- Heavenly’s Gondola Ride is a year-round sightseeing opportunity and a “must-see and do” in South Lake Tahoe.
- The gondola is located in the western part of Stateline in the heart of Heavenly Village, close to lodging establishments, dining, and shopping options.
- The gondola ride is approximately 12 minutes long and slowly and steadily ascends 2.4 miles up the mountainside.
- Dogs are not permitted on the gondola ride.
- Visitors should dress in layers as it’s cooler at the top.
- To ensure visitors make the most of their visit, they should check the website in advance to see what amenities and activities are available.
Heavenly’s Gondola Ride: See Tahoe from the sky!
Scenic Heavenly Gondola Ride
Heavenly’s gondola ride is a unique year-round sightseeing opportunity and a “must-see and do” in South Lake Tahoe.
Riding the Heavenly Gondola, you’ll experience breathtaking views of Heavenly Valley and Lake Tahoe. The perspective and view are unmatched!
This breathtaking gondola ride is in the western part of Stateline in the heart of Heavenly Village.
The Gondola is conveniently situated close to the excellent lodging establishments and is surrounded by the village’s superb dining and shopping options.
The gondola slowly and steadily ascends 2.4 miles up the mountainside, providing stunning views of the blue lake waters and lush green woodlands below.
The journey to the top takes approximately 12 minutes, during which time you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
The area is covered with a blanket of immaculate white snow during the winter.
One guest mentioned that it’s a bit pricey but worth it, “I was hesitant to ride the gondola due to the price. However, it was worth every penny! We rode to the top, got on the chair lift and rode to the very peak. There is still snow on the mountain in mid-January, and the views were absolutely spectacular – definitely worth the price of admission.”
Lots of activities for the whole family
Visitors can explore hiking paths, zip lines, and a variety of family adventure activities. All this while taking in the views from the Observation Deck, and having a drink or a meal in the café.
In its cabin, the cutting-edge Heavenly Gondola can accommodate eight people. Your journey into the sky should begin at the lower station, which is 6365 feet above sea level. The gondola ascends to a midway of more than 9088 feet up on the mountain top.
Tip: Chew gum so you can “pop” your ears easily as you head higher in altitude and pressure increases. Please dispose of your gum and all trash responsibly as it can cause death for wildlife.
Unmatched scenic views
At this point, you can dismount your bike from the gondola if you brought one and explore the 14,000-square-foot Observation Deck to take in the spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. There is no additional charge for bringing your bike on the gondola.
You’ll be able to see for miles in every direction, making it the perfect place to snap some photos.
If you look towards the west, you will be able to see Mount Tallac, Pyramid Peak, and Desolation Wilderness located in California. If you turn your gaze to the east, you will be able to observe the Carson Valley situated in Nevada.
The gondola ride is only the beginning of the fun at Adventure Peak. Continue riding to Adventure Peak for some exciting adventures.
Tip: Dress in layers as it’s cooler at the top.
Other activities
Try out the ropes courses, tubing hills, climbing walls, or coaster rides. You won’t be disappointed with the non-stop fun to be had at Adventure Peak.
Then, if you’re visiting Lake Tahoe during winter, you can use the Heavenly Gondola to access Heavenly’s extensive lift and run system.
This system is great for skiers who want to enjoy the winter months in Tahoe.
The gondola trip and the adventurous activities at the peak are paid for separately, but there are discounts available for children, the elderly, and teenagers. This makes it affordable for families to enjoy all that the peak has to offer.
Dogs are not permitted on the gondola ride.
See Lake Tahoe in birds eyeview through seaplane tours to Lake Tahoe!
Credit: MaryAnne Stelzriede Pena
Tip: Do NOT wait until the ski lifts close to go back down the hill or you could get caught waiting in a crowd in 27-degree weather.
To ensure that you make the most of your visit to Heavenly, be sure to check the website in advance to see what amenities and activities are offered at the base, middle, and peak.
This way, you can plan your trip around the different offerings and make sure you take advantage of everything that the resort has to offer!
Don’t miss out on one of Tahoe’s best beaches,…Kings Beach! Read more here!
FAQ
Q: What is the Heavenly Gondola Ride, and what can I expect from it?
A. The Heavenly Gondola Ride is a year-round sightseeing opportunity that takes you 2.4 miles up the mountainside to the top of Heavenly Valley. During the ride, you will experience breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. The journey takes approximately 12 minutes. At the top, you can explore the Observation Deck, take photos, and participate in family adventure activities like hiking, zip-lining, and more.
Q: Can I bring my bike on the gondola ride, and is there an extra fee?
A. Yes, you can bring your bike on the gondola ride, and there is no additional charge for doing so. You can dismount your bike at the Observation Deck and explore the area.
Q: Are dogs allowed on the gondola ride?
A. No, dogs are not permitted on the gondola ride. However, there are dog-friendly activities available at the resort, and you can check the website for more information.
Q: How should I prepare for the gondola ride and the activities at Adventure Peak?
A. It’s important to dress in layers as it can be cooler at the top, and you should also bring gum to help “pop” your ears as you ascend in altitude. Additionally, you should check the website in advance to see what amenities and activities are available and plan your trip accordingly. Finally, please dispose of your trash responsibly to avoid harming wildlife.
My husband and I love to fish at Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and we can often be found taking visiting friends and family on boat trips around the lakes.
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