Heavenly isn't my favourite ski area for some reason. I guess I think it lacks the atmosphere of many of the other American resorts; this is partly due to its size and partly cause I just don't really like resorts where you simply can't get out of the trees. Its definitely an all rounder resort and has a great park though. Everyone that visits Heavenly will appreciate that the view of glistening blue Lake Tahoe on a sunny day is really spectacular.

The terrain park skiing is probably the best feature of this ski area and it almost makes the place worth a visit. The best thing about the park at Heavenly is that it stretches on for a long way and has tabletops about as far as the eye can see. It's one of those cool set ups where you get a real rhythm going and by that last kicker, you're almost certain to be amped for big tricks. Unless you stack it on the way down... The pipe is good, but seemed quite busy to me and wasn't quite as perfectly cut as some of the other major terrain parks in the USA.

Tahoe and Heavenly villages are really really expensive and have a real 'mini Vegas' vibe going on- not that I've been to Vegas. I'd imagine though that the fake feeling casinos and one too many Cadillacs is something that you might find in the desert gambling city though. There isn't much slope-side accommodation and a night out, controlled or uncontrolled, will cost you a lot of money.

For beginner skiers the mountain may be a little challenging as there is a definite lack of piste which takes the less able skier close to the comfort of the village. In fact there's a distinct lack of any trails heading down to the village. I shouldn't really hold that against the skiing here, but I am comparing it to some of the greatest ski resorts on the planet. There is a good variety of intermediate skiing on offer and there are also some good steeper runs for experts. There just isn't anything to write home about other than the view.

Heavenly has a really good terrain park and is incredibly picturesque (if you don't mind the slightly ugly village). Somehow though, it just falls short of greatness in almost every category and is therefore a little on the mediocre side. Try this resort if you want to cruise in the picturesque trees on well groomed runs and maybe if you just want to hit the park. If you're really after charm though, I would head elsewhere. I dare say that for those who like bright lights and bling more than skiing, this place is probably pretty good.