Experience Tahoe: What Makes Heavenly, Northstar & Kirkwood Must-Visit Resorts
Experience Tahoe: What Makes Heavenly, Northstar & Kirkwood Must-Visit Resorts
HEAVENLY | NORTHSTAR | KIRKWOOD
Lake Tahoe is a world-renowned destination with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet. From the lake itself to the surrounding mountains, awe-inspiring views can be found in every direction you turn. The unique geography of the region is profound at all three of our Tahoe resorts, yet each one offers its own special experience for those who visit. Tahoe is a must-experience destination, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood each offer something different. The skiing and riding, community, out-of-this-world location, and culture all make Tahoe an ideal location for a winter getaway.
Three Mountains. Three Ways to Winter.
HEAVENLY | Views. Vibes.
Vibes. A jaw-dropping Lake Tahoe backdrop paired with high-energy après events. Expect scenic skiing, signature events, DJ sets, and plenty of reasons to stay at the mountain after the lifts stop spinning.
NORTHSTAR | Traditions, elevated.
Pristine groomers, dreamy snow days, champagne Tōsts, S'mores, and a vibrant village. Traditions that bring you back every winter, alongside new ones waiting to be made.
KIRKWOOD | Steep and Deep.
From cradle to grave, Kirkwood is for the die hards. No frills, just pow days, challenging terrain, and a tight-knit mountain community.
Instagram: @skiheavenly. Facebook: Heavenly Mountain
Media Contact: Cole Zimmerman cole.zimmerman@vailresorts.com
Target Opening Date for Winter 2026/27: Friday, November 20
Heavenly sits in two states in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, delivering a one-of-a-kind skiing experience where iconic views meet high-energy adventure. Tahoe is Heavenly, and you’ll certainly feel it the moment you clip into your skis or snowboard with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe’s deep blue, high alpine water. Whether you are taking in the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on the California side, or seeing the Carson Valley extend for miles on the Nevada side, Heavenly offers a backdrop that is hard to match. With nearly 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 111 trails ranging from groomers to glades, there is plenty of terrain to explore. Add in a lineup of events, live DJs and après experiences, and the energy doesn’t stop when the skiing does. From the summit to the shores of South Lake Tahoe, the excitement continues in the vibrant community, where après-ski and entertainment options keep the party going well after lifts have closed. Heavenly isn’t just a place to ski and ride – it’s a destination where both the otherworldly beauty and adventure collide with nonstop fun.
HEAVENLY EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS
Season Kick Off Celebration, December 19: Let's kick off the season in style! Join us on December 19 for our Season Opener Party at Lakeview Lodge, where the only thing better than the vibes are the views. Celebrate the start of winter and the holiday period to come with great company, unbeatable après, and a popular DJ-to-be-named spinning tracks all evening long.
Air and Après, March 5 – March 7: Back for its fifth season, Air and Après is a thrilling big-air event at the base of the World Cup. Skilled athletes demonstrate gravity-defying stunts on a 45-foot jump with Heavenly Mountain as the canvas for a light show. Air and Après is a three-day event featuring DJ sets and a Village offering an array of vendors, food, and beverages.
Spring Break, March 15 - March 20: We're turning up the energy all week long with the DJ Cat soundtracking the après scene daily, plus a lineup of food and beverage activations currently in the works to keep the party going. Guests can also take advantage of SRS and rental discounts, along with special hotel rates through our partnership with Caesars, making it easier than ever to book the ultimate spring escape. And to cap it all off, on March 20, Spring Break Week wraps up with a massive closing party featuring a headlining DJ to be announced soon. Great turns, great deals, great vibes, and one unforgettable Spring Break week in the mountains.
DJ Cat: Party with your friends as rotating guest DJs play some of your favorite songs out of a snowcat on the mountain all winter long. Your dance moves always look better in ski boots! Over the years, the DJ Cat has featured appearances by John Summit, Dombresky, Vandelux, Hayden James and more. Who will grace the snowcat this year? Stay tuned!
LAKE VIEWS, LIMITLESS LIKES
Every turn at Heavenly Mountain Resort is a view worth stopping for... and probably posting. From stunning views of Lake Tahoe to expansive sights of the Carson Valley, your friends will be double tapping before they ask why you didn’t invite them. Head to the top of Sky Express and ski down Ridge Run to feel like you’re skiing directly into Lake Tahoe, or ride to the top of Tamarack Chair to see the scenic contrast between lush, green trees and various shades of blue, and sprawling desert vistas. This season, the resort will also feature iconic Heavenly signs to show off your location if the views of Lake Tahoe didn’t give it away. And while Heavenly has no shortage of picture-perfect spots, don’t spend too much time hunting for the perfect shot. Around here, the best view is wherever you are standing.
