald Bay State Park offers jaw-dropping views of crystal-clear waters and Fannette Island. Stroll along the bustling Heavenly Village, dotted with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. For a serene escape, relax on the sandy shores of Zephyr Cove or take a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe. As the sun sets, the vibrant nightlife comes alive with casinos and live music. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, South Lake Tahoe delivers unforgettable memories amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Take advantage of the last weekend in February to visit Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe. Known for offering the most beautiful lake views, Heavenly is the third-largest ski resort in the area, featuring 27 lifts and 112 trails. My last visit to Heavenly was a few years ago when I had a season pass. Since then, I've mainly visited Squaw Valley (now renamed Palisades Tahoe) and other resorts like Sugar Bowl, Mt. Rose, and Homewood. This season, I purchased a four-day Epic Day Pass, which is perfect for revisiting these resorts. Heavenly Ski Resort has four access points for taking the lift up the mountain: Stagecoach Lodge and Boulder Lodge in Nevada, California Lodge, and Heavenly Village in California. We arrived at the parking lot around 8:50 am, and it was already 80% full. Arriving any later might mean parking outside. We chose to head to California Lodge and took the Aerial Tramway lift up the mountain. After reaching the top, we skied down Patsy's to take the Powderbowl Express to Sky Express. We spent the morning taking Sky Express and Canyon Express four or five times. For lunch, we planned to go to Tamarack Lodge. After reaching the top of Sky Express, we followed the super flat Skyline Trail. Snowboarders often had to remove their boards to walk due to the gentle slopes and occasional uphill sections, which were quite exhausting. Finally, after a bit of downhill skiing, we reached the Nevada Side at Dipper Express and Comet Express. From there, we took Dipper Express and then California Trail to Tamarack Lodge. However, by the time we arrived, it was already past 2 pm, so we decided to skip lunch and just bought some beer and candy for a quick break. In the afternoon, we took Tamarack Express back to the California Side to continue skiing.

Located in the southeast of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Ski Resort is definitely worth a visit! Just taking the Gondola up the mountain is worth the ticket price, offering breathtaking lake views that need no filter. Most trails with lake views are blue runs or higher, and many seemingly gentle areas are actually very narrow, making it difficult for snowboard beginners to control their speed. There is a viewing platform midway on the Gondola, where beginners who are not confident on blue runs can get off and enjoy the lake view. Arriving before 8:00 AM at the base area in Heavenly Village or California Lodge will ensure ample parking. Photos were taken at Ridge Run, which requires taking the Sky Express to the top and sliding down the ridge on the California side. It is considered a relatively easy blue run. From the California Lodge side, you can also take the Air Tram up the mountain, and the roundabout blue run allows you to circle the mountain, offering lake views along the zigzag path. However, it is relatively flat and very narrow, and many snowboarders (including myself) need to unstrap and walk some sections, which tests edge control skills. The last part, Worldcup, is very steep, with double black runs on the side, so beginners should be mentally prepared. #Snowboarding #LakeTahoe #Tahoe #Heavenly

My ski season has come to an end. I can't deny getting older; after two days of skiing and driving, I fell ill upon returning. I really don't know how I'll manage to take the kids skiing in the future. #BayArea #Heavenly #HeavenlySkiing #TahoeSkiing

I visited before Thanksgiving to avoid the crowds. Although not all the slopes were open and I didn't expect much snow, I was pleasantly surprised. They were making snow on the mountain, and the conditions were quite good. The weather was also nice, not too cold or warm, with little ice on the ground. Transportation: If you're coming from the Bay Area, it takes about four hours by car. I recommend leaving before 1 PM to avoid traffic and because it gets dark around 5 PM. The final 40 minutes involve mountain roads, so it's safer to complete the drive during daylight. Accommodation: Instead of a cabin, I stayed at Harveys Hotel, the closest to the Heavenly ski area. It's conveniently located near supermarkets, souvenir shops, and restaurants. The facilities show their age but are clean. Parking costs $15 per day. Restaurant Recommendations: My Thai Cuisine is great for lunch and dinner. Recommended dishes include crab fried rice, hangover noodles, and green curry. Some reviews say it's not good, but I found it decent. Heidi's Pancake House opens at 7 AM and is perfect for breakfast. Try their pancakes with butter, ice cream, and homemade jam for an energy boost before skiing. Heavenly Ski Parking: Navigate to California Lodge to reach the ski area entrance directly. #BayArea #BayAreaLife #LakeTahoe #LakeTahoeTravel #LakeTahoeAccommodation #HeavenlySkiing #Heavenly #XiaohongshuSnowSeason #Tahoe #Snowboarding #Skiing

