Heavenly Resort

Description:

• This hugely popular resort -- the only one on the South Shore -- has the highest elevation (10,067 ft.) of any resort at the lake. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find something to challenge them, including three snowboard parks, 4,800 skiable acres, 30 lifts (including a 50-passenger aerial tram), and 86 runs. Heavenly is also the only resort with day care for infants as young as 6 weeks (up through 6 years of age), child care and ski combinations for toddlers 3 to 5, and full-day programs for older kids. With arcades, recreation centers, bowling alleys, and movie theaters nearby, it's a great choice if you have teenagers or if you want to visit the big casinos at night. The latest addition here is the $20-million Heavenly Gondola -- cars that can transport up to eight passengers from the South Shore casino area up to an observation deck at 9,200 feet on Heavenly Mountain -- a 2 1/2-mile journey. The resort also recently invested nearly $30 million in improvements to the mountain, including two new high-speed lifts and a new 15-acre beginner's area.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010