PICK A STATE. THEN SKI BOTH.
With 4,800 skiable acres of terrain, Heavenly features four different ways to start your adventure. Nevada features Stagecoach and Boulder base areas, while California features the famous Gondola and California Base Area. Heavenly’s California side serves iconic lake views and wide-open cruisers, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Take Skyline Trail over to the Nevada side and you’ll find expansive views of the Carson Valley, our longest run off of Olympic Express, and some sneaky steeps to keep the adrenaline pumping. Two states, two unique vibes. If you want to follow the sun, start your day in Nevada at our Stagecoach and Boulder base areas to find some seriously cool and underutilized terrain off North Bowl or Olympic and make your way to California after lunch!
SPRING AT HEAVENLY
There is nothing quite like spring skiing in Tahoe, and we make the most of it. Spring skiing at Heavenly is in a league of its own - bluebird skies, corn snow cycles, and those famous lake views that make every lap feel like a postcard. Add in patio après, sun-soaked decks, and an exciting event series and you’ve got the perfect mix of skiing and springtime vibes you won’t find anywhere else. Our spring-loaded event series includes Gunbarrel 25, where skiers lap Heavenly’s iconic mogul run 25 times in this long-standing tradition, plus a Pond Skim. These competitions are designed to highlight the fun-loving, adventure-seeking vibe that epitomizes spring skiing in Tahoe.
HEAVENLY FAST FACTS
Elevation
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Base Elevation: 6,255 ft.
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Summit Elevation: 10,067 ft.
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Vertical Rise: 3,812 ft.
Avg. Annual Snowfall: 258 inches
Total Skiable Acres: 4,800 acres
Lifts: 27 total
Fun Facts
- 2 – states to explore.
- 4 – base areas to access the mountain.
- 5.5 – the length in miles of Heavenly’s longest run on the mountain, Olympic Downhill.
- 8 – options to fuel up and quench your thirst for more skiing and riding at our restaurants.
- 27 – lifts and surface lifts to take you to the terrain you’re ready to explore.
- 68 – years of offering world-class skiing and riding in Lake Tahoe.
- Endless – views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley.
Location: 56 miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Instagram: @northstar_california, Facebook: @northstar
Media Contact: Dennis Baggett dennis.f.baggett@vailresorts.com
Target Opening Date for Winter 2026/27: Friday, November 20
At Northstar California, the experience is about more than just skiing and snowboarding—it's about enjoying the mountain with the people you care about most. Whether you're exploring the diverse terrain, sharing laughs over fireside s’mores in the Village, or simply taking in the stunning views of Lake Tahoe and Martis Valley, there's a genuine sense of connection and belonging here. The family-friendly environment combined with easy access is what makes Northstar a go-to for those who want to relax, have fun, and discover new ways to enjoy the mountain. It's a place where everyone can partake in timeless traditions, find their own rhythm, create lasting memories, and enjoy the simple and invaluable pleasures of mountain life in Tahoe.
MAGIC IN EVERY RUN
At Northstar, pristinely groomed runs invite leisurely cruising, wide-open glades create a sense of discovery, and glimpses of Lake Tahoe that make it all memorable. Whether you’re learning your first turns or chasing thrills, there’s a run here that feels like it’s made for you.
The whole mountain is designed for exploring and progression. Kids Adventure Zones that create a sense of wonder, advanced Backside terrain for seeking thrills, and one of the largest terrain park complexes in the country to push limits; all makes for your hardest decision of the day—what’s next?
From first turns to last chair, Northstar offers endless ways to explore and make a day of discovering both adventure and relaxation—all surrounded by the kind of winter scenery that makes you want to stay out for one more run.
New at Northstar this season—Snow Start, a welcoming mountain experience for Mandarin-speaking guests. On three Saturdays during winter 2027, January 23, February 27, and March 20, Northstar Ski School will host all-day group lessons for guests 15+ to learn from native Mandarin-speaking instructors. It is designed for guests who are new to skiing and snowboarding or looking to build confidence on beginner terrain. Participating guests will have the option to add discounted lift tickets and rental equipment.
