About Our Snowmaking
Heavenly offers one of the largest snowmaking systems in the world and most certainly, the largest in the West. While the Tahoe region receives more snow than any other region in ski country, including both Colorado and Utah, our snowmaking crews make an average of 120 inches of additional snow each season. The system covers 69% of Heavenly's cleared trails with top to bottom skiing on both sides of the mountain - 3,500 vertical feet in California and 2,840 vertical feet in Nevada, including three black diamond trails.
View our snowmaking video
Heavenly's snowmaking system is so large, we can make more snow than our three closest competitors (Squaw Valley, Northstar and Alpine Meadows) combined.
Snowmaking is no longer an art, it's a science. Heavenly's state-of-the-art snowmaking system is computerized, allowing for more snow to be produced in a shorter period at a better quality. Using the latest computer technology, our snowmaking operators constantly monitor the system for changes in air temperature, water pressure, wind direction and other elements critical to making quality snow. When weather changes occur, the crews are alerted instantly and can react quickly to assure the snow quality remains at its best.
There are several benefits to machine-made snow besides a guaranteed full season of skiing. If groomed properly, machine-made snow will maintain its consistency longer. Snowmaking also allows us to re-surface trails on those rare occasions when we go too long without natural snow. And finally, machine-made snow provides a good early-season base for the 300+ inches of natural snow we average every year.
TWO GRAPHICS AND ONE VIDEO ASSOCIATED WITH THIS