These Resorts Have the Best Party Scenes in the West
If you're going to choose a resort based on its after-dark activity, these ski areas are a great place to start.
Big personality, tons of terrain, and expansive lake views that will blow your mind—and fill the photo gallery on your phone. Heavenly is Tahoe’s answer to the one-size-fits-all vacation equation. With 4,800 acres of terrain—and a summit that tops out at an eye-popping 10,040 feet—variety is king. But many come for the fun factor. South Lake Tahoe, on the California/Nevada border, is packed with 24-hour casinos, trendy eateries, and rockin’ clubs. Not everyone’s cup of tequila, of course, but nothing wrong if it is.
Annual Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
360″ | 4,800 | 29 | 170+ |
Heavenly is on the Epic Pass. Epic Pass holder get unlimited access to the resort. Tahoe Local pass holders get unlimited, holiday-restricted access; Tahoe Value pass holders get unlimited holiday and peak-period restricted access.
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Heavenly, Calif.
Want a killer view of the lake? Head to Ridge Run (for intermediates) or Gunbarrel (for experts), then try not to crash when you can’t help but ogle the amazing crystalline views.
Heavenly’s notorious party scene will be dampened this winter, but you can still drink a pilsner in the outdoor beer garden at South of North Brewing Co., located at Basecamp Hotel.
There’s free outdoor sledding on the hill at Kahle Park—grab coffee and hot chocolate to-go from Clyde’s Coffee up the street then let them slide until they’ve had their fill.
Ski 1,700 vertical feet of bumps under the Gunbarrel Express—do it nonstop for extra points—or sign up for March’s Gunbarrel 25 contest and attempt 25 laps against the region’s hardiest skiers.
Cold Water Brewery has the tastiest beer in town and the oyster bar at the Hard Rock Hotel is delicious.
Start your morning with a deep-fried glaze at Heavenly Donuts near the gondola base in Heavenly Village.
The Unbuckle après party at Tamarack Lodge is an earful of DJ’d music, in a good way.
If you're going to choose a resort based on its after-dark activity, these ski areas are a great place to start.
Condos, luxury hotels, ski-in/ski-out, value accommodations—these ski areas have it all.
The estimated $325 million in capital improvements are intended to enhance mountain flow and the skier experience.
The U.S. Forest Service has also closed the state's national forests through Sept. 17 to keep people out of the region.
Sure, the coast is nice, but the mountains are where it's at in summer when it comes to hiking, biking, and views that don't quit.
The best views aren't always from the summit. Soak in the backdrop from these geographically blessed hotel pools.
These seven massive ski areas are ranked by skiable acreage and number of chairlifts.
Aptly named for the snow and majestic views.
Where to stay, eat, drink, and play at South Lake Tahoe's biggest resort.
The two companies' ski resorts will shut down beginning Sunday, March 15 amid COVID-19 concerns.