Cross Country Center: Visit the most stunning mid-mountain cross country center in the country, with 35 kilometers of scenic trails that are perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and more. Bring your family (and pack a camera) because the trails open up to views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding valley like nowhere else on the mountain. If it’s your first Nordic adventure, book a lesson and get a professional tour with best-in-class instructors. Best of all, access to this hidden gem is included with your Epic Pass!
VILLAGE VIBRANCY
Ice Skating & Music in The Village: This is winter magic at Northstar – après, hot cocoa, and outdoor music alongside the picturesque skating rink in the heart of The Village! Break out the ice skates or kick back and take in the tunes fireside.
Diverse Dining Experiences: Discover a culinary adventure at the Village at Northstar, where diverse dining experiences cater to every taste. At VOUS, guests can enjoy coffee and breakfast bites by day, and specialty cocktails for après-ski by night. Wild Pine serves modern mountain fare in a family-friendly atmosphere, with comfort dishes fresh from the rotisserie. Meanwhile, the Cabana and Rink Bars provide cozy spots to unwind by a roaring fire with a hot drink or cocktail in hand. With other offerings like smash burgers and dumplings to pizza and shared plates at the wine bar, Northstar’s Village dining scene promises something for everyone.
Holiday Magic: A winter wonderland that feels as welcoming as home. Blanketed in snow and wrapped in twinkling lights, the holiday season at Northstar is filled with warmth, wonder, and cheer. Where every day is a 'snow day' and festive holiday events and cozy fireside moments invite families to slow down and savor the season together. The perfect blend of holiday enchantment and mountain comfort.
TIMELESS TRADITIONS
From traditions as classic as your first time on skis or grabbing first chair on a powder day, to those that celebrate (tōst) or make life a little sweeter (S’Mores in the village), Northstar is the place where moments become memories and winter magic comes to life on the mountain and in the village.
Tōst: Join in on one of Northstar California’s most unique traditions returning this winter all season long. Enjoy a glass of bubbly (or apple cider) with friends and family at Lake Tahoe’s only ski-up, mountain-view bubbly experience. Pro tip: get in line by 1:30pm to take part in the 2pm tōst as glasses are served first come, first served. Sparkling wine and light snacks are also available for purchase after the tōst, so kick back and enjoy the view for a while. To find it, head to the top of the Comstock chair, ski down East Ridge and look for the Wooden Arch tucked off the side of the trail.
S'mores: Craving a sweet après treat? Cozy up by the fire pits and enjoy complimentary s’mores in the Village every day at 4pm. Pairs great with a hot beverage from the rink-side Cabana Bar (spiked or not).
NORTHSTAR FAST FACTS
Elevation
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Base Elevation: 6,330 ft.
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Summit Elevation: 8,610 ft.
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Vertical Rise: 2,280 ft.
Avg. Annual Snowfall: 350 inches
Total Skiable Acres: 3,170 acres
Lifts: 20 total
Fun Facts
- The spiral logo is a sawblade (not a snowflake) to pay homage to its origins as a tree farm up until 1972 when the resort was formed.
- Northstar is one of the few remaining resorts in the country to be spinning a “chondola” – Tahoe Zephyr Express features 6-passanger chairs and gondola cabins all on the same cable.
- The summit of the mountain is an extinct volcano. Mt. Pluto erupted 2M years ago that ultimately helped form the beautiful Tahoe Basin people know and love today.
- Northstar has a long-standing history of women in leadership at the resort. As of winter 2026/27, there have not only been 4 consecutive female GMs but also two recent Senior Mountain Operations Directors who both went on to become GMs of other resorts within the company.
- Northstar is California’s year-round home to those looking to learn, progress, and play in the mountains. Every summer, the ski resort transforms into a lift-serviced downhill bike park.
Location: The Reno/Tahoe International Airport is just a quick 45-minute-drive from Northstar, with direct flights to and from most major cities, including Canada and Mexico. Scheduled shuttle service is offered from 3:30am until midnight, to and from Northstar and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport – reservations required.
Instagram, Facebook: @kirkwoodmtn
Media Contact: Carly Mangan carly.c.mangan@vailresorts.com
Target Opening Date for Winter 2026/27: Friday, December 4
Magical and raw, Kirkwood is a high-alpine playground for those seeking an authentic big-mountain adventure in Tahoe. Tucked away on the Sierra Nevada just 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, the resort offers some of North America’s most diverse and challenging in-bounds terrain. Its unique location atop the Sierra Crest creates the legendary K-Factor, a geographical advantage that brings some of the lightest, driest, and most plentiful snow in the region. Mountain culture runs deep here, with freeride roots and a close-knit community that fosters fun, progression, and inclusivity, making the mountain feel like home for all who visit.
