South Lake Tahoe, California — August 18, 2026
A new chapter in South Lake Tahoe mountain biking has arrived.
On August 17, 2026, Heavenly Mountain Resort officially opened its Gondola to mountain bikers and Class 1 e-bikes for the first time, giving riders a fast way to reach the mountain’s upper trail network without having to pedal all the way up the steep slopes. The Gondola opening coincides with the official opening of the new Panorama Trail, creating a completely new mountain-bike experience overlooking Lake Tahoe.
For visitors staying in Heavenly Village, this means you can rent a bike or e-bike, walk it over to the Heavenly Gondola, load it aboard, and begin your ride high above the lake.
Ride the Gondola—Then Ride Panorama
The new bike access begins at the Heavenly Gondola in Heavenly Village. Riders load themselves and their bikes into the Gondola and get off at the Mid-Station, where they connect to the Panorama Trail through the Mid-Station Connector Trail.
The Panorama Trail is approximately 4 miles of new singletrack and was more than a decade in the making. The project was spearheaded by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) in partnership with Heavenly, the U.S. Forest Service and Tahoe Fund. Construction began in 2020, with volunteers playing an important role in completing the trail.
And the views are a major part of the experience.
Riders can expect spectacular views across Lake Tahoe as they travel through Heavenly’s high-country terrain. But Panorama isn’t simply a scenic ride—it is also an important new connection in the South Shore trail system.
Connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail and Van Sickle
One of the most exciting aspects of Panorama is what it connects to.
From the Mid-Station Connector and Panorama Trail network, riders can reach regional routes including the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), Van Sickle Trail system and Edgewood creek Trail. Making the return trip back to the Gondola over 10 miles long.
That means the new Gondola bike access can serve as the starting point for much more than a single downhill ride. Experienced riders can use the new network to create longer mountain-bike adventures through the Heavenly area.
The Panorama project is also part of a larger vision for interconnected trails around Heavenly. TAMBA describes the project as the beginning of a network that will eventually provide even greater singletrack connectivity around the mountain.
Class 1 E-Bikes Are Welcome
For those who prefer an electric assist, there is good news: Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the Gondola and the Panorama Trail. Standard mountain bikes are also permitted.
That makes the new trail access particularly attractive for riders who want to enjoy the high country without spending the first part of the day climbing thousands of vertical feet.
What Does It Cost to Take Your Bike Up?
Heavenly’s new bike-access pricing for 2026 is:
| Bike Access | Price |
|---|---|
| 2026/27 Epic Pass holder | $39/day |
| Walk-up guest | $39/day + Gondola sightseeing ticket |
| Northstar Bike Park pass holder | Free |
| Epic Pass bike season access | $70 |
| Walk-up bike season access | $219 |
The day bike-access ticket includes unlimited Gondola uploads for the day, meaning riders can return to the Gondola and ride back up for another lap rather than paying for every upload.
For a walk-up visitor without an Epic Pass, remember that the $39 bike-access charge is in addition to the Gondola sightseeing ticket.
Start Your Ride Right Next to the Gondola
For visitors who need a bike or e-bike, Gondola Ski & Sports is conveniently located in Heavenly Village, just a short distance from the Heavenly Gondola.
Gondola Ski and Sports
Reserve online at gondolaskitahoe.com
The shop offers both conventional bicycles, hardtails and full suspension and e-bike rentals, making it an easy place to start your Panorama adventure before heading over to the Gondola.
For someone visiting South Lake Tahoe, the experience can be as simple as:
Rent your bike → ride to the Heavenly Gondola → load your bike → exit at Mid-Station → connect to Panorama → explore the Heavenly trail network → return to the Gondola area → upload again for another lap.
How Long Will Bike Access Be Available?
Heavenly says mountain-bike Gondola access will operate daily through August, then transition to weekend operation in September, with the bike operation expected to close in early October as the resort prepares for winter operations.
Because mountain operations can change with weather, wind and other conditions, riders should check Heavenly’s current operating information before heading up.
A Major New Addition to South Lake Tahoe
The opening of Panorama represents more than just another mountain-bike trail.
For years, South Lake Tahoe riders have had an extensive network of trails, but accessing high-elevation terrain often meant earning the climb the hard way. Now, for the first time, Heavenly’s Gondola provides lift access for mountain bikers and Class 1 e-bike riders.
The combination of lift access, Panorama Trail and connections toward the Tahoe Rim Trail and Van Sickle opens up a new way to experience Heavenly in the summer.
And perhaps best of all, you can start the adventure right here in Heavenly Village.
Rent your bike, take the Gondola up, and go see Lake Tahoe from a whole new perspective.