Last week, Heavenly still had the California Lodge and Stagecoach open, but for this final week, only the California Lodge and Dipper Lift are operational. Even in the last week of May, Lake Tahoe is experiencing snowfall, with a misty white landscape and the joy of powder snow. Enjoy the fun! #ThisLifeIsGivenBySkiing #LakeTahoe #BayAreaWeekendGetaway #BayAreaLife #BayAreaSkiing #BayArea #NoWinterWithoutSkiing #Tahoe #HeavenlySkiing

During our visit to Lake Tahoe from December 24th to 26th, we experienced a snowstorm and only managed to visit the nearby Heavenly Ski Resort. The storm caused the lifts to close, so everyone had to take a shuttle to the ski area. For beginners, I recommend trying skiing (two skis) at Heavenly as it's easier to learn and you can enjoy the thrill of skiing down the mountain. Snowboarding (one board) is challenging here due to the lack of practice slopes. I struggled with snowboarding on my first day and learned from experts that it typically takes 4-6 days to master. If your time is limited and you want to enjoy skiing, opt for skiing as it's more accessible and cost-effective given the price of the lift tickets. Ski Equipment Rental: Near the shuttle area in South Lake Tahoe's village, there are many rental shops. You can rent complete ski or snowboard gear, ski clothing, helmets, and more. However, you'll need to purchase goggles, gloves, and optionally a windproof mask (though wearing a mask can be uncomfortable as it quickly becomes icy). Powder House is a chain store in the area with consistent pricing and convenient return options. Rental Prices: On the first day, we rented gear on the mountain for about $60 for half a day. On the second day, we rented from Powder House in the village for $49 a day (after a discount). You can ask the store for the online reservation link to get a 20% discount. Many people wear their ski boots and carry their boards directly to the slopes. Accommodation at Bluelake Inn: This inn is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the shuttle/lift area at Heavenly. It offers affordable rates at $90 per night per person for a double room. The service is excellent, with free breakfast, daily room cleaning, and ample hot water and heating. Getting Around South Lake Tahoe: There are many shuttles available, and you can easily find routes using Google Maps. Walking in the snow can be challenging, so shuttles are recommended. Don't miss the Thai restaurant, Thai on Ski Run, where you can enjoy a hearty meal for around $25 per person. It's just a short walk from the village to the bus stop, and a quick ride will get you there. #Skiing #LakeTahoe #HeavenlySkiResort

Heavenly's charm can turn from negative to overwhelming positivity with just a sunny day. Previously, I stayed at Stagecoach for seven days during Christmas but only managed to ski for two days due to the weather. I swore never to return to Heavenly! However, this short holiday proved me wrong - skiing on a sunny day at Heavenly is amazing! In two and a half days, I managed to explore most of the mountain (blue runs and a few easy black runs). Who would have thought that last year I could only ski on Maggie's? Here are some wide, long, straight blue runs that I think are great for beginners to practice on (difficulty rating based on my limited experience). [California Side] - Sky Express offers excellent runs characterized by their width, length, and unbeatable lake views. You can try them one by one. - Ridge Run: 2⭐️ (One of the most popular blue runs but also crowded) - Canyonland/Highfive: 3.5⭐️ - Liz's: 4⭐️ - California Trail: 3⭐️ - Ellie's or Ellie's Swing: A very long, wide, straight black run - West Bowl: A shorter, wide, straight black run [Nevada Side] - Dipper or Comet Express also offers several wide, long, straight blue runs: - Big Dipper: 3⭐️ - Orion: 3⭐️ - Comet: 3⭐️ - The blue runs from Stagecoach exceeded expectations: - Stagecoach: 3.5⭐️ - Emily's Run: 4.5⭐️, the steepest among the blue runs, with some moguls at the start, but it's less crowded and great for practice - Olympic Downhill: 3.5⭐️ - The Galaxy lift is too slow, so I only skied one run: - Perimeter: 3⭐️ #heavenly #skiing #tahoeskiing

