If staying in South Lake Tahoe, note that the most convenient way to access Heavenly ski resort is currently unavailable.
According to the resort, the Heavenly mountain gondola has been shut down indefinitely due to a mechanical issue discovered Thursday morning (Jan. 4).
The gondola transports skiers, snowboarders and sightseers on a scenic 2.4-mile ride up the slopes overlooking the famed waters of Lake Tahoe. It serves as a convenient point of access to the slopes during peak winter days and allows guests to access the famed ski resort without having to get in their car. The gondola drops off skiers and riders on the Nevada side of the ski resort.
Heavenly officials said its maintenance team had found an issue “related to one of the bearings in the high-speed shaft” that would close the gondola “until it is fully repaired.” The gondola maintenance team worked with the lift manufacturer and project engineer to diagnose the problem.
It’s not clear when the gondola will be operating again. Heavenly says the gondola will not operate until it is fully repaired.
“At no time has the gondola been unsafe to operate, but it’s best to replace these bearings early before they do become a more serious problem,” a statement from Heavenly said. “We are actively working with our manufacturer to secure replacement bearings with urgency.”
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, parking at the California Lodge had already reached capacity. Parking is available at the gondola and the mountain is running a free shuttle service. Because of the limited terrain and the closed gondola, the ski resort met maximum capacity around 1 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 4) and there were massive lines to get off the mountain at the end of the day.
The gondola is the only lift that operates out of the Heavenly Village, where many of its guests stay. The Stagecoach Express has yet to open for the season out of the Stagecoach Lodge. For at least the short term, skiers and riders will have to drive to the resort’s California Lodge until the gondola is fixed or the Stagecoach location is able to open, which could be as soon as Saturday.
The resort is expecting large crowds this weekend and is encouraging skiers to visit Lake Tahoe’s other Epic Pass resorts (Northstar, Kirkwood) until the Heavenly Gondola is fixed.
Heavenly will offer free shuttles to Kirkwood Mountain Resort Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle will begin loading at 7:15 a.m. at the Stateline Transit Center. The shuttles will leave Kirkwood at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited. Sign up here.
“We apologize for this inconvenience. We are working as fast and safely as we can to get the gondola back open,” a Heavenly statement said. “Throughout the process, we will frequently update on our social channels. Additionally, our team members will be around to direct and answer questions if needed.”
