Heavenly vs. Northstar (March)

[ICary]

Hi Friends,

Looking to get some inside info from some west coast riders. Always lived on the east coast and ride PA, Vermont, NH every year. Usually make it out west to CO or UT a few times a year with the boys to ride. This season the lady and I are wanting to go to Tahoe area. I can ski any and everything, the lady on the other hand is a beginner and this will be her first time out west. I ultimately just want her to be comfortable and have fun. So looking for the most beginner friendly trails. We like the idea of a village at the base so we can just bop around at night to different bars/pubs. Any insight on which mountain has more open terrain or a nicer village?

Thanks for all the summer lookers who are on this right now.

 

[bennwithtwons]

It depends what you want. If you want good skiing, go to Northstar, as the mountain layout is much better. There are also more options for beginners. If you want good views, go to Heavenly. Northstar has an awesome base village but if you're at Heavenly, you can just spill down into town, which is like a really big village. Ideally, you could do both if you'll be spending a few days. Kirkwood is also the shit but has very limited terrain for beginners, so that may not be a great choice.

 

[SofaKingSick]

It depends what you want. If you want good skiing, go to Northstar, as the mountain layout is much better. There are also more options for beginners. If you want good views, go to Heavenly. Northstar has an awesome base village but if you're at Heavenly, you can just spill down into town, which is like a really big village. Ideally, you could do both if you'll be spending a few days. Kirkwood is also the shit but has very limited terrain for beginners, so that may not be a great choice.

this is all correct. honestly if i'm your girlfriend i think skiing heavenly with those amazing views of the lake and then being able to mess around down in the village is a more picturesque trip. although i think this^ dude is right that the layout isn't as good as northstar. both are not challenging mtns, for better and for worse

also idk if it's an option but a day at squaw would be sick, you'd get to ski super dope shit and there is plenty of beginner friendly runs there with great views etc etc

regardless you're gonna have a ball, tahoe is one of the sickest places on earth

 

[profa_212]

Yup. It is not often I advise to go to heavenly, but it sounds like the best option for you and your lady. Way better views, and south lake is the base area with plenty of bars, restaurants and casinos to fart around at. Lodging is usually cheaper due to the casinos as well, and you don't have to worry about traffic because you can just walk to the resort in the morning.

I would recommend running up to squaw/alpine for a day at least though to get some real skiing in. Kirkwood is really good as well assuming you are on epic, but it doesn't have the volume of easy terrain that squawlpine has so it might not be as good for the gal.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Just got back from heavenly in March and April. We live east coast. My gf is a very green type 1 skier.

she absolutely loved heavenly. She skied 3 days and did tubing one day. We stayed at the Marriott heavenly village so she was able to just ride up and down the gondola whenever she felt like it.

the lodge at the top of the gondola lift is a nice size and very convenient for her to hang if she wants a break while your skiing longer.

she can also take the gondola to the viewing tower and get some really nice views and pics.

we are going back for 10 days in dec.

 

[ThaLorax]

This is like the only time I'd ever vote for Heavenly

 

[ICary]

this is all correct. honestly if i'm your girlfriend i think skiing heavenly with those amazing views of the lake and then being able to mess around down in the village is a more picturesque trip. although i think this^ dude is right that the layout isn't as good as northstar. both are not challenging mtns, for better and for worse

also idk if it's an option but a day at squaw would be sick, you'd get to ski super dope shit and there is plenty of beginner friendly runs there with great views etc etc

regardless you're gonna have a ball, tahoe is one of the sickest places on earth

Thanks for this! This is really a trip for her. I get to ski enough crazy places and frequently that I rather it have more of the items that she likes.

Yup. It is not often I advise to go to heavenly, but it sounds like the best option for you and your lady. Way better views, and south lake is the base area with plenty of bars, restaurants and casinos to fart around at. Lodging is usually cheaper due to the casinos as well, and you don't have to worry about traffic because you can just walk to the resort in the morning.

I would recommend running up to squaw/alpine for a day at least though to get some real skiing in. Kirkwood is really good as well assuming you are on epic, but it doesn't have the volume of easy terrain that squawlpine has so it might not be as good for the gal.

Thank you! We are trying to stick to Epic mountains with the pass that we got for this season.

This is like the only time I'd ever vote for Heavenly

 

[ICary]

Thanks bud! We are looking at end of March. Sounds like you had the trip that we are trying to plan and your GF is a similar level. I am glad that she loved it! I think my GF will only be able to get 3 days of skiing in before shes pooped.

How was the Marriott Heavenly Village? We were looking at AirBnBs but this seems like a nice option with how close it is and the fact that she can rest easily if needed too. Also if you don't mind me asking. Did you rent a car or take a shuttle/bus from Reno airport to?

Just got back from heavenly in March and April. We live east coast. My gf is a very green type 1 skier.

she absolutely loved heavenly. She skied 3 days and did tubing one day. We stayed at the Marriott heavenly village so she was able to just ride up and down the gondola whenever she felt like it.

the lodge at the top of the gondola lift is a nice size and very convenient for her to hang if she wants a break while your skiing longer.

she can also take the gondola to the viewing tower and get some really nice views and pics.

we are going back for 10 days in dec.