Let me introduce myself. I officially started learning to snowboard last year. Although I haven't been skiing for long, I skied a total of 42 days last year and have already skied 33 days this year. Over these two ski seasons, I've visited 15 ski resorts. Among the three Tahoe Epic ski resorts, compared to Northstar (NS) and Kirkwood (KKW), why do I prefer Heavenly? Aside from Heavenly's stunning scenery, I'll explain from the following three aspects: 1) ski area size and vertical drop, 2) snowfall and snow conditions, 3) infrastructure at the resort and surrounding area. Due to word count limitations, in this note, I'll first discuss the area and vertical drop. First, let's talk about the ski area size: A larger area means more skiing regions to choose from, providing skiers with a richer skiing experience. Each ski season, I spend at least 7-8 days at various Tahoe ski resorts, sometimes more than a dozen days. When skiing at the same resort, I always try to choose different areas to keep things fresh. Among the three Tahoe Epic resorts, Heavenly is the largest with 4,800 acres. Compared to NS's 3,170 acres and KKW's 2,300 acres, Heavenly clearly stands out. Next, the vertical drop: The height difference from the top to the bottom of the mountain directly affects the challenge and excitement of the skiing experience. A greater vertical drop means steeper slopes and more challenging runs. Additionally, the vertical drop determines the diversity of runs, covering various difficulties and types. This diversity allows skiers to choose suitable runs based on personal preferences and skill levels, increasing the fun and challenge of skiing. Among the three Tahoe Epic resorts, Heavenly's vertical drop reaches 3,500 feet, NS is 2,280 feet, and KKW is 2,000 feet. For me personally, choosing Heavenly means I can enjoy long blue runs like Ridge Run, Round-A-Bout, Orion, and Olympic Downhill, or practice carving techniques; at the same time, I can challenge double black diamond runs like Mott, The Face, and Gunbarrel. Moreover, Heavenly has open glades, perfect for freeride beginners like me! This variety of runs allows me to try different difficulties and types of runs at the same resort, keeping the skiing experience fresh while constantly challenging my skill level. In conclusion, Heavenly has the dual natural advantages of area and vertical drop, adding a lot of fun and enjoyment to my skiing experience! Next time, I will analyze snowfall and snow conditions to explain why I think Heavenly is my favorite Tahoe Epic ski resort. #BayAreaSkiing #TahoeSkiing

However, the lounges are all open-air! If it weren't for Tahoe's mild temperatures, you'd be freezing. There are quite a few pitfalls, with many snowboarders sitting on the slopes, which can be uncomfortable. It's recommended to go as soon as it opens; before 10 AM, it seems like everyone is quite skilled, but by noon, the slopes are filled with people practicing, so it's better to head to the blue runs. The blue runs, Ridge Run and Skyline, are quite simple. Even as a green run skier, I managed to ski down them. Ridge Run is extremely wide, with great views and gentle slopes, definitely worth a try. As for parking, the gates open at 8:30 AM, and if you arrive by 8:10 AM, half the parking spots are still available. By 9 AM, it's likely to be full. #skiing #ski #heavenly #tahoe #californiaskiing

Without much preparation, we arrived at Heavenly, and both kids went from beginners to green runs, experiencing the joy of skiing. Just as we got familiar with the terrain, it was time to leave. Here's a guide for those interested. The ski resort offers stunning views, living up to its name. Even if you don't ski, taking the gondola or lift to enjoy the scenery is worthwhile. The biggest downside is the crowds—it's very crowded! Staying at Heavenly Village is convenient, with shuttles and gondolas to the ski area within walking distance, and dining and supermarkets are easily accessible. You can also drive to Cal Lodge and other lodges. It's highly recommended to go early (before 7 am) or later (around lunchtime) to avoid long queues. Cal Lodge is beginner-friendly with Patsy's and Maggie's, accessible by shuttle from the town, and has a magic carpet for practice. The gondola takes you to Tamarack Lodge, where green runs like Big Easy and Easy Street are available, but there's no magic carpet. The last picture provides gondola and shuttle addresses. The gondola requires a ski pass or a separate ticket, while the shuttle is free. We bought the Epic Pass, which allows access to both Heavenly and Northstar. It's said that the popularity of this pass contributes to the large crowds. #WhereToSki #XiaohongshuSnowSeason

