The Heavenly Gondola provides some of Lake Tahoe’s most staggering vistas. Hop in the gondola cabin and rise slowly for 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) up the mountainside as you watch over brilliant blue lake waters and dense green forests. In winter, pristine white snow blankets the landscape. Enjoy views from the Observation Deck, have drinks or a meal in the café and discover hiking trails, zip lines and varied family adventure activities.

The state-of-the-art Heavenly Gondola carries eight passengers in its cabin. Start your journey into the sky at the lower station at 6,360 feet (1,940 meters) of elevation. The gondola climbs up the mountain peak to a midpoint of over 9,100 feet (2,770 meters). Disembark here and walk around the 14,000-square-foot (1,300-square-meter) Observation Deck, where you can appreciate sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. Look west to identify California’s Mount Tallac, Pyramid Peak and Desolation Wilderness. See Nevada’s Carson Valley to the east.

Relax at this level with a sunny picnic, a drink in Café Blue, shopping at the sports shop, plenty of photo opportunities or a spectacular sunset. Set off from here for a peaceful hike in the glorious surrounding nature. Several lake-view trails of varying difficulty start from this spot.

For a bit of adventure and exhilarating fun, continue on the gondola to Adventure Peak. Try the climbing walls, ropes courses, tubing hill or coaster ride. Enjoy a thrilling race down one of the zip-line courses at 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour. For a more serene ride, jump on the Tamarack Express chairlift to access yet more hiking or skiing trails and even better aerial views.

In winter, the Heavenly Gondola is an integral conveyance for skiers, leading to Heavenly’s vast network of lifts and runs. The ride begins in Heavenly Village near the California-Nevada state border, just east of South Lake Tahoe. There are fees to ride the gondola and participate in the peak’s adventure activities. Discounts are available for teens, seniors and children. Check the Heavenly website to find out which activities and services are available at the base, midpoint and peak during your visit.