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[PartyBullshiit]

Thanks bud! We are looking at end of March. Sounds like you had the trip that we are trying to plan and your GF is a similar level. I am glad that she loved it! I think my GF will only be able to get 3 days of skiing in before shes pooped.

How was the Marriott Heavenly Village? We were looking at AirBnBs but this seems like a nice option with how close it is and the fact that she can rest easily if needed too. Also if you don't mind me asking. Did you rent a car or take a shuttle/bus from Reno airport too

Surprisingly she expected to to be done after the couple days, but when we left she was actually disappointed she didn’t ski an extra day. It’s just very easy to get up and down the mountain. So she’s shooting for at least 4 days this next trip.

the Marriott village is absolutely fantastic. Everything you need is right there shops wise. Grocery down the street, plenty of bars and restaurants. Dispensary directly across the street. The biggest perk is by far the gondola access. Makes life so easy and all you’ll need is your epic pass.

we did have 2 days out of 9 that the gondola was closed because of wind. So we had to drive to the Cali base lodge to ski twice.

my gf works for the ritz Carlton group which is owned by Marriott so we do get a really good discount which was a huge part in us staying there. We stayed at the Marriott grand residence this last trip. Great units. Full kitchens.

this next time we are doing the timber lodge which is directly across the way from grand residence still in Marriott village and next to the gondola. Basically the other building in my picture across from the gondola.

we did rent an suv at RNO. Got a Tahoe but there were 3 of us total all with luggage and all with sportubes. So needed the space. We rented through Costco. They have great deals. We ended up paying $671 for a Chevy Tahoe for 9 days.

we rented again this upcoming time through Costco again. Prices aren’t great atm so only got a ford edge for $636. Hoping prices will go down a tad before we go.

 

[b_in_subtle]

Leave her at either one and you go up to Kirkwood

 

[ToddlerBodyBag]

Northstar only has beginner trails so you your lady will like that. Is a shit mountain unless you like park or you're a bay area kook. If you want real terrain in North Lake you have to get something other than the epic pass.

Northstar/Squaw definitely have tiny villages with bars at the but Heavenly is built into the main town so partying there is gonna be easier + the casinos on the Nevada side.

 

[BradFiAusNzCoCa]

I’ve stayed at timber lodge. Location is pretty phenomenal. I remember it being pretty nice but it was a few years ago

Thanks bud! We are looking at end of March. Sounds like you had the trip that we are trying to plan and your GF is a similar level. I am glad that she loved it! I think my GF will only be able to get 3 days of skiing in before shes pooped.

How was the Marriott Heavenly Village? We were looking at AirBnBs but this seems like a nice option with how close it is and the fact that she can rest easily if needed too. Also if you don't mind me asking. Did you rent a car or take a shuttle/bus from Reno airport to?

Surprisingly she expected to to be done after the couple days, but when we left she was actually disappointed she didn’t ski an extra day. It’s just very easy to get up and down the mountain. So she’s shooting for at least 4 days this next trip.

the Marriott village is absolutely fantastic. Everything you need is right there shops wise. Grocery down the street, plenty of bars and restaurants. Dispensary directly across the street. The biggest perk is by far the gondola access. Makes life so easy and all you’ll need is your epic pass.

we did have 2 days out of 9 that the gondola was closed because of wind. So we had to drive to the Cali base lodge to ski twice.

my gf works for the ritz Carlton group which is owned by Marriott so we do get a really good discount which was a huge part in us staying there. We stayed at the Marriott grand residence this last trip. Great units. Full kitchens.

this next time we are doing the timber lodge which is directly across the way from grand residence still in Marriott village and next to the gondola. Basically the other building in my picture across from the gondola.

we did rent an suv at RNO. Got a Tahoe but there were 3 of us total all with luggage and all with sportubes. So needed the space. We rented through Costco. They have great deals. We ended up paying $671 for a Chevy Tahoe for 9 days.

we rented again this upcoming time through Costco again. Prices aren’t great atm so only got a ford edge for $636. Hoping prices will go down a tad before we go.

 

[betz]

Hi Friends,

Looking to get some inside info from some west coast riders. Always lived on the east coast and ride PA, Vermont, NH every year. Usually make it out west to CO or UT a few times a year with the boys to ride. This season the lady and I are wanting to go to Tahoe area. I can ski any and everything, the lady on the other hand is a beginner and this will be her first time out west. I ultimately just want her to be comfortable and have fun. So looking for the most beginner friendly trails. We like the idea of a village at the base so we can just bop around at night to different bars/pubs. Any insight on which mountain has more open terrain or a nicer village?

Thanks for all the summer lookers who are on this right now.

For what you describe, Northstar for sure. I don't particularly like either but they are on the pass with kirkwood so sometimes it makes sense. In my experience, Heavenly has more interesting and wider variety of terrain, at the expense of one of the worst mountain layouts ever and the absolute worst crowd I have ever seen. On the plus side you'll feel like a great skier with all the clueless jerries around. On the downside they are terriblle on the mountain- never look where they are going or aware of their surroundings. Northstar is honestly much better in those areas. The people who ski there are they type to have a vacation home and go up there frequently so at least they aren't clueless, just rich pricks.

