Heavenly vs Northstar: which should you pick?
Heavenly has big Lake Tahoe views and nightlife at Stateline. Northstar is a family favorite on the north side with a village and lots of groomers. As of November 8, 2026, Heavenly has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Northstar has 0.0".
Pick Heavenly if…
- You want lake views from the slopes
- You want casinos, shows and nightlife after skiing
- You're staying in South Lake Tahoe
Pick Northstar if…
- You're skiing with kids
- You want a resort village and well-groomed cruisers
- You're staying in Truckee or North Lake Tahoe
Heavenly vs Northstar by the numbers
| Stat | Heavenly | Northstar |
|---|---|---|
| Snow next 7 days | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Snow next 14 days | 13.3" | 17.8" |
| Average annual snowfall* | 360" | 350" |
| Snowiest months | Jan, Mar, Feb | Mar, Jan, Feb |
| Pass (2026-27) | Epic Pass | Epic Pass |
| Summit elevation | 10,067 ft | 8,610 ft |
| Base elevation | 6,540 ft | 6,330 ft |
| Vertical drop | 3,527 ft | 2,280 ft |
| Nearest airport | Reno–Tahoe International (RNO) | Reno–Tahoe International (RNO) |
| Opening day | Scheduled Nov 20 | Scheduled Nov 20 |
| Location | California | California |
Forecasts are mid-mountain from Open-Meteo, updated every 6 hours. Snowiest months come from 10 seasons of modeled weather data. *Average annual snowfall is resort-reported (sources: Heavenly, Wikipedia, Northstar, Wikipedia).
Plan a Heavenly trip
Plan a Northstar trip
Heavenly vs Northstar FAQ
Which is better, Heavenly or Northstar?
Heavenly has big Lake Tahoe views and nightlife at Stateline. Northstar is a family favorite on the north side with a village and lots of groomers.
Which gets more snow, Heavenly or Northstar?
On average, Heavenly reports more snow: about 360 inches a year, compared with about 350 inches at Northstar (resort-reported averages). As of November 8, 2026, Heavenly has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Northstar has 0.0".
Which is higher, Heavenly or Northstar?
Heavenly has the higher summit at 10,067 ft. Heavenly tops out at 10,067 ft and Northstar at 8,610 ft.
Which has more vertical, Heavenly or Northstar?
Heavenly has more vertical: 3,527 ft from base to summit, versus 2,280 ft at Northstar.
Are Heavenly and Northstar on the Epic or Ikon Pass?
Heavenly: Epic Pass. Northstar: Epic Pass. Pass coverage is for the 2026-27 season; see Ikon vs Epic for blackout dates.
What airports serve Heavenly and Northstar?
Heavenly: Reno–Tahoe International (RNO). Northstar: Reno–Tahoe International (RNO).