TAHOE’S FREERIDE FRONTIER
Kirkwood’s reputation is built on big-mountain terrain. Within its boundaries, the resort is packed with narrow chutes, big cliffs and steep, technical pitches; a true freeride paradise. Perhaps the best-known zone is The Wall: an imposing fall-line face beneath Chair 10, often considered a rite of passage for those tackling Kirkwood’s steeps. For those willing to hike, there are countless lines tucked away where powder can be found long after a storm. Paired with uncrowded slopes, a laid-back vibe, and old-school charm, this terrain is what keeps dedicated skiers and riders coming back for more. That freeride culture is a core part of the mountain's legacy, helping launch the careers of many professional skiers and riders including Josh Daiek, Molly Armanino, and Tyler Curle.
LEARN HERE, RIDE ANYWHERE
While Kirkwood is known for its steep, challenging terrain, its 2,300 acres offer terrain and learning opportunities for every ability level. Timber Creek is a dedicated learning area with gentle slopes, progression parks, tree runs, and gullies, plus a secluded base area with parking, dining, and other family-friendly amenities. For intermediate skiers and riders, the Backside offers wide-open groomers and rolling gullies, while Frontside chairs 2, 5, and 11 provide a range of terrain for continued progression. The resort’s Ski & Ride School and Expedition:Kirkwood, California’s Big Mountain Education Center, add instruction for every stage of progression, from first-timer lessons to youth programs, avalanche education to multi-day freeride clinics. Whether you’re making your first turns or looking for your next challenge, Kirkwood has the terrain and instruction to help you progress. Learn here. Ride anywhere.
OLD-SCHOOL, NO-FRILLS RESORT EXPERIENCE
With deep freeride roots and a tight-knit community, Kirkwood delivers an authentic, no-frills ski and ride experience where the focus is always on the mountain. Skiers and riders flock here for the exceptional snow, reliable operations, and terrain that invites exploration at every turn. For those who value adventure over luxury and quiet over the hustle of Tahoe or the Bay, Kirkwood is a hidden gem that keeps guests returning year after year and calling this place home. Uncrowded slopes and minimal lift lines mean you can spend your day lapping the chairs from bell to bell. Simple, straightforward, and endlessly fun—this is Kirkwood at its best. No frills. All of the fun.
COMMUNITY, COMPETITION & EVENTS
Kirkwood’s community comes to life through a calendar of events that celebrate skiing, riding, and the people who make the mountain what it is. Returning favorites this season include the Winter Solstice Cinema Party, New Year’s Eve Celebration and Torchlight Parade, Banked Slalom, Singles at Sunrise, Slush Cup, and numerous IFSA and Freeride World Tour competitions. From grassroots community activations to high-level freeride competitions, Kirkwood’s events capture the spirit of the mountain: a place where people come to ski hard, have fun and share the experience.
KIRKWOOD FAST FACTS
Elevation:
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Base Elevation: 7,800 ft.
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Summit Elevation: 9,805 ft.
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Vertical Rise: 2,005 ft.
Avg. Annual Snowfall: 354 inches
Total Skiable Acres: 2,300 acres
Lifts: 13 total
Fun Facts
- Kirkwood’s 13 chairlifts are numbered in the order of which they were built. When the resort opened in 1972, it started with just Chairs 1-4.
- Thanks to its location atop the Sierra Crest, Kirkwood often receives high quantities of snowfall each winter. In the 2022/23 winter, the resort saw over 716 inches of snow (59 feet).
- Kirkwood has a permanently closed zone known as the Cirque, closed to the public due to extreme terrain and avalanche hazards. It occasionally opens for freeride competitions.
Location: 33 miles from South Lake Tahoe on Highway 88, Kirkwood offers a peaceful mountain escape deep in the Sierra Nevada, away from the crowds of Tahoe and the Bay Area.
Media Contacts:
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Heavenly – Cole Zimmerman, cole.zimmerman@vailresorts.com
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Northstar – Dennis Baggett, dennis.f.baggett@vailresorts.com
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Kirkwood – Carly Mangan, carly.c.mangan@vailresorts.com