Heavenly vs Northstar
One calibrated, SNOTEL-backed look at snowfall, forecast accuracy, and access — so you know which to ski.
Heavenly
CA · 10,067 ft
pending
Northstar
CA · 8,610 ft
pending
Side-by-Side
| Metric | Heavenly | Northstar |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Tahoe CA | Tahoe CA |
| Summit elevation | 10,067 ft 6,540 ft base | 8,610 ft 6,330 ft base |
| NWS accuracy grade | Pending limited verified storms | Pending limited verified storms |
| Calibrated season snowfall | 3" 6 storms | 3" 5 storms |
| Avg storm-day rate | 0.5"/day | 0.5"/day |
| Best storm | 57/100 Significant | 60/100 Major |
| Verified storms | 48 SNOTEL-verified | 63 SNOTEL-verified |
| Community reports | 44 TGR posts | 14 TGR posts |
| Nearest airport | RNO | RNO |
| Drive time | 1h 58 mi · RNO | 0.67h 35 mi · RNO |
| Access difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pass | Epic | Epic |
Snowfall totals and NWS grades come from the same SNOTEL-verified data on each resort's own page. Blank or “pending” cells mean the data is still being verified — we never fill them with estimates.
The Verdict
NWS accuracy grades are pending for both Heavenly and Northstar — few verified storms so far. Each earns a grade as StormDrop verifies more storms against SNOTEL.
Heavenly and Northstar ran neck-and-neck this season — about 3" and 3" of calibrated snowfall respectively.
Northstar is the easier trip — about 0.67h from RNO (Reno), versus 1h from RNO for Heavenly.
Best for
Heavenly — chasing the biggest totals — it out-snowed Northstar this season.
Best for
Northstar — quick-strike trips — the easier drive at ~0.67h from RNO.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelHeavenly
Upper mountain (gondola, Sky, Canyon, Comet, Dipper) closes at slightest breeze.
Northstar
Wait for multiple days for conditions to stabilize; fresh snow days see crowds due to Northstar's popularity with weekend warriors
FAQ
Does Heavenly or Northstar get more snow?
Heavenly and Northstar ran neck-and-neck this season — about 3" and 3" of calibrated snowfall respectively.
Is Heavenly or Northstar easier to get to?
Northstar is the easier trip — about 0.67h from RNO (Reno), versus 1h from RNO for Heavenly.
Which has the more accurate snow forecast, Heavenly or Northstar?
NWS accuracy grades are pending for both Heavenly and Northstar — few verified storms so far. Each earns a grade as StormDrop verifies more storms against SNOTEL.
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