Winter is here again, and the thought of skiing on the mountains while wearing a T-shirt at the base is thrilling! Skiing in temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius is incredibly comfortable—not too cold, and the snow remains perfect, offering breathtaking views everywhere you go! This is exactly what you can experience at Heavenly Lake Tahoe Ski Resort. After a two-year break due to pregnancy, I’m sharing some photos from five years ago, and they still excite me today. It’s no wonder it’s called the most beautiful ski resort in the world, and now I understand why it’s named Heavenly! Skiing while enjoying the scenery is pure bliss, and you won’t feel tired even after a whole day on the slopes. Fresh powder from the previous night’s snowfall makes for an exhilarating experience, and you might even spot a Brown bear! #LakeTahoeSkiing #LakeTahoe

Last snow season, I visited all four bases of Heavenly. The weather was often snowy and foggy, so I stayed at the lifts on each base's summit. This season, with warm weather and sunny skies, I roamed between the snow-covered mountains and forests of different bases, feeling like a king of the mountains. It felt like the perfect moment for Zhao Yingjun's song "The King Calls Me to Patrol the Mountains." California Lodge: Located at 3860 Saddle Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, this is the closest base to the Bay Area and also the most crowded. Starting this year, parking fees are charged on weekends and peak weeks, costing $20 a day. I've never successfully paid their parking system, making it my least favorite base. The descent from the mountain is via the double black diamond Gunbarrel run, which is quite challenging. Gondola: Situated at 1 Bellamy Ct. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, the Gondola parking lot is a public lot managed by Lake Tahoe, costing $25 a day. After a long gondola ride up, you can take the Tamarack lift and decide whether to go left to Dipper or right to Sky Express. Generally, Sky Express is more crowded and has longer wait times. The Gondola closes early, so it's recommended to take the lift down by 3:30 PM, requiring careful time management. Boulder: Located at 140 S. Benjamin Drive, Stateline, NV 89449, this was the first base I visited at Heavenly. It offers blue and green runs, suitable for beginners and families. If you don't aim for the highest and longest blue runs, Olympic is a good choice. The only downside is the small parking lot. Stagecoach: Found at 375 Quaking Aspen Lane, Stateline, NV 89449, Stagecoach is about half an hour further than California Lodge. It has a larger parking lot and fewer crowds. Typically, you take the Stagecoach lift, descend along Pepi's to the Dipper lift, and enjoy skiing there. If you're staying in Lake Tahoe for an extended period, Stagecoach is the best option. If you prefer not to shuttle between bases on your own, you can take the convenient shuttle bus. There is a shuttle between the two California bases, California Lodge and Gondola, and another between the Nevada bases, Boulder and Stagecoach. #BayAreaLife #BayArea #BayAreaWeekend #LakeTahoe #Skiing #TahoeLake #TahoeLakeSkiing #Heavenly #HeavenlySkiing #SkiingIsLife

On the closing day at Heavenly, the snow was a bit sticky and thin, and the sun was particularly harsh, leaving us with sunburned faces and eyes. Despite this, it was a memorable day. We plan to upgrade our gear, as our ski buddies are faster than us. Hopefully, next year we can spend more time on the slopes and make better use of our epic pass, improving both our skills and the number of times we hit the slopes. #heavenly #Tahoe #tahoeskiing

Heavenly, true to its name, offers a "heavenly" experience with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue Lake Tahoe from its summit. The majestic mountains, wide ski trails, and varied terrain attract countless visitors each year. Located in Nevada, near California, it's just over a four-hour drive from Silicon Valley. The resort area is well-equipped with facilities, including resorts, restaurants, bars, ice rinks, and various ski rental shops. The ski resort operates from 9 am to 4 pm, and it's advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid the queue. There are rest stations within the resort where you can purchase food, so there's no need to bring your own. However, carrying a water bottle and energy bars is recommended in case you get thirsty halfway down the slopes. I always make it a point to catch the last ride down, and usually, the staff offers a thrilling free snowmobile ride down the mountain for the last few skiers. Note: iPhones tend to freeze in extremely cold weather, so these photos were taken during brief moments when it came back to life. If you like these photos, please give me a thumbs up! Thank you!

Heavenly Ski Resort truly lives up to its name with its stunning beauty, making it an ideal destination for families. Located next to Lake Tahoe, the resort offers activities for all ages. Seniors can enjoy a leisurely stroll by the lake or take a gondola ride to enjoy panoramic views of Tahoe. The gondola stops twice, first at a mid-mountain observation deck and then at the main ski area. The base camp offers various activities for children, such as tubing and climbing, making it worth a visit even if you're not skiing.

