Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe has some of the best winter ski views at the lake. But now, the Tahoe resort will also offer a multitude of summer activities for all ages, including several ropes courses, a 500-foot-long mountain tube ride and two zip lines with those same great views of the lake.
Heavenly Mountain Resort's Blue Streak zip line — Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort
The new activities are grouped under the name “Adventure Peak,” which offers family-friendly activities for all visitors, like a free-standing rock wall and climbing tower, as well as brand new hiking trails and an area favorite: the Heavenly Gondola, with its 360-degree views of the mountain and lake.
Heavenly's tube ride has a 65-foot vertical drop — Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort
The two new zip lines – the Hot Shot and the Blue Streak – start at the top of the mountain, and they're sure to get your heart racing.
The Hot Shot is a four-line, 1,000-foot zip with views of the surrounding peaks; it can reach top speeds of 40 miles per hour. The Blue Streak is a 3,300-foot-long zip line with top speeds at 55 miles per hour.
The Heavenly ropes courses are great for all ages — Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort
If the zip lines are too much for you, the Adventure Ropes Courses will not only test your skills, but will also keep all members of the family active for several hours. Each course is self-guided, but professional staff are available.
The Black Bear Ropes Course is best for families with younger children and contains several routes and a final 30-foot controlled descent. The Boulder Cove Ropes Course is for those wanting more of a challenge, featuring two levels and both a 20-foot and 35-foot descent.
The Discovery Forest Ropes Course is located in the trees of the National Forest, and it's fully integrated into the natural environment. The course runs through the trees, and visitors can descend from the course on a tandem zip line or on a 20-foot controlled descent.
The Heavenly Gondola offers 360-degree views of the lake — Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort
For families who want to stay firmly on the ground, you can take the Tamarack Express Chair ski lift up to over 9,000 feet and hike the trails that meander through the forest. These trails afford incredible views of Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac, Nevada’s Carson Valley and Desolation Wilderness near Emerald Bay.
For parents who need a break, Heavenly Mountain Resort offers the Discovery Day Camp for kids ages five to 12. Children start their day at the Heavenly Village; take the Gondola up to the resort’s observation deck; and spend the rest of their time rock climbing, hiking, tubing, playing conservation games and learning nature-themed crafts.
