It's Heavenly!

If you're looking for a fantastic snow vacation, you really can't go past South Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Ski Resort. Located on the California/Nevada border, on the southern shores of magnificent Lake Tahoe, the town of South Lake Tahoe makes for a unique ski and snowboard experience.

Not only is this quite possibly the most beautiful location for a ski resort in the world, Heavenly is also world-renowned as a top-class place to ski and ride.

Heavenly has the biggest skiable area of any California resort, with 4800 acres of varied terrain. It also boasts the highest summit elevation in Tahoe of 10,067 feet, the most vertical rise at 3,500 feet and the longest ski run at 5 miles. The average annual snowfall is a healthy 360 inches, topped up by the largest snowmaking system in the western United States. There is a variety of terrain geared towards all levels of skiers and riders: 20% beginner runs, 45% intermediate and 35% advanced. Add to this world-class terrain parks, an abundance of tree skiing and off-piste options and you've truly got something for every type of skier and boarder.

The weather here is just right, with moderate temperatures and an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year. When it does snow, it really dumps. Several feet in one storm is not uncommon. However, the best part about skiing in California/Nevada is that major storms are followed by bluebird skies the very next day. What better way to explore a mountain-full of fresh powder!

Accommodation is plenty and varied. If you want to be in the thick of the action, the Heavenly Village and Stateline area is the place to be. It's within walking distance to the Heavenly Gondola and home to most of South Lake Tahoe's classier sleeping options. If you're after a more rustic mountain experience, the surrounding town also has an abundance of mountain cabins and modest hotels to fit the bill.

Lake Tahoe itself is a huge draw-card. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and sits high in a basin surrounded by snow-covered mountains. The water is a deep, dark blue and, more often than not, flawlessly smooth. On a sunny day you can see right across to the mountains on the other side. It is just as beautiful on a stormy day, when the clouds cling to the mountains and roll dramatically over the lake's waters. Either way makes for spectacular viewing and you can catch this breath-taking panorama from almost every part of the mountain.

Finally, as if all this wasn't enough, cross the state line and you're in Nevada, where a mini strip of casinos doesn't disappoint for nightlife. Where else in the world can you ski or ride all day then literally party all night? It's an exhilarating combination, quite unique to Tahoe, as is the odd sight of people wandering through a casino in their ski gear!

With the season extending from November through April, there's plenty of opportunity to fit a snow vacation into your schedule. So, get yourself up to Tahoe. Heaven is waiting!