Anyways this is how I'd break it down. Both are crowded so I won't add that as a negative, it's just fact.

Northstar:

+Great tree skiing

+Arguably best park in Tahoe

+Long, steep groomers on backside and lookout mountain

+Good division of areas between beginner and advance so you will not run into too many jerries on the backside and lookout mountain and often the lines are much shorter over there.

+Ton of beginner friendly terrain, honestly the entire frontside is completely benign (to a fault for advanced skiers)

+sheltered and good ops during storms

+one of the only actual villages in Tahoe

-Parking situation and getting into northstar sucks dick

-Rich pricks and shit is expensive (so is heavenly tho)

-Terrain very same-y, no cliffs and hardly even a boulder

Heavenly:

+Variety of terrain- gunbarrel is the steepest meanest mogul run I've seen, Mott/ Killebrew is some real shit, fun terrain scattered throughout the mountain and it is very big.

+Tons of places to stay and walk to heavenly gondola, also there are 3 different entry points to the resort

+high elevation so the snow quality is sometimes better than N*, but usually less quantity. The vert is also high so the bottom can get rained on while the top gets decent snow. But better than N* which will be rained on almost to the top sometimes.

-beginner terrain is a joke here, everyone just treats the blues as greens basically, creates a shit show all over the mountain

-During any weather event where they shut down part of the mountain, the mountain degrades into a disjointed shit show

-Type of people who go here range from instagram influencers, to people trying skiing for the first and only time, to people who came for the casinos, to people who have skied here forever and think it's their mountain. All have in common is that the have basically no mountain etiquette

Real quick on kirkwood, it's in the middle of nowhere and it's paradise if you want to shred. Beginner areas are totally fine, imo beginners don't need or truly want to explore the whole mountain and there's plenty here to test your skill at all levels. They have to be careful what lift they are riding though- here they can get into trouble just by riding the wrong lift. They've got elevation and snow quantity, it's the fuckin best. But not very tourist friendly and not as many lodging options. Most lifts are fixed grip also. Great if everyone (beginner to expert) is there to ski. Not so great if you are worried about stuff to do outside of the resort.

 

[PeppermillReno]

Northstar is just all around unpleasant IMO. Heavenly is great bc the difficult lifts have no crowds and the Gondola takes you to the casinos and stuff good nightlife. Tons of motels there so nothing gets crazy pricey.

Expect to wait in a lift line going back and forth NV and CA side since everyone uses those lifts but thats it. Snow quality on the bottom lifts is usually poor but theres decent runs especially if its a peak time.

 

[betz]

Northstar is just all around unpleasant IMO. Heavenly is great bc the difficult lifts have no crowds and the Gondola takes you to the casinos and stuff good nightlife. Tons of motels there so nothing gets crazy pricey.

Expect to wait in a lift line going back and forth NV and CA side since everyone uses those lifts but thats it. Snow quality on the bottom lifts is usually poor but theres decent runs especially if its a peak time.

Ever been to heavenly when it's 3 different mountains? When mott and galaxy are closed? When friggin dipper is closed?? When you have to wait for even Sky to open??? This will happen in the middle of friggin winter. The only guaranteed lifts at heavenly are basically Stagecoach, Olympic, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl and Canyon. I'd lap lookout mountain & backside at northstar any day over that shit. I feel like the stars have to align for me to have a good day at heavenly sometimes. It's best to go there with literally 0 weather in the forecast and good enough snowpack for the whole mountain to be open.

I mean in my real opinion fuck em both and Kirkwood is the shit but at least Northstar can run their lifts in most conditions.

 

[OldParkRat]

If the winter was a big one like last year, go to Heavenly and drop a BC gate or two, or six. If you like to sit on shuttles just to get you to the gondola just to get you to a flat mountain go to Flatstar. If you ski park, Northstar has one of the best around the lake.

 

[theabortionator]

Heavenly kind of sucks but has nice views. Heavenly is accessible right from stateline/slt though. Lots of shit to do, casinos, restaurants, bars, everything right there. Northstar is sick but you gotta drive a bit. Nice village but truckee is 10-15 and kings beach is 10. North lake is dope. But depends on what you want.

A trip with the significant other could be a heavenly move. Also if you're south lake much closer to Kirkwood.. Kirkwood is sick.

Northstar has solid parks and good beginner skiing too. Idk how lively the village is in the evening though.

 

[PeppermillReno]

Ever been to heavenly when it's 3 different mountains? When mott and galaxy are closed? When friggin dipper is closed?? When you have to wait for even Sky to open??? This will happen in the middle of friggin winter. The only guaranteed lifts at heavenly are basically Stagecoach, Olympic, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl and Canyon. I'd lap lookout mountain & backside at northstar any day over that shit. I feel like the stars have to align for me to have a good day at heavenly sometimes. It's best to go there with literally 0 weather in the forecast and good enough snowpack for the whole mountain to be open.

I mean in my real opinion fuck em both and Kirkwood is the shit but at least Northstar can run their lifts in most conditions.