The photo shows my boyfriend teaching me to ski, and after getting frustrated with me, I decided to take a break and rode the tram back and forth five times to enjoy the scenery. Skiing isn't the only fun activity; taking the tram and gondola to admire the views or being pulled down the mountain by ski patrol is also enjoyable. Back to the main point, my boyfriend admitted his mistake the next day and patiently taught me again (if he sees this, I commend him for always carrying my skis). However, can you believe the magic carpet in the beginner learning area wasn't open? I only remember us climbing the hill and putting on skis for 10 minutes, only to ski for 1 minute. And the nearby green trail, Big Easy, is anything but easy. It's the most unfriendly 'easy' I've seen, with a couple of steep, icy, and narrow sections, and it's crowded like a dumpling festival. It's steep, narrow, and crowded, making it tough for beginners. Anyway, the sightseeing is great, and there's a zipline and a park, but they're not open. Beginners, especially snowboarders, might want to reconsider. #Skiing #Tahoe #Snowboarding #LakeTahoe #Heavenly #EpicPass

Equipment Rental: Located at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd Unit 22B South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 United States, you can rent ski gear for $40, which includes either a snowboard or skis. Snow pants are an additional $15, and insurance is $5, totaling $60. Gloves can be purchased elsewhere for cheaper; mine were $22 from H&M. The shop owner is very friendly and has two adorable dogs, but the edges on the snowboards aren't very sharp. Tickets: You can buy them directly at the entrance for $101. About Heavenly Ski Resort: The snow is artificial and not very soft, making falls quite painful. So far, only the blue and green trails are open. #laketahoe #skiing #travelguide

Visiting Lake Tahoe for skiing for the first time, I bought a lift ticket in advance for $188. Upon arrival, I found a coach for just $50 for two and a half hours, which was a great deal. Jamie, the instructor, was excellent and very patient. The scenery was truly beautiful, although carrying the ski gear was quite tiring. I stayed at The Coachman Hotel, where you can roast marshmallows outside, which was quite charming. However, the heater was very noisy, and the skylight was very bright, waking me up early. #laketahoe #laketahoeskiing #heavenly #usatravel

The Heavenly ski resort is set to open for the 23-24 snow season on December 1st. If you're driving from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe, you'll find that Heavenly has recently opened a few more blue runs compared to the previous weeks. The snow quality is decent, with snowmaking happening throughout the day. Most of the open trails are on the Tram side, primarily featuring the Ridge Run and Maggie’s trails. There's hardly any wait for the lifts, although the green runs are quite crowded. Once you take the Gondola up, there's only the Big Easy run, which is mostly empty and perfect for practicing tricks. #Snowboarding #BSRabbit #Heavenly #LakeTahoe

I chose skiing for my first time because it's often recommended for beginners, especially since I lack athletic skills. My friends and Wes, who love skiing, encouraged me to join them. We both took lessons at Heavenly, a renowned ski resort in Tahoe known for its stunning scenery. We started by taking a gondola to a mid-mountain area, which was stable and offered great views. This area had restaurants and various practice slopes and trails. I opted for a 2.5-hour beginner ski lesson (10am-12:30pm), while Wes took a beginner snowboard lesson at the same time. It was his second time snowboarding, and he successfully joined our friends on the Blue line. My instructor, Eric, was excellent, and you can request him if interested. The lesson was intense with two 10-minute breaks, and I only managed to learn the 'pizza' technique, struggling with braking and turning. Our lessons cost around $300 each, including the gondola, ski rentals, helmet, and boots. Heavenly's equipment rental, venue allocation, and course organization were very orderly and efficient, making it highly recommended! #Tahoe #HeavenlySkiing #TahoeSkiing

Just got back from an amazing trip to Heavenly Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe, and I can't recommend it enough! The resort offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe that are simply unmatched. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the diverse terrain has something for everyone. The powder snow was perfect, and the freshly groomed trails made for an incredible skiing experience. The après-ski scene is vibrant, with plenty of cozy spots to relax and enjoy a hot drink after a day on the slopes. The gondola ride to the top is a must-do, offering panoramic views that will leave you in awe. Plus, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. If you're planning a ski trip, Heavenly should definitely be at the top of your list. It's not just a ski resort; it's a place where you can truly connect with nature and refresh your spirit. #HeavenlySkiResort #LakeTahoe #SkiTrip #WinterWonderland

Taken with a mobile phone. The freshly cleared Lake Tahoe after the snow, a view that cleanses the soul. #PowderSnow #BeautifulSceneryOnTheJourney #LakeTahoe #SnowScenery

