Heavenly Opens Gondola to Bikes — Tahoe's Panorama Trail

On August 17, 2026 Heavenly began allowing mountain bikes and Class 1 e-bikes on its gondola. That means pedal-assist e-bikes (no throttle) that cut assist at 20 mph are now welcome. The initial rollout runs daily through August with additional fall operations planned—check Heavenly's operations page before you go for exact hours and reservation requirements.

The opening follows a multi-party effort: TAMBA led advocacy and trail design input, the U.S. Forest Service approved the access and alignment on public land, and the Tahoe Fund contributed funding and community outreach. Together these stakeholders view Panorama as the first of a series of sustainable trail connections that use existing lift infrastructure to support summer riding.

The Panorama Trail is a newly completed, approximately four-mile singletrack that starts near the gondola’s high exit (~9,100 ft) and threads into the Tahoe Rim Trail and Van Sickle networks. Expect alpine ridgeline scenery, open granite sections and a mix of fast runnable singletrack and technical pitches—built to modern sustainable trail standards. While not an EWS-style descent, Panorama is designed to be fun for experienced trail riders and accessory for intermediate riders comfortable with descending at altitude.

Trail specifics: plan for a sustained descent with variable terrain and several switchbacks where braking and line choice matter. If you're linking further into the Tahoe Rim Trail you can extend the ride by many miles; if you exit into Van Sickle you’ll hit more techy, shorter loops and easier access back to South Lake Tahoe. For precise routing bring a GPS device or download the trail map from TAMBA and Heavenly before you head out.

Heavenly fills a long-standing gap on the southeast side of the Lake. TAMBA calls Panorama a 'first stage' in an interconnected system that could finally make Heavenly the southern anchor of the Tahoe trail network. For riders it means a new way to access high alpine singletrack without a long climb—suddenly the south side of the lake has lift-accessible trail options similar to other mountain resorts that have embraced summer operations.

Ski resorts converting lifts for mountain biking is a growing trend: lift access increases vertical meters per run, concentrates economic benefit in mountain towns year-round, and can fund trail stewardship. The key will be balancing rider access with trail sustainability and community impacts—hence the U.S. Forest Service permitting and TAMBA's phased approach.

Before you go: verify gondola hours and bike reservation rules on Heavenly’s official site and TAMBA’s notices. Expect a bike loading protocol—pack your pedals or secure handlebars if required, and arrive early on busy days. Ride operations started August 17, 2026 with daily access through August and additional fall runs planned; peak summer weekends will be busiest.

Gondola etiquette and logistics: wear a helmet (required), keep your bike under weight/size limits set by the resort, and follow staff loading directions. There may be designated loading windows and limit on bike numbers per cabin. Respect yield rules on trail: downhill riders have right-of-way when descending fast sections is dangerous—announce yourself, give room, and don't shortcut trail. Finally, altitude matters: unloaded at ~9,100 ft you may feel the thin air—warm up and hydrate before aggressive pedaling.

Heavenly’s new access favors trail bikes and Class 1 e-MTBs. For a conservative recommendation: 120–150 mm travel trail bikes are ideal for mixed alpine singletrack; 140–160 mm for riders who want a more aggressive approach. E-bike buyers should aim for Class 1 models with a 500–720 Wh battery for a full day of lift-assisted laps and cross-linking to Tahoe Rim Trail sections.

Top picks and specs we recommend: Specialized Stumpjumper (130 mm travel) for a nimble trail feel; Santa Cruz Hightower (150 mm) for more confidence on steeper sections; for e-bikes the Specialized Turbo Levo SL (light assist, good climbing feel) or Orbea Wild H10 (full-power Bosch/Central drive options) are solid if they meet Class 1 rules. Tire choice: 29 x 2.4–2.6" with robust casing (e.g., Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ or Schwalbe Magic Mary) tubeless setup; target pressures 18–24 psi depending on rider weight. Brakes: 4-piston hydraulic calipers with 180/200 mm rotors are recommended. Don’t forget a dropper post (150–170 mm) for safe descending.

TAMBA and the Tahoe Fund stress stewardship: stay on designated trail, pack out trash, avoid muddy trail use, and respect wildlife. The U.S. Forest Service permitting process meant Panorama was built with sustainability standards—riding responsibly preserves access. Expect volunteer trail days and opportunities to donate to the Tahoe Fund or join TAMBA to help maintain and expand access.

Rider safety tips: carry a multi-tool (Crankbrothers M19), tubeless repair kit (Stan's or similar), mini-pump or CO2 inflator, and spare tube if you run tubes. Helmets: a lightweight trail helmet like the Smith Session or Bell Sixer for fast, non-technical laps; if you plan more technical descents consider a modular/full-face option like the Giro Switchblade MIPS or Bell Super Air R. Hydration: use a 2–3L reservoir pack—altitude and dry conditions can dehydrate you faster than you expect.

Short answer: it could. The ingredients are in place—lift access, a saddle-high alpine gateway, community support from TAMBA, and funding partners like the Tahoe Fund. If Heavenly phases in more trails, establishes consistent summer operations and pairs access with lodging and shuttle infrastructure, it will attract destination riders who currently favor North Shore and north-lake resorts.

Challenges remain: sustainable trail construction uphill, managing crowds, and creating a consistent operations calendar that supports tourism. For now, riders should view Panorama as a high-value addition to Tahoe's trail network—an accessible, scenic connector that opens new line options and a compelling reason to visit South Lake Tahoe this summer and fall.

When did Heavenly start allowing bikes on the gondola?

Heavenly began gondola access for mountain bikes and Class 1 e-bikes on August 17, 2026. Initial operations ran daily through August with additional fall operations planned; always check current dates before visiting.

What kinds of e-bikes are allowed on the gondola?

Heavenly currently allows Class 1 e-bikes — pedal-assist only with assistance up to 20 mph and no throttle. Confirm your e-bike classification and the resort’s weight/size limits before you arrive.

How long and technical is the Panorama Trail?

Panorama is about four miles long and connects from the gondola exit into the Tahoe Rim Trail and Van Sickle networks. The terrain varies from fast singletrack to technical pitches; riders should be comfortable descending at altitude and expect some exposed alpine sections.

Do I need a reservation or special ticket to bring my bike on the gondola?

Expect resort-specific policies such as timed loading windows or bike tickets—book in advance on busy days. Bring photo ID and the required ticket for both rider and bike if a separate bike pass is mandated.

What gear should I bring for the Panorama Trail?

Bring a helmet (MIPS recommended), gloves, knee pads if you like protection, 2–3L hydration pack, tubeless repair kit or tube, mini-pump/CO2, multi-tool, and a charged phone or GPS device with the trail map. If you ride an e-bike bring tools for securing cables and a plan for battery range (500–720 Wh recommended).

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

Panorama is more suited to intermediate and advanced riders, particularly because of altitude and sustained descents. Beginners should consider shorter Van Sickle loops or guided options until comfortable with lift-accessed alpine singletrack.

How does this affect trail stewardship and future access?

The opening was coordinated with TAMBA, the U.S. Forest Service and the Tahoe Fund to ensure sustainable trail design and long-term stewardship. Continued access depends on rider behavior—staying on trail, avoiding muddy use, and supporting volunteer trail maintenance helps secure the future.