This day in age with Epic overselling passes I don't think a fully open Northstar with Heavenly on major wind holds is going to be anything but awful.

The parking set up and the village at Northstar just annoy the hell out of me meanwhile I love Stateline NV been gambling in those casinos since I was in HS with my dad placing my NFL and college hoops bets so many good times and memories.

Kirkwood is king but you aren't avoiding any crowds unless its clearly an offpeak day there. A must if you have a car for 1 day at least but I wouldn't deter someone without one from hitting Heavenly only.

Heavenly+Kirkwood combo every time 100/100 for Epic passholders visiting Tahoe there is no reason to even consider Northstar.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

What’s north star and kirkwood like on a non peak weekday?

Easy parking etc?

thinking about trying at least one day at each in dec.

 

[profa_212]

What’s north star and kirkwood like on a non peak weekday?

Easy parking etc?

thinking about trying at least one day at each in dec.

Both are super chill. You have to take a bus no matter what at Northstar. Kirkwood will be empty.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Both are super chill. You have to take a bus no matter what at Northstar. Kirkwood will be empty.

Do they have a lot at north star? And then the bus bring you up from there? I’d be driving from the heavenly area.

 

[betz]

This day in age with Epic overselling passes I don't think a fully open Northstar with Heavenly on major wind holds is going to be anything but awful.

The parking set up and the village at Northstar just annoy the hell out of me meanwhile I love Stateline NV been gambling in those casinos since I was in HS with my dad placing my NFL and college hoops bets so many good times and memories.

Kirkwood is king but you aren't avoiding any crowds unless its clearly an offpeak day there. A must if you have a car for 1 day at least but I wouldn't deter someone without one from hitting Heavenly only.

Heavenly+Kirkwood combo every time 100/100 for Epic passholders visiting Tahoe there is no reason to even consider Northstar.

I thought so too but my bad days at Northstar haven't even come close to my bad days at Heavenly. Heavenly can get to a whole nother level imo. But on a normal day I'd mostly agree.

You're wrong about Kirkwood crowds though. I have been there on a Sunday where I barely got parking at the Kirkwood inn and it took me like 2 hrs to get into the resort. But once I got on the mountain, all lines were under 10 mins. Like, unless it's a powder day, Chair 6 and 10 will never get a substantial line, maybe 6 will but it always dies down. The problem there is parking bc so many people drive solo, their parking lots will fill up even though the mountain is not too crowded. It's not even close to the level of Heavenly/ Northstar fucked ass lift lines. If you get to Northstar early, take zephyr straight to the backside, move to Lookout once that gets crowded, leave around 12-1 it's a good enough experience. The crowds don't really pack in until around 10 or so. But if you get there when everyone else does it's consistently fucked and Heavenly is better because everyone is more spread out.

 

[profa_212]

Do they have a lot at north star? And then the bus bring you up from there? I’d be driving from the heavenly area.

Yeah all of the parking is in lots away from the mountain so you are forced to ride a bus. The bus system is pretty flushed out though and you never have to wait long.

 

[betz]

Do they have a lot at north star? And then the bus bring you up from there? I’d be driving from the heavenly area.

They have a super expensive paid lot, the village lot which fills up super early then they have the off site lots that are a mandatory bus ride. If you're getting there after 8 you will be bussing. I highly recommend getting to Northstar as early as possible or just staying at the village if you are visiting from out of town. Much better experience. If you want cheaper lodging heavenly is a way better bet. I enjoy staying at the casinos because it's cheap. But you'd better hope heavenly is having a good day lol.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

They have a super expensive paid lot, the village lot which fills up super early then they have the off site lots that are a mandatory bus ride. If you're getting there after 8 you will be bussing. I highly recommend getting to Northstar as early as possible or just staying at the village if you are visiting from out of town. Much better experience. If you want cheaper lodging heavenly is a way better bet. I enjoy staying at the casinos because it's cheap. But you'd better hope heavenly is having a good day lol.

We get employee rate at Marriott village so we always stay there. That’s why I’ll have to drive over. I’ll be there early dec so off peak and going during the week.

 

[theabortionator]

This day in age with Epic overselling passes I don't think a fully open Northstar with Heavenly on major wind holds is going to be anything but awful.

The parking set up and the village at Northstar just annoy the hell out of me meanwhile I love Stateline NV been gambling in those casinos since I was in HS with my dad placing my NFL and college hoops bets so many good times and memories.

Kirkwood is king but you aren't avoiding any crowds unless its clearly an offpeak day there. A must if you have a car for 1 day at least but I wouldn't deter someone without one from hitting Heavenly only.

Heavenly+Kirkwood combo every time 100/100 for Epic passholders visiting Tahoe there is no reason to even consider Northstar.

Depends on how you feel about parks. Northstar is one of 3-5 VR resorts woth a fucking sick park offering every day every season. Heavenly has had some and years and kirkwood "has a park".

The layout kind sucks. Fuck if I was working there I'd run some people up to "mid mtn" to beat the line for the gondola from the base. Makes all the difference. Was one of the few advantages working there

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Do kirkwood have any restrictions parking wise on weekdays non peak season?

meaning are all lots good to go free or are the vip and close paid lots still paid regardless?