Heavenly offers stunning views with a rare sea of clouds and fewer crowds (at least significantly less than yesterday). #LakeTahoe #Tahoe #Skiing #TahoeSkiing

On the third day, we drove to Heavenly Gondola at Heavenly Village, grabbed a coffee, had breakfast, and leisurely took the gondola up the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking lake views. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Ticket prices are $63 for adults, $49 for teens/seniors, $32 for children aged 5-12, and free for those 4 and under. Honestly, the tickets are a bit pricey. Initially, we planned to visit in the afternoon, but after breakfast at Heavenly Village, we decided to visit this attraction first before heading to other lake beaches. It's recommended to visit this spot in the afternoon, first securing a parking spot at popular beaches, and then enjoying the gondola ride afterward. The gondola stops at a mid-station, which is the best spot to overlook Lake Tahoe. Here, you can enjoy the stunning lake views and the endless mountain scenery. You can take photos, use the restroom, or even take a short trail walk nearby. After the first stop, continue on the gondola to the mountain top, the second stop, which is the final station. Here, you can enjoy various outdoor activities like rock climbing, a mountain coaster, and ziplining, all thrilling and exciting. We even encountered staff introducing various animal furs. Heavenly is the top ski resort in Lake Tahoe, offering spectacular winter views. You can enjoy the freedom and joy of skiing while admiring the serene Lake Tahoe beneath the snowy mountains. However, it's not very beginner-friendly, mainly featuring blue and black runs. By taking the gondola, you can see how steep the mountains are. Beginners can get off at the second stop (California base), where there are three green runs and a beginner's carpet. #BayAreaLife #BayAreaWeekendGetaway #LakeTahoe #Skiing #HealingScenery #BeautifulAutumn #BayAreaFamilyTrip #DreamBeachDestination #FavoriteCoastalCity

Wow, the Heavenly ski resort is breathtaking! It's much better than North Star. Firstly, the scenery is beautiful. Secondly, the lodge facilities and food are much superior. Lastly, the blue slopes are incredibly friendly for skiers. #Skiing #Heavenly #Epic

I never imagined that the best snow days of this season would be in April at Heavenly. The snow was thick, and one day even brought a light snowfall that created stunning rime ice, making the skyline trail towards Nevada breathtakingly beautiful. While Tahoe was buried under snow in January and February, causing roadblocks and house collapses, we were skating at Ikon Pass resorts in Europe. It was a classic case of feast or famine. Despite Heavenly relying on its past glory, there were still three days of excellent snow conditions that made me feel like a pro, despite my average skills. The slopes were smooth, and I could finally carve each turn seamlessly without the usual beginner's mistakes. Unfortunately, the temperature rose in the last two days, making the snow slushy and sticky, causing my board to catch. Many signs on the mountain were barely visible, and some cable car stations were half-buried, making me worry about potential flooding when the snow melts. Once again, I was in awe of Heavenly's beauty. On windless sunny days, you could see the reflection of snow-capped mountains in the lake from the California Trail. The secluded snowy trails around Sky Express were so serene that I couldn't help but slow down and savor the moment. This time, I brought a lot of stuff for our six-day ski trip, including braised pork, stewed lamb chops, hot pot twice, spicy boiled beef, and sour radish black chicken rice noodles. Only food could comfort my sorrow at the end of the ski season. I also retrieved a large ladle I left at the Airbnb at the start of the season; after months, things have changed, and so have I. On the way back, we stopped in Sacramento and visited Xiang La Xuan and T Kee Restaurant. The taste, service, and prices were much better than in the Bay Area, with generous portions that we couldn't finish. I forgot to take photos at Xiang La Xuan, but I loved the pounded pepper and preserved egg dish, which was flavorful and appetizing. However, they didn't skimp on MSG, making me thirsty at night. At T Kee Restaurant, we pre-ordered the eel clay pot rice half an hour before arrival and also ordered half a roast duck, two imperial clams (with garlic vermicelli), and fermented bean curd water spinach (not on the menu, but the chef made it for us). They also gave us two complimentary mango juices. The clay pot rice was delicious, with each grain of long rice glistening with oil, and the preserved meats were flavorful. There was plenty of eel, and although it couldn't compare to freshly sliced eel in China, it was a pleasant surprise compared to the mediocre Chinese food in the Bay Area. Since Zhiwei Guan changed hands, I haven't had satisfying Cantonese food in the Bay Area (excluding San Francisco). This place was a delightful surprise on our ski trip, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The water spinach was crispy and flavorful, and the imperial clams were good, though the vermicelli was slightly over-soaked. Since we arrived at 3 PM, the roast duck wasn't at its best, with crispy skin but lean meat and little juice, making it the most average dish. The mango juice was overly sweet, but since it was complimentary, I can't complain. Overall, the minor flaws didn't overshadow the experience, and I look forward to the next ski season. #HeavenlySkiing #LakeTahoeSkiing #Tahoe #SacramentoFood

