Navigating Heavenly

Which State to Ski and Epic Season Pass to Pick

Standing atop Heavenly’s 10,000 ft. peak, there’s only one thing to decide: ski down the California side or make your way through Nevada. The answer could depend on your allegiance, or the weather. But from where you’re clipped in, one thing remains the same: You’re at what’s known as the “Best Ski Destination” for 2014 by USA Today, and you’re looking at bucolic views of Lake Tahoe and the longest vertical drop in the U.S.

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That’s why we love Heavenly. It’s open from November to April, gets 360 inches of snowfall a year and has the highest elevation of any ski resort in the country. Translation: there’s always snow at the top but the base is much warmer (making for great spring skiing). With 97 runs (20% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 35% expert), Heavenly offers groomers, tree runs and—our favorite—powder.

But for now, you’re still atop that summit wondering which state to ski down, and that’s a good place to be. Here’s our advice: on warmer days try Nevada as it gets a little more wind. Take advantage of colder days in California. You may want to pack a lunch, as food tends to be pricey, or “Flash Your Pass” for 15% off mountain fare with your Epic Season Pass. They’re the only way to go if you plan on spending more than four days at the resort in the 2014 – 2015 season. To help you find the right one, here’s a breakdown of each:

The Tahoe Local Pass / $459 / Paid for in five visits
Good for skiing Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, but not around the holidays. With this one, you get limited access to these resorts with holiday blackout dates.

The Tahoe Value Pass / $409 / Paid for in four visits
Good if you don’t plan on skiing Heavenly around the holidays and don’t mind having limited access (Sunday – Friday) to Northstar and Kirkwood.

The Epic Pass / $729 / Paid for in just over five visits
Good for unlimited access (no blackout dates) to Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Beaver Creek, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Canyons, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton and Arapahoe Basin.

Blackout dates for Tahoe Local and Tahoe Value are: 11/28/14-11/29/14, 12/26/14/-12/31/14, 1/17/15, 2/14/15-2/15/15

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