 

[betz]

Do kirkwood have any restrictions parking wise on weekdays non peak season?

meaning are all lots good to go free or are the vip and close paid lots still paid regardless?

I actually really like their parking policy. All lots are free except VIP, but VIP is free if you are carpooling with 4 or more total people. With 3 it's $20, 2 it's $30 and 1 it's $40. So even VIP can be free but it does fill up fast. However, no overnight parking (for good reason- plows need to do their work)

 

[BradFiAusNzCoCa]

This is spot on. Heavenly feels like a giant traverse and it’s the only place I’ve ever seen two strangers get in a fist fight in a lift line on a powder day. It has a weird, trashy energy. More Nevada like aka Vegas/Reno/etc. coming in for a weekend of partying. Terrain is way better than Northstar but runs often feel short since you have to go so high up before the resort basically “begins”. I worked at Northstar and there are a ton of places to get away and have some fun. More along the lines of wind protection and trees and some nice protected powder stashes interspersed between well groomed runs. Heavenly’s park isn’t even on the same planet as Northstar’s. Northstar and Heavenly are basically apples to oranges. If your big focus is partying though - heavenly for sure.

Dont get me wrong - Northstar definitely deserves it’s flat star nickname but it can really shine if you know where to go and know what you’re looking for.

For what you describe, Northstar for sure. I don't particularly like either but they are on the pass with kirkwood so sometimes it makes sense. In my experience, Heavenly has more interesting and wider variety of terrain, at the expense of one of the worst mountain layouts ever and the absolute worst crowd I have ever seen. On the plus side you'll feel like a great skier with all the clueless jerries around. On the downside they are terriblle on the mountain- never look where they are going or aware of their surroundings. Northstar is honestly much better in those areas. The people who ski there are they type to have a vacation home and go up there frequently so at least they aren't clueless, just rich pricks.

Anyways this is how I'd break it down. Both are crowded so I won't add that as a negative, it's just fact.

Northstar:

+Great tree skiing

+Arguably best park in Tahoe

+Long, steep groomers on backside and lookout mountain

+Good division of areas between beginner and advance so you will not run into too many jerries on the backside and lookout mountain and often the lines are much shorter over there.

+Ton of beginner friendly terrain, honestly the entire frontside is completely benign (to a fault for advanced skiers)

+sheltered and good ops during storms

+one of the only actual villages in Tahoe

-Parking situation and getting into northstar sucks dick

-Rich pricks and shit is expensive (so is heavenly tho)

-Terrain very same-y, no cliffs and hardly even a boulder

Heavenly:

+Variety of terrain- gunbarrel is the steepest meanest mogul run I've seen, Mott/ Killebrew is some real shit, fun terrain scattered throughout the mountain and it is very big.

+Tons of places to stay and walk to heavenly gondola, also there are 3 different entry points to the resort

+high elevation so the snow quality is sometimes better than N*, but usually less quantity. The vert is also high so the bottom can get rained on while the top gets decent snow. But better than N* which will be rained on almost to the top sometimes.

-beginner terrain is a joke here, everyone just treats the blues as greens basically, creates a shit show all over the mountain

-During any weather event where they shut down part of the mountain, the mountain degrades into a disjointed shit show

-Type of people who go here range from instagram influencers, to people trying skiing for the first and only time, to people who came for the casinos, to people who have skied here forever and think it's their mountain. All have in common is that the have basically no mountain etiquette

Real quick on kirkwood, it's in the middle of nowhere and it's paradise if you want to shred. Beginner areas are totally fine, imo beginners don't need or truly want to explore the whole mountain and there's plenty here to test your skill at all levels. They have to be careful what lift they are riding though- here they can get into trouble just by riding the wrong lift. They've got elevation and snow quantity, it's the fuckin best. But not very tourist friendly and not as many lodging options. Most lifts are fixed grip also. Great if everyone (beginner to expert) is there to ski. Not so great if you are worried about stuff to do outside of the resort.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

This is spot on. Heavenly feels like a giant traverse and it’s the only place I’ve ever seen two strangers get in a fist fight in a lift line on a powder day. It has a weird, trashy energy. More Nevada like aka Vegas/Reno/etc. coming in for a weekend of partying. Terrain is way better than Northstar but runs often feel short since you have to go so high up before the resort basically “begins”. I worked at Northstar and there are a ton of places to get away and have some fun. More along the lines of wind protection and trees and some nice protected powder stashes interspersed between well groomed runs. Heavenly’s park isn’t even on the same planet as Northstar’s. Northstar and Heavenly are basically apples to oranges. If your big focus is partying though - heavenly for sure.

Dont get me wrong - Northstar definitely deserves its flat star nickname but it can really shine if you know where to go and know what you’re looking for.

Have you by chance made the drive from

reno/moment to north star? If so pretty simple drive with no traffic during the week?

im staying in heavenly but I have to go to moment early on Tue to get skis mounted. Seems north star is only like 45 mins from there so figured I’d go straight from moment to north star for the day.