Having seen several crowded images of Tahoe ski mountains, as someone who has skied at Heavenly for many years, I’d like to share some tips on how to enjoy your time there. 1. Arrive early. It’s crucial to get there early, as the gates open at 8:30 AM, and arriving after 9 AM can lead to a less enjoyable experience. Early arrivals get fresh powder, noodles, and parking spots. Arriving later means dealing with traffic and parking headaches, and by noon, you might only find icy slopes. Especially on bluebird weekends, if you can’t make it by 9:30 AM, it might be better to stay home and avoid the crowds. 2. Avoid the four major Disney-like lifts: Sky, Canyon, Dipper, and Comet. You can try them in the morning when there are fewer people, but if it gets crowded, switch to other lifts like Tamarack. Olympic and North Bowl are less crowded and are all express lifts. Even during busy bluebird holiday weekends, North Bowl remains empty. If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, many lifts have bars you can lower to study the map before skiing. Escape from CA to NV, though the only issue this year is that North Bowl’s black runs aren’t open yet. For black runs, you’ll have to go to the big four. In normal years, North Bowl offers slopes ranging from blue to black and nearly double black, with everything from groomed runs to small tree areas, providing plenty of fun. Beginners should avoid Heavenly as it’s not very beginner-friendly. Smaller resorts like Diamond Peak are better suited for learning. #LakeTahoe #Tahoe #Skiing #TahoeSkiing #BayAreaWeekend

After Thanksgiving, Heavenly wasn't quite ready. The artificial snow was harder than A Basin's, with hidden obstacles like stones, branches, and pine cones under the thin snow. My teammates and I had just waxed our new boards, only to have them scratched. Last Thursday, a snowstorm arrived as predicted, making skiing in the wind and snow exhilarating. Unfortunately, my teammate's glasses fogged up, causing a fall and an arm injury, though no bones were broken. As a result, I skied solo for a few days, experiencing Heavenly's sun, fog, rain, and snow from opening to closing. Whenever the sky cleared and the lake was visible, you'd hear on the lift, 'It's a lovely day in paradise.' With my previous experience skiing in Tahoe in March, this 'move' was more organized. I have great respect for Tahoe's 'food desert' reputation, so I brought four boxes of food, half a box of condiments, coffee powder, a moka pot, a milk frother, chopsticks, a slotted spoon, a stew pot, and even a pillow. I recommended Jenny's Kitchen's smoked chicken legs, braised duck wings, and scallion pancakes to Bay Area ski friends. I vacuum-sealed them in small portions, which was quite clever. The scallion pancakes are soft and fragrant after a minute in the microwave, making for a convenient quick breakfast. I bought lamb racks at Baraka Halal Market, which were tender and had a milky aroma without a gamey taste. I also vacuum-sealed them after blanching. I made hand-grabbed lamb chops and roasted lamb chops, which were easy to prepare in the vacation rental. Other ski staples included spicy hot pot and lamb hot pot, as well as tomato gnocchi soup for warming up on snowy days. The slightly more complicated dish was water-boiled beef, with beef from the nearby Whole Foods and sweet potato noodles I had brought with me. This time, I booked a vacation rental in the apartments opposite the Aerial Tram, a cute duplex with a high ceiling and large windows. I initially planned to stay for a week but extended for two more days because the lift was so convenient. I was so excited that I woke up before seven every morning, and on some days, I skied on 'noodle snow.' Before the 4 PM closing, I'd speed up to squeeze in one last run. Regardless of skill level, if Heavenly had a full attendance award for skiing, I'd be a contender. These nine days might be the most significant progress I've felt since practicing parallel skiing at Mount Buller in August. My wide stance has improved, and my weight transfer is much better. Thanks to California's beautiful ridge run, a very friendly blue trail, I was able to practice various advanced techniques. Hopefully, I won't revert to old habits on more challenging slopes next time. #HeavenlySkiing #TahoeSkiing