Heavenly Ski Resort has good snow frequency of 15.7% of winter days with 6 inches or more and 21% of winter months with 90 inches or more, but also endures 31% of winter months with less than 30 inches. Snowfall is less than at areas farther west on the Sierra Crest, but Heavenly has a better snowmaking system. Sierra average snow density of 12% is not the blower of the Rockies but easily managed on modern fat rockered skis

Accumulation and Preservation

Heavenly averages 67% open at Christmas and is less than half open in the worst third of holiday seasons. In the worst 20% of seasons it is less than 1/4 open. The steepest terrain in Mott and Killebrew Canyons is usually not open until mid-January. Over half of Heavenly faces north, and the Sky and Dipper chairs serve terrain as high as anywhere at Tahoe. Thus the upper half of Heavenly has some of Tahoe's best preserved snow. Spring conditions are more common lower down, and the famous west-facing Gunbarrel moguls are usually best skied after noon.