 

[BradFiAusNzCoCa]

I maybe did it once or twice as I lived in incline but it seems be relatively straightforward. Hop on I-80 and then hwy 267. During the week you should be cruising but someone with more recent Tahoe info should corroborate this because it’s been a minute for me

Have you by chance made the drive from

reno/moment to north star? If so pretty simple drive with no traffic during the week?

im staying in heavenly but I have to go to moment early on Tue to get skis mounted. Seems north star is only like 45 mins from there so figured I’d go straight from moment to north star for the day.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

I maybe did it once or twice as I lived in incline but it seems be relatively straightforward. Hop on I-80 and then hwy 267. During the week you should be cruising but someone with more recent Tahoe info should corroborate this because it’s been a minute for me

If I’m waiting at moment at 8:59 for them to open figured I’d be on the road like 930-45 ish to northstar. Probably get there like 1030 ish and spend all day there. Then it seems to be like an hour 15 back to heavenly.

 

[BradFiAusNzCoCa]

Roughly that. 25 minutes to incline, 45 from incline to heavenly. Take Tahoe Blvd. it’s a really pretty drive.

If I’m waiting at moment at 8:59 for them to open figured I’d be on the road like 930-45 ish to northstar. Probably get there like 1030 ish and spend all day there. Then it seems to be like an hour 15 back to heavenly.

 

[betz]

If I’m waiting at moment at 8:59 for them to open figured I’d be on the road like 930-45 ish to northstar. Probably get there like 1030 ish and spend all day there. Then it seems to be like an hour 15 back to heavenly.

Might be ok plan Monday - Thursday. But Fri-Sun you'll get completely fucked with parking and the gondola on that time line. You might not be skiing until noon or so. If you can get the skis the day before and leave properly early- arrive at N* by 8ish, that's a better plan. Might even get on the mountain sooner driving to boulder lot at Heavenly- often there's a crazy line on 267 that stretches back to the truckee airport or even further. But yeah N* is generally easier to get to from Reno.

 

[betz]

Have you by chance made the drive from

reno/moment to north star? If so pretty simple drive with no traffic during the week?

im staying in heavenly but I have to go to moment early on Tue to get skis mounted. Seems north star is only like 45 mins from there so figured I’d go straight from moment to north star for the day.

Oh I didn't see this was Tuesday. Should be fine.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Oh I didn't see this was Tuesday. Should be fine.

Ya I fly in on Monday but Moment doesn’t open till tues.

 

[PeppermillReno]

Depends on how you feel about parks. Northstar is one of 3-5 VR resorts woth a fucking sick park offering every day every season. Heavenly has had some and years and kirkwood "has a park".

The layout kind sucks. Fuck if I was working there I'd run some people up to "mid mtn" to beat the line for the gondola from the base. Makes all the difference. Was one of the few advantages working there

Yeah I don't ride park as much. It used to be sick when Kirkwood's park was on the way to Chair 4 and the backside and under that lift that takes you over there amazing jump line all 20-30+ footers. One that was way over 50 at the end but was really easy to hit and not really scary. Long time ago now.

I'm never on skis I'd hit rails with honestly these days.

 

[ICary]

Thanks for all the comments and notes friends. When we head to Tahoe, it will be weekdays and non peak. So hopefully nothing too crazy. We are leaning towards Heavenly as she really just likes the long slow greens and won't ride the entire day. Being so close to the Lake and some other non-skiing options in the South Tahoe area seem to be grabbing her. Thinking I am ship her off to the spa one day and go visit Northstar or Kirkwood while I am out that way.

Also for any local riders; does Heavenly have a decent uphill policy? I will probably wake up early most days and try to skin up before lifts start rolling. If they allow that.

 

[betz]

Thanks for all the comments and notes friends. When we head to Tahoe, it will be weekdays and non peak. So hopefully nothing too crazy. We are leaning towards Heavenly as she really just likes the long slow greens and won't ride the entire day. Being so close to the Lake and some other non-skiing options in the South Tahoe area seem to be grabbing her. Thinking I am ship her off to the spa one day and go visit Northstar or Kirkwood while I am out that way.

Also for any local riders; does Heavenly have a decent uphill policy? I will probably wake up early most days and try to skin up before lifts start rolling. If they allow that.

Heavenly doesn't really have long slow greens... but just consider ridge run a green then I guess that fits the bill. Olympic downhill is an extremely long run as well, and pretty mild for a blue run. Maggies would be the longest actual green I think, but it's so chaotic.. well anyways to each their own.

Uphill is allowed 6pm to 8am, but I'm not sure you want to hike up heavenly.. it's 3800 ft of vert, and almost 2600 just to get to mid mountain. Seems like a super major drag but maybe that's just me lol.

 

[profa_212]

Uphill is allowed 6pm to 8am, but I'm not sure you want to hike up heavenly.. it's 3800 ft of vert, and almost 2600 just to get to mid mountain. Seems like a super major drag but maybe that's just me lol.

This. If you're looking for some early morning touring before the miss wakes up you're better off running 15 over to Maggie's or something for a quick run or two. Uphill at heavenly isn't worth it

 

[ICary]

Heavenly doesn't really have long slow greens... but just consider ridge run a green then I guess that fits the bill. Olympic downhill is an extremely long run as well, and pretty mild for a blue run. Maggies would be the longest actual green I think, but it's so chaotic.. well anyways to each their own.

