Beginner's Guide to Skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort

Your beginner ski trip just got a whole lot easier—no panic, just powder.

New to skiing? Don't worry, we've all taken a tumble at some point, and it's not uncommon to have a few wipeouts. This is a guide for beginners heading to the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, one of the absolute best ski spots in the region. You'll pick up the basics, get the lowdown on how to stay safe, and figure out how not to freak out that very first time you're hauled up the mountain in a chairlift. Expect cold temperatures, some pretty comical falls along the way, and a whole lot of learning - because let's face it, you're going to need it. Just so you know, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe, has got it all - easy-going slopes that are perfect for people taking their first-ever ski trip.

The best time to hit up Heavenly Mountain Resort skiing is from December through to March when the ski season really gets going. You can count on January and February for the most reliable snowfall and full access to all the trails, but be aware that weekends are absolute chaos, so if you can make it a weekday instead, you'll have shorter lift lines and get on the slopes in no time. Keep in mind that April is a bit late in the season and the snow gets a bit softer, plus only a subset of the runs is still open.

If you do head out in the morning, you'll generally find the snow conditions to be way better, and there will be fewer collisions for beginners, which is a definite bonus. One thing to keep in mind is that the weather in the mountains can change super-fast, so even if you're an experienced skier, it's still a good idea to pack some layers, just in case.

Some of the best things to do at the resort are listed below, perfect for first-time visitors looking for a mix of adventure, learning, and fun.

You can hit the slopes from beginner to expert terrain. They've got groomed runs, terrain parks, and chairlifts that'll take you from both the Nevada and California sides. You can rent gear and get some lessons right on site at the resort. Snow quality varies by elevation; up high it’s much better, though it's not uncommon for stuff to fall and get a bit bumpy. Beginner skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort is one of the best experiences for newcomers.

Riding up to the top of Heavenly Mountain in a gondola is a great way to see the sights, taking in views of the lake and the forest from a nice glass cabin. The ride goes from Heavenly Village up to the mid-mountain lookout spot. Easy as pie, but they do have to close it down some days if bad wind or snow is coming in. It's pretty chill, just a great way to take a break from skiing.

Get ready for an adrenaline rush on the zipline at Heavenly. You zip above the trees and ski runs on a controlled run and get secured into a harness, don't worry, you’ll get the safety lesson before they kick you out of a plane. They only do it when the wind is low and the storm systems aren't rolling in, but when it does get going, it's over way too fast for you to think about how you might feel for a few seconds afterwards.

If you want to give rock climbing a go, then the Granite Peak Climbing Wall at Heavenly is a great place to start. The resort has got routes for newbies all the way up to intermediate climbers, and the best part is you get to do it with a pro on the safety team watching over you while you're all clipped in. You can even get a nice little confidence boost all the way to the top before you start to wonder if you are insane.

Tickets for Heavenly Mountain Resort - you can pick those up either online from the official website or at ticket counters when you get there. Buying online gives you the flexibility to choose dates and even use your mobile for quick entry, whereas buying at the ticket counter is pretty much dependent on what's available that day. If you're flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, a shuttle, taxi, or rental car will get you there in about an hour. From San Francisco, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to get there, so you're looking at Interstate 80 and US-50 for that trip. And yeah, keep in mind that if the weather decides to turn bad, mountain traffic is bound to get nasty - so try to leave early if you can. Also, save those ticket confirmation emails on your phone because you never know when your mobile signal is going to drop out in the mountains and leave you with nothing.

• Don't bother lugging your skis and boots to the resort, just rent on site and avoid the hassle.
• Get some proper instruction before you start roaming around the place - lessons are a must before you start using the lifts or tackling the slopes.
• Stick to the green runs at first, they're a whole lot safer and will give you a chance to get a feel for how to control your movements on the snow.
• Keep those knees a bit bent; it'll help you stay balanced and reduce the chances of a nasty fall in the snow.
• Dress in layers - it's a no-brainer really. You'll be able to get warm or cool down in a jiffy that way.
• Take a look at the lift map before you start wandering off down the mountain - it's a good idea to know where you're going.
• Drink plenty of water - altitude can creep up on you fast and leave you feeling tired and tired.

Stay at Blue Jay Lodge and enjoy easy access to Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Village, and South Lake Tahoe's top attractions for a relaxing mountain getaway.