Assuming that you’re an Epic Pass season pass holder, I’ll show you How To Ski In Tahoe on A Budget. Visiting Heavenly resort is convenient. You don’t even need a car to get here unless you want to check out the other Epic Resorts Northstar and Kirkwood (about an hour drive from South Lake Tahoe.) Many restaurants and shops are walking distance.

Epic Pass

Having the Epic Pass Season Pass is the key to saving money while enjoying all the benefits this pass has to offer. All you have to do is ski/snowboard at least 5 days and it will pay for itself. There are a variety of passes for purchase and you can find all the information here. The Local Epic Pass starts at $727 with restrictions or the Full Epic Pass starts at $979 and includes international ski resorts. This pass also includes 10 buddy passes and 6 ski with a buddy passes if purchased for early bird specials. Click here for more information.

Every year, new resorts are added so please be sure to check out the updated list.

How To Get To Tahoe

If you live a couple hours away, driving is the best option. But most of you who are reading this probably don’t live close so I suggest flying.

What Airport To Fly Into

Fly into Reno Airport (RNO) using Southwest Airlines – a budget friendly airlines with 2 FREE checked bags. Score cheap fares by booking early. As a rapid rewards member, I’ve booked flights with points and the most I pay is a whopping $11.20 for taxes.

Cost of Airfare

The latest fare I found for a round trip from LAX to RNO is $188  or 10,688 points + $11.20 tax.

Where To Stay

Heavenly Resort is conveniently located near many hotels on the main strip. The gondola is walkable from Harvey’s, Harrahs, Hard Rock & Montbleu. How To Ski In Tahoe On A Budget

Hotels.com is the best site to search for the lowest rates. Usually I book rooms at Hard Rock for $70/night + resort fees & taxes. Splitting a room with friends also makes this trip even more budget friendly.

How To Get From Reno Airport To Your Hotel

Rent A Car

Reno airport has an on-airport rental location so it’s very easy. The drive is about 1 hour 15 minutes depending on weather conditions. I believe most hotels offer free parking for hotel guests. My experience driving in snow storms was terrifying and for that reason, I chose to never drive again. Car rentals can be cheap or can be costly depending on demand. Not to mention, if it’s snowing, you will need AWD. 

South Tahoe Airporter

The South Tahoe Airporter shuttle does round trips from Reno Airport to the South Lake Tahoe strip. Duration is approximately 1.5 hours and a one way ticket costs $29.50. Check out the current schedule here.

Once you collect your bags from baggage claim, look for a desk that says South Tahoe Airporter. Check-in and the associate will give you a sticker to tag your bags.

Heavenly Resort

4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

To check conditions: 1.800.432.8365

Tips:

• Download the Epic Mix app for information on wait times, conditions, maps, etc.
• On really windy days, the gondola will most likely be closed. Therefore, you will have to take a shuttle and load on the StageCoach side or Boulder side. In my opinion, StageCoach is better

Budget Friendly Eats in Tahoe

Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger – open 24/7

If you go up on the gondola, make sure to stop into Tamarack Lodge to get their Bacon Bloody Marys. The candied bacon is to die for – you won’t regret it.

Base Camp Pizza – located in the village. Great for big groups. The Thai curry pizza is my favorite.

And finally, the pan roast at the Oyster Bar inside Hard Rock Hotel is an absolute must!!

BE SAFE AND DON’T DIE!

If you enjoyed my guide on How To Ski In Tahoe On A Budget and want to explore other Epic Pass Resorts, check out my guide to Whistler in Canada & Les 3 Vallées in France.