Uphill is allowed 6pm to 8am, but I'm not sure you want to hike up heavenly.. it's 3800 ft of vert, and almost 2600 just to get to mid mountain. Seems like a super major drag but maybe that's just me lol.

Noted on the uphill. Any uphill out west is usually 10x better than the east coast uphill I get. Would you say Northstar has more greens? The lady can ski blues in PA and VT fine. But always prefers to just go slow and look around and enjoy the ride down. Also hoping that the snow is decent so the blues will feel like greens to her. Considering she is use to icy blues here in PA lol.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Noted on the uphill. Any uphill out west is usually 10x better than the east coast uphill I get. Would you say Northstar has more greens? The lady can ski blues in PA and VT fine. But always prefers to just go slow and look around and enjoy the ride down. Also hoping that the snow is decent so the blues will feel like greens to her. Considering she is use to icy blues here in PA lol.

Not my video but gives you a really good idea of some blue runs at heavenly.

The two long runs going from Nevada to Cali and reverse she should be able to do no issues.

[video]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-PocJI11Gu0[/video]

 

[betz]

Noted on the uphill. Any uphill out west is usually 10x better than the east coast uphill I get. Would you say Northstar has more greens? The lady can ski blues in PA and VT fine. But always prefers to just go slow and look around and enjoy the ride down. Also hoping that the snow is decent so the blues will feel like greens to her. Considering she is use to icy blues here in PA lol.

Our mountains are a lot bigger though, too, so it's situational. I know sugar bowl is probably one of the best place to uphill in CA. But it's a much smaller mountain with a lot of amazing backcountry around it. Hiking up heavenly seems like hell to me- it's just so big and convoluted. I feel it would take you literally the entire day to skin up it. Not to mention you aren't so familiar with the mountain.

Anyways.. honestly, Heavenly has what your girl is probably looking for. Technically Northstar would have the better setup if you are bent on it being a labeled green run. The village run is great for what you're describing- one of the cooler green runs I've seen. But If she is comfortable skill wise with blue runs, Heavenly and Northstar blue runs are both very very benign.

Let me break it down like this.

At Heavenly, your girl should steer clear of Gunbarrel, Mott and Killebrew. It's really hard to get into these places by accident- especially Mott/ Killebrew. Everything else is not really very scary. If it's a blue with a dashed line- such as ridge run- it is basically a green. Maybe a green plus. Most of the black runs are blue runs with moguls/ trees. There's almost always a way around them. The hardest thing your girl is likely to encounter are bad riders and flat areas. Start her out on the ridge run- this is a great intro to heavenly, super pretty, relaxed, wide, easy. You'll have to take a blue to get to canyon/ sky- from the gondola it's pretty mild then it gets quite flat... from California it's like, a 100 ft section of steepish blue into the lifts Other great views on cruise-y runs- take Sky to skyline trail to California trail. You will see the lake from the highest point on the mountain, then you will see Nevada (which is honestly an under-rated view) and there's a spot on California trail you can see both in the same view.

At Northstar it's very simple. Frontside = flat as fuck, the even blacks are like 10 seconds long, any blue should be well within your girl's skill level. The cruise-y-est, best scenery run imo is east ridge into logger's loop into village run or the woods. The easier version would be skid trail instead of logger's loop. East ridge is flat but has the only view of the lake on the mountain, the village run weaves through a bunch of condos and is a pretty neat run. Backside is a nice steepness, the only blue back there is probably the second steepest blue on the mountain. Lookout mountain has the hardest blue and steepest terrain. As long as she sticks to the frontside, she will be fine.

If you are dropping your girl off at the spa for the day and you are primarily going to Heavenly, 100000% go to Kirkwood. If you are into skiing, which it seems like you are, there is literally no contest here. Kirkwood is one of the coolest pieces of earth I have ever seen. Northstar is a big ski hill. There's not really a comparison.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Our mountains are a lot bigger though, too, so it's situational. I know sugar bowl is probably one of the best place to uphill in CA. But it's a much smaller mountain with a lot of amazing backcountry around it. Hiking up heavenly seems like hell to me- it's just so big and convoluted. I feel it would take you literally the entire day to skin up it. Not to mention you aren't so familiar with the mountain.

Anyways.. honestly, Heavenly has what your girl is probably looking for. Technically Northstar would have the better setup if you are bent on it being a labeled green run. The village run is great for what you're describing- one of the cooler green runs I've seen. But If she is comfortable skill wise with blue runs, Heavenly and Northstar blue runs are both very very benign.

Let me break it down like this.

At Heavenly, your girl should steer clear of Gunbarrel, Mott and Killebrew. It's really hard to get into these places by accident- especially Mott/ Killebrew. Everything else is not really very scary. If it's a blue with a dashed line- such as ridge run- it is basically a green. Maybe a green plus. Most of the black runs are blue runs with moguls/ trees. There's almost always a way around them. The hardest thing your girl is likely to encounter are bad riders and flat areas. Start her out on the ridge run- this is a great intro to heavenly, super pretty, relaxed, wide, easy. You'll have to take a blue to get to canyon/ sky- from the gondola it's pretty mild then it gets quite flat... from California it's like, a 100 ft section of steepish blue into the lifts Other great views on cruise-y runs- take Sky to skyline trail to California trail. You will see the lake from the highest point on the mountain, then you will see Nevada (which is honestly an under-rated view) and there's a spot on California trail you can see both in the same view.

At Northstar it's very simple. Frontside = flat as fuck, the even blacks are like 10 seconds long, any blue should be well within your girl's skill level. The cruise-y-est, best scenery run imo is east ridge into logger's loop into village run or the woods. The easier version would be skid trail instead of logger's loop. East ridge is flat but has the only view of the lake on the mountain, the village run weaves through a bunch of condos and is a pretty neat run. Backside is a nice steepness, the only blue back there is probably the second steepest blue on the mountain. Lookout mountain has the hardest blue and steepest terrain. As long as she sticks to the frontside, she will be fine.

If you are dropping your girl off at the spa for the day and you are primarily going to Heavenly, 100000% go to Kirkwood. If you are into skiing, which it seems like you are, there is literally no contest here. Kirkwood is one of the coolest pieces of earth I have ever seen. Northstar is a big ski hill. There's not really a comparison.

This was a great description. Thanks for the tips on northstar and kirkwood as well.

 

[ICary]

Can yall speak on the snow in March. Looking to go March 15-20th.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

Can yall speak on the snow in March. Looking to go March 15-20th.

Depends so much on weather patterns.

this past March when I was there it was record breaking numbers. Not the usual

 

[betz]

Can yall speak on the snow in March. Looking to go March 15-20th.

I'd say that's a good time to go. Miracle March is definitely a thing, but I thoroughly enjoy a nice average day in March in California. 100% open, usually good snowpack, warm and sunny. Snow softens up throughout the day- follow the sun. Super under-rated if you ask me. If there is a pow day, it doesn't get as crowded. If there isn't, it's the next best thing. Great time to hit the park. But don't expect any pow to last. High chance it will warm/ freeze as soon as the storm clears out.

 

[SofaKingSick]

I'd say that's a good time to go. Miracle March is definitely a thing, but I thoroughly enjoy a nice average day in March in California. 100% open, usually good snowpack, warm and sunny. Snow softens up throughout the day- follow the sun. Super under-rated if you ask me. If there is a pow day, it doesn't get as crowded. If there isn't, it's the next best thing. Great time to hit the park. But don't expect any pow to last. High chance it will warm/ freeze as soon as the storm clears out.

agreed, march is a fine time to go. can't count on fresh snow but it's extremely possible and even if that doesn't happen, you have the best chances of everything being open with a good snowpack. and corn is super good there, it's not a place that is just gonna suck if there hasn't been recent snow

 

[betz]

agreed, march is a fine time to go. can't count on fresh snow but it's extremely possible and even if that doesn't happen, you have the best chances of everything being open with a good snowpack. and corn is super good there, it's not a place that is just gonna suck if there hasn't been recent snow

Ripping the West Bowl at Sierra at Tahoe on a sunny day in March is what made me love skiing. Not quite the same now unfortunately... but fortunately- Kirkwood is even better. Backside gets the sun first, then caples crest, then chair 6. Go skiers left off the lift, find a nice spot to hop off the cornice. Find some spicy lines and end up in the gulley. Eagle bowl also faces the sun and the t-bar is super fun if it's open. If it gets slushy on the backside then it might be about time for thunder saddle and maybe even the wall. Shit, kirkwood is better in the spring than some days with fresh snow. There's almost always a spot with perfect snow when the sun is shining.

I guess this thread is not about kirkwood tho so.. I guess Mott/Killebrew at heavenly and slushy gunbarrel laps are the next best thing. At N* well.. I guess if it's warm enough for the snow in the trees to have softened up, it could be alright. But eh. Just hit the park.

 

[ICary]

March looks like what we are going to do. Id prefer it to be a hair warmer too.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and info!

I'd say that's a good time to go. Miracle March is definitely a thing, but I thoroughly enjoy a nice average day in March in California. 100% open, usually good snowpack, warm and sunny. Snow softens up throughout the day- follow the sun. Super under-rated if you ask me. If there is a pow day, it doesn't get as crowded. If there isn't, it's the next best thing. Great time to hit the park. But don't expect any pow to last. High chance it will warm/ freeze as soon as the storm clears out.

 

[betz]

March looks like what we are going to do. Id prefer it to be a hair warmer too.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and info!

Last thing- not sure if you are used to california ski weather but it goes a lil like this:

10-20F- prob a storm day, dress for cold, you're lucky if it's this cold

20-30F- dress in your normal winter gear

30-40F- on the mountain this feels pretty warm- don't layer at all, use no insulation if possible

40F+ = feels hot as fuck. If it's in the 50s you'll be sweating for sure. my go to is bib+ long sleeve tee but wear as little clothing as you want. You won't be too cold but falling on bare skin in the snow can burn real bad.