One Of The Longest Ski Runs In America Offers Fun Mountain Adventure With Lake Tahoe Views

With the Winter Olympics behind us and a world-wide audience captivated by the elite athletes showcasing their daring winter sport skills and expertise, it is hard not to feel inspired to go outside and join in the fun. These games remind us of the joy in winter pursuits, from snowshoeing to racing downhill at our favorite resorts. Many ski areas offer adrenaline-pumping thrills, but the runs can be short, meaning skiing and snowboarding can be shorter intense bursts of action, followed by long lift lines and chairlifts. Brief descents build excitement, but it might be over too soon. Some believe it to be a fact that the run length is linked to rider satisfaction, meaning the longer the run, the happier the skier. This will be for you to test out yourself. If you're craving carving and turning for turn after turn, the Olympic Downhill run at Heavenly Mountain Resort is for you.

The Olympic Downhill's prolonged adventure is paired with breathtaking scenery and stands out as one of America's best and longest options. It covers an impressive 5.5 miles on wonderfully groomed trails. It is an ideal run for intermediate skiers to build endurance and rack up the vertical feet without the constant chairlift interruptions. Globally, it stands among giants like France's La Sarenne at Alpe d'Huez, which stretches almost 10 miles, or the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix, France, a 12-mile journey past glaciers. 

Found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range along Lake Tahoe's southeastern shore, Heavenly straddles the California-Nevada border, offering a unique skiing experience. The closest international airpot is Reno/Tahoe International, about an hour's drive north, or the smaller Lake Tahoe Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the resort. The ski season runs from late November to the end of April, weather depending.

This standout run in America is at one of the most popular resorts in the west. It begins as riders exit the Olympic Express chairlift at the summit, where skiers veer right into a sweeping descent that drops almost 2,000 vertical feet (more than some resorts have in total!). The 5.5 miles of beautiful blue intermediate run is forgiving and engaging, with a broad expanse that encourages carving at a pace that is invigorating but still brings newer riders confidence. The perfectly groomed corduroy surface offers smooth, rhythmic turns, bringing about an almost meditative state to your run. Riders describe it as the perfect blend of speed for adrenaline, and wide open spaces to help you enjoy the views. 

The views are spectacular. Lake Tahoe's shimmering surface dominates the horizon, especially on clear bluebird days when the water reflects the blue sky's hues. From this elevated vantage point, skiers can take it all in. For the best vistas or photography opportunities, aim for early morning when fresh grooming meets the sunrise's illumination. Post-storm bluebird days are great for clear air and unobstructed panoramic views, and the spring months extend the daylight hours for more shots. Don't forget to check the forecast ahead of time to avoid windy conditions if the views are what you're after.

If you're craving more runs with amazing views, Heavenly continues to provide. The Ridge Run on the California side of the resort is another blue cruiser and a favorite among photographers for its elevated overlooks. The California trail gently meanders along and reveals postcard-perfect scenes of the forest meeting the waters of the lake. The Comet and Dipper Bowl areas, found on the Nevada side, provide big mountain terrain with expansive views that stretch the mind. 

The resort itself is a giant playground for outdoor winter fun. Its vast amounts of terrain and comprehensive amenities continue to draw in crowds. Heavenly is known for its boundary-spanning layout across California and Nevada. At its highest, the resort reaches 10,067 feet above its 6,657-foot base. There are more than 4,800 skiable acres here, serviced by 28 lifts, and navigated by 111 different trails. Of those, 15% are green for beginners, 53% are blue for intermediate skiers, and 32% are labeled as black for advanced skiers. There are two terrain parks, and the average annual snowfall is about 251 inches. Its impressive stats are just some of the things that make Heavenly one of Tahoe's top ski resorts.

The Ski and Ride School offers private and group lessons for beginners all the way through advanced skiers, tailored to all ages and abilities. Equipment rentals are available, including standard, performance, and demo skis. Pro tip: Book your gear ahead of time for a discount and a chance to beat the lines, especially on the weekends. 

Beyond the skiing, alternative winter activities exist as well. Take the scenic gondola ride up the 2.4-mile lift to the Observation Deck for panoramic sweeping views in all directions. Visitors can enjoy snow tubing, which includes a ride up the gondola and three different tracks on the way down. For those seeking more speed, try out the Mountain coaster, also found at the top of the gondola. This gravity-fueled ride brings riders all the way back down on a thrilling adventure. Riders must meet the minimum height and age requirements.