Heavenly straddles two state lines (California and Nevada) and is a gem of a ski resort on Lake Tahoe’s southern shore, with a massive domain and sliding for all levels; views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are spectacular. There are also three terrain parks for advanced, intermediate and beginner snowboarders, as well as a half-pipe to make Heavenly the complete resort.

The social scene at Heavenly also makes it attractive and there are endless outdoor recreational facilities; while amenities include a childcare centre/nursery, first-aid station, and a range of ski/sports and rentals shops and boutiques at the village. Visitors can stay at the resort in one of the 11 lodges, and Heavenly village and South Lake Tahoe have a huge range of lodgings in every category.

Heavenly ski resort’s 90 or so runs extend across a 1,920-hectare ski area and are divided into 20 per cent beginner runs, 45 per cent intermediate, 30 per cent for advanced sliders and five per cent for experts. The longest slope here is a whopping nine kilometres, and 30 lift systems provide access. The three terrain parks give snowboarders ample carving and free-riding options.

In addition, non-skiers will still have a good time with dog-sledding, sleigh riding, mountaineering, ice-skating, tobogganing, tubing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. There is also indoor tennis, swimming and racquetball, and shoppers will be happy with the range of fashion stores and sports shops. Night-time pursuits are also rigorously sported and include a huge selection of eateries, bars, clubs and casinos.

The November to late April ski season at Heavenly ski resort has its best natural snow in February and is backed by over 200 snow cannons. The most practical travel option for getting to Heavenly ski resort is to fly to Reno-Tahoe International Airport and take your hotel shuttle or the Tahoe Casino Express bus.