Press Kit

TAHOE REGION TIP SHEET – SUMMER 2026 

HEAVENLY| NORTHSTAR | KIRKWOOD

Soaring peaks, stunning lakes, and activities for all. Summer in Tahoe must be experienced to be understood. No matter how you enjoy the warmer months of the year, Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood have you covered. Whether you are looking for views and vibes, want downhill thrills or just time relaxing, look no further. Come see for yourself!

While winter may still be months away, having your 2026/27 Epic Pass makes summer better too. Epic Pass holders for next season get free sightseeing rides and discounts on golf, lodging, dining, and more. 

In the summer, Heavenly Mountain Resort transforms into a high-elevation playground where scenic views meet social adventure set above the iconic blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Guests can ride from the heart of South Lake Tahoe to over 9,000 feet, trading the sandy shores and buzzing city for mountaintop views, alpine air, and a hub of activities. The result: a uniquely accessible Sierra experience that blends sightseeing, adventure, and outdoor recreation. 

NO SKIS, NO PROBLEM 

While Heavenly may be famous for the slopes in the winter, the good vibes and jaw-dropping views don’t clock out when the snow melts. Summer at Heavenly keeps the fun rolling with everything from adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing, soak-in-the-views kind of days. Basically, whatever your Tahoe mood is. Think endless blue skies, warm, fresh mountain air, and front-row seats to some of the best panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. It’s all the magic of Heavenly, just with a little less snow and a lot more shorts and t-shirts. 

MOUNTAINS OR BEACH? 

Excellent question but why choose? Start your day high above the water in the mountains, then make your way down to the shoreline of Lake Tahoe for a completely different kind of escape. 

It’s a rare opportunity for the best of both worlds. Crisp mountain air, and scenic activities paired with sandy beaches, clear blue water, and laid-back lakeside vibes. One minute you’re 3,000 feet above the water, and the next you’re dipping your toes in it. When visiting Heavenly, it’s not about choosing your adventure - it’s about having both, all in one unforgettable place. 

HEAVENLY’S ULTIMATE SUMMER DUO – GONDOLA RIDES + COASTER HIGHS 

Don’t know where to start? We’ll make it easy. You can’t miss Heavenly’s ultimate summer activities duo: Gondola sightseeing + the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster. Like yin and yang, you get the full Summer Tahoe experience: cruise up on a relaxing sightseeing ride (bonus points for hopping off at the mid-station for those best-in-the-biz Lake Tahoe views), then trade your Zen for zoom on the gravity-powered Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster that speeds through mountain features. You won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face. Put these two signature experiences at the top of your list and don’t leave Tahoe without them. Don’t do it alone – sightseeing is better with pals! Pro Tip: Passholders get 50% off a Gondola ticket for a friend (up to 4 times)! 

AN ACCESSIBLE ALPINE PLAYGROUND 

Welcome to Heavenly’s alpine playground, where all activities are just steps away and every moment is made for the camera. Set high above Lake Tahoe, this compact, activity-packed mountaintop hub makes it easy to bounce from one experience to the next without missing a photo op. It’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure of content for your viewers: action, scenery, and summer vibes all in one spot. Whether you’re chasing thrills or adding to your camera roll, this is where social storytelling comes naturally and looks dang good doing it. 

LAKE TAHOE’S BEST VIEWS, NO HIKING REQUIRED... UNLESS YOU WANT TO. 

Have we mentioned the views yet? Because they really are the star of the show. From the moment you step onto the Gondola, you’re treated to sweeping panoramas that only Heavenly Mountain Resort can deliver. The deep blues of Lake Tahoe, the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and the wide-open beauty of the Carson Valley all unfolding around you.

Nearly every stop along the way feels photo-worthy, the kind of place where you’ll instinctively reach for your phone to capture it all. But if you’re looking to go beyond the viewpoint, Heavenly’s network of hiking trails invites you to another adventure. From mellow scenic strolls to more challenging climbs, these hikes reward every step with new perspectives. Take it easy or earn your scenery – you choose.

GONDOLA WRAPPING PROJECT  

Heavenly Mountain Resort is partnering with Keep Tahoe Blue and the El Dorado Arts Council to spotlight sustainable transportation and protect Lake Tahoe through a Gondola art activation. Heavenly will debut a locally designed gondola wrap inspired by the Emerald Bay Shuttle, alongside a $100,000 multi-year grant supporting expanded shared transit solutions that reduce traffic, emissions, and lake runoff. Gondola cabins will feature interactive signage with QR codes encouraging visitors to choose shared rides, helping turn inspiration into action. The initiative reinforces Heavenly’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship while creating a high-visibility, community-driven platform to advance regional transportation solutions. 
 
Website 

https://www.skiheavenly.com/ 

Northstar California is the perfect homebase for a Tahoe summer vacation. From downhill thrills on a mountain bike, to tranquil fly fishing, playing 18 holes of scenic mountain golf, and everything in-between, there is mountain fun for the whole family right at your fingertips. 

NORTHSTAR -> GNARSTAR 

Colloquially called “Gnarstar” by the locals, a low-key, cruisy ski mountain becomes a downhill mountain biker’s paradise in the summer. The trail system boasts over 100 miles of lift-serviced thrills. From flowy beginner-friendly laps to steep, technical descents that challenge even seasoned riders, Northstar delivers a full-spectrum riding experience. Through trail exploration, well-maintained features and jump lines, and a vibrant village scene, mountain biking at Northstar becomes as inviting for first timers as it is addictive for experts chasing their next adrenaline hit. 

PEDALS NOT NECESSARY 

If two wheels and pedals aren’t your thing, it’s easy to switch gears at Northstar... and not the ones on your handlebars. Northstar offers plenty of ways to spend a summer day. Tee off at Northstar’s 18-hole golf course, roll around the nostalgic roller-skating rink, or wander the lively village filled with excellent dining, shopping, and après-style hangouts. Relax, stay active, or find just the right balance. Northstar delivers a well-rounded mountain experience that goes far beyond the bike park. 

CONVENIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 

When the snow melts, Northstar continues its reputation as a beautiful, year-round destination. Even though you can leave the skis at home, the resort still offers a bevy of mountain activities without leaving the area. Keep the whole family entertained in one place. With the walkable village and access that connects you seamlessly to biking, hiking, dining, and activities, find fun for the whole family without needing to load up the car. In other words, more time together and less time thinking about where you need to go. When you are ready to get out and explore, free transit buses and resort shuttles get you to other must-see places in the area like Kings Beach or Downtown Truckee. 

EVENTS TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED 

Northstar is cranking up the events calendar for the whole family with something happening almost every weekend. The village will be buzzing with live music every Friday through Sunday, perfect for après bike laps or just soaking up some tunes alongside the mountain air. Thrill-seekers can catch the action at downhill mountain bike races, while riders looking to level up can join the resort’s expanded Women’s Mountain Bike Clinics, now offering four dates focused on progression and community. And since it’s wine-o-clock somewhere, mark your calendar for August 21–22, when Tahoe Wine & Feast rolls into Northstar Village for a two-day celebration featuring wine seminars and a grand tasting. Whether you’re here to ride, relax, or raise a glass, Northstar is the place to be all summer long.

Website 

www.northstarcalifornia.com 
 

A stone's throw from South Lake Tahoe, yet a world apart, Kirkwood is a hidden gem for those seeking outdoor adventure and mountain solitude. Come get your adrenaline pumping on our extensive network of pedal-accessed mountain biking trails, hike through wildflowers in our alpine meadows, or test your skills on our 18-hole disc golf course – all are open to the public and free to use. If you’re looking for serenity and adventure in the High Sierra, Kirkwood is the place for you this summer. 

All summer operations are weather- and snowmelt-dependent. Hiking, biking trails, and the 18-hole disc golf course open to the public following seasonal snowmelt. 

THE UNDISCOVERED SIERRA 

Beyond its rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows, Kirkwood is best known for its laid-back energy and under-the-radar feel, remaining a true hidden gem in the Tahoe region. For those looking to trade summer crowds for open-air adventure, Kirkwood offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path alternative. As a gateway to the Eldorado National Forest and the broader Sierra Nevada backcountry, Kirkwood opens the door to endless opportunities for exploration.

WHERE THE LOCALS PLAY - OPEN ACCESS MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND 

Summer at Kirkwood centers on open access and self-guided adventure, with free public access to an expansive network of hiking and mountain biking trails across the mountain. Kirkwood offers a true sense of mountain exploration, with wide-open terrain, uncrowded trails, and expansive Sierra views. Riders will find everything from beginner-friendly routes and skill-building features at Timber Creek to technical singletrack and long, backcountry-style rides extending deep into Eldorado National Forest. Hiking opportunities are equally expansive, ranging from short scenic outings to multi-day backpacking routes. From early June through mid-July, vibrant wildflower blooms blanket the landscape, drawing hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts into Kirkwood’s quiet high-alpine setting.

HIGH-ALPINE DISC GOLF DESTINATION 

Praised as one of the most challenging courses in the area, our Discwood Disc Golf Course will put your skills to the test. The 18-hole course starts at the Timber Creek Base Area and winds through a mix of pine forest, open meadows, and rocky Sierra terrain, using the natural landscape to create a varied and demanding round from start to finish. As disc golf continues its rapid rise in popularity, Kirkwood’s Discwood course draws players in with its unique high-alpine setting, offering a fun and different way to experience the mountain.

FROM SKI SLOPES TO SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE 

Once the snow melts each spring, the same terrain used for skiing and riding transforms into our hiking and mountain biking trails, shifting seamlessly from winter adventure to summer exploration. Behind the transition is the same year-round team that keeps the mountain moving. The Kirkwood Trail Crew maintains trails, builds mountain bike features, and supports forest and logging work. Fleet maintenance, snowmaking, and patrol teams use the spring season to repair equipment, service infrastructure, and prepare for both summer operations and the return of winter. The result is a mountain that is always evolving, offering two distinct seasons of experience shaped by the same terrain.

Website 

https://www.kirkwood.com/