If you could choose the very best of the best in ski resorts in Lake Tahoe and join their forces, you would end up with the prestigious Vail Resorts.  One of Vail’s top resorts in South Lake Tahoe is Heavenly Ski Resort, which is a name to avid skiers, locals and non-locals alike. Just as they offer incredible variety in their ski runs, luxurious lodges, and an overall skier’s paradise, Heavenly has expansive event spaces with the best views in town.  Three venues are available at Heavenly Ski Resort:

BLUE SKY TERRACE – Blue Sky is at the elevation of 9,150′ and is perched on an overlook with the most fantastic panoramic views of glorious Lake Tahoe. What a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony and such a treat for your destination guests.  Once de-boarding from the fun Gondola Tram ride, take a short winding pathway to the flagstone Terrace and be prepared to be wowed. There is a bridal changing room for the ladies convenience, but if a wedding is not for your specific needs, what about an incredible corporate cocktail party, or a unique birthday party celebration? Reservations for Blue Sky Terrace includes two hours of private use, gondola tickets for each guests, chairs and cocktail tables, a PA system for background music, appetizers and champagne. What a perfect arrangement to celebrate a wedding. Longer arrangements and more food can be arranged if holding a corporate or other social event.

TAMARACK LODGE – Your guests’ first experience before even reaching the final location is a ‘take your breath away’ gondola ride.  This 20 minute ride to the 9,100’ elevation offers your guests a true experience of why you chose Tahoe for your event location. Full views of Lake Tahoe, the steep climb up the side of the mountain and the smell of pine is reason enough to ride the gondola, but where you end up is even better.  Just over halfway, guests can hop off the gondola at the Observation Deck, which offers cocktail space for mingling and/or a simple cold beverage greeting stop on the trip to the top.  Continuing on the gondola all the way to the 9,150’ elevation brings you to the largest of Heavenly’s event spaces – Tamarack Lodge.  This is a bustling resort lodge year round that can be transformed into an elegant evening event space seating up to 500 guests. Using portions of this large space is simple, so any size wedding or event could work well.  This two-year old lodge features rich and warm mountain décor with wood peaked ceilings, a full wall of windows opening to the base of the nearest mountain, and a full bar with the largest round tree trunk cocktail tables you have ever seen. A large outdoor patio sits off of the event space and offers long tables with umbrellas. This venue has wood tables and round table options for dining seating with log cabin wood chairs for all of your guests if you choose.

LAKEVIEW LODGE – Heavenly Resort also includes another venue that you can reach just down the road in South Lake Tahoe. Your guests will enjoy a fun 5-minute large enclosed tram ride from the base of the mountain where parking is convenient and plentiful – final elevation is 8,250 ft.  After departing the tram your guests can take a nice stroll on a winding pathway, or quick shuttle ride to Lakeview Lodge. This lodge has full views of the lake and Tahoe Basin from the ceremony patio and the lodge itself.  Sunsets are amazing! This venue is ideal for 120 to 200 guests and has much of what you will need for your event onsite already, including a well stocked centrally located handsome bar. Some added features of cocktail tables, heat lamps, and twinkle lights are a plus, and there is even a spacious bridal suite for dressing and prepping.

Both of these two lodge venues set your special event apart from the casinos and busy Lake Tahoe area by perching your event high and above it all. Vail Resorts and Heavenly expertly handles all the catering needs and bar service. They understand full service luxurious events, so all you need to do is choose one of their locations that appeals to you most. Winter or summer these venues are spectacular!

Thank you to Bryan Greenwalt of Music and More Entertainmentwho took many of these photos… Bryan knows these mountains like the back of his hand!  Mischa Purcell with Mischa Photography joined us on our return trip for Blue Sky Terrace. And a few images were provided to us by staff showing table and ceremony set up.